Jordanna Skopp provided administrative and event planning support, and gained experience in social media marketing at a dental office.
How did you get your internship and why did you choose this opportunity?
This summer I was an intern for Gentle Dental Care, which is a clinic specializing in doctors who perform dental as well as cosmetic procedures for all ages. This internship was not something I looked for but rather fell into based on my prior internship. Last summer I was a paid intern for Orveon Global, a large big name cosmetics company based in New York. My boss was head of Human Resources and I was offered a position with them post graduation. At the time I was only entering my junior year. Now, currently in my last summer before my senior year, I was looking for some outside experiences to add to my resume before applying for a job in the city or taking the offer with Orveon Global. Since I had kept in touch with my boss from my previous internship, I shared with her my plan for this summer and she put me in contact with Gentle Dental Care.
Part of the reason I chose my internship with Gentle Dental Care is that I could gain experience and build skills while also taking two other summer classes and working a part time job. This was the perfect internship because it was manageable with my other work loads.
What was the focus of your internship experience?
I worked for Gentle Dental Care as a receptionist, event organizer, and social media/marketing manager. I perfected my time management and networking skills, learned from my advisor, and absorbed everything I could learn like a sponge. Rather than having one big main project during my internship, I had many small assignments that often built on one another.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
I have now stepped my foot into two different industries (corporate and private practice) that are fascinating to me. My mentor at my internship has provided me with so much guidance and knowledge. I am most thankful for the time she spent making sure I met my expectations and getting advice from someone much wiser than me. I am thrilled to embark on my career and keep in connection with the connections I have made.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework give you unique insight for the internship experience?
My coursework in the Applied Humanities major helped tremendously. My background kept my head in the game and my plan of approach clear. In particular, the PAH 493 Internship class helped by providing career readiness articles I could read, and they included great questions to ask your mentor and other employees. I always wrote down several questions from the required readings. Any time I spoke to someone new I was able to refer back to these questions and receive responses beneficial to me.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
I encourage students to see who you know - don’t be afraid of connecting with your friend’s dad and a lady you sit near at a workout class. Everyone knows someone and people love helping others make connections. Take advantage of LinkedIn and follow-up with any information you are given. Never be afraid to ask questions, and don't make assumptions.
I would also suggest not overthinking your options. Finding an internship that fits your career desires perfectly is not always the option that can aid your journey. It is okay to go in blind or pick an industry you might not know a lot about. For example, I knew stuff about dentistry and cosmetics and I thought the industry was an interesting thing but I frankly had little to no knowledge on doctors roles and how clinics ran. Go in with an open mind and take it all in like a sponge. Be humble and willing to take a shot at whatever opportunities arrive and ask educated questions!