During my two month internship experience this summer, I have gained numerous professional experiences. I am very grateful to have been able to work at the European Institute of Women’s Health, a nonprofit organization focusing on improving international policy surrounding women’s health. Though this is not a career path I plan to pursue, it runs parallel to my goals of doing clinical psychology work focusing on women and queer experiences. One project I was lucky to work on was creating a policy report on Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. I also helped on their maternal health project, focusing on developing interviews with stakeholder organizations. Throughout this experience, I learned that I professionally desire the ability to help individuals who need it. The projects done at European Institute of Women’s health are driven by a desire to create positive change. Though I do not personally wish to continue working in policy advocacy directly, I have learned that working in clinical settings would make me the most fulfilled. I never would have been able to come to this conclusion without my internship.
By being abroad, I also gained lots of memories that I never would have made if I had stayed in the U.S. for a summer internship. In Dublin, I was able to explore a new city and culture, enveloping myself into the art and history I have always been enthralled by. My favorite aspect was all the exploring I was able to do in my too short of a stay- from Dublin to the countryside to other cities in Ireland to other countries, I was able to see as much as I could. Some of my favorite moments from this trip were being able to hold lambs, seeing the city of Cork, and taking memorable hikes in different scenic spots. I also loved exploring the city by checking out different small bookstores, coffee shops, museums, and pubs. Dublin ended up being a city that sits close to my heart with so much to give to me. I also changed a lot during my time in Dublin for the better. This program and abroad experience has given me more confidence in myself both professionally and personally. Studying abroad is an experience that inevitably pushes you out of your comfort zone. You must endure change and seek out the experiences you want to have rather than letting them come to you. I learned quickly to come out of my shell and say yes to everything I could while learning to explore on my own. Professionally, I was able to learn more of what it is like to work in a professional setting, fitting myself into my role and making sure I can make an impact during my time there. I also came out of this experience with a lot more self discipline while working independently and an understanding of how I can get my best work done. I made myself my own routine when working from home, often choosing to work from my apartment for half the day then go out to a library or coffee shop for the rest of the day. I also became better at managing my tasks and completing them in an organized way. These little things I learned about myself helped me to remain on task and produce the best work I could for my internship, living up to the high standards I always set for myself. Even though a lot of work for my classes is done on my own, I learned it is a whole other ball game from a remote job. There is more trust in your ability to work on your own and less opportunity for check-ins than I have typically had. Though I do not seeing myself wanting to work a remote position in the future since I enjoy interacting with people in person and the accountability of working in person, this was a great experience to have and taught me so much about how I work. The skills I have learned go beyond a professional development, slipping into the rest of my life and making me a more well-rounded person in general. Without having this experience, I wouldn’t be the same person who is writing this final blog post. My memories and experiences while in Dublin have helped shape me into a better person.
