Intern seeks quality education through Park Center programs

Park Center’s internship program has been going strong for over 30 years. This year, we’ve accepted over 40 doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students into our growing organization.

Jaida Reece is pursuing her Master of Social Work.

What is it like to be an intern at Park Center? Jaida Reece has spent the past six months as an MSW intern at the Inpatient Unit, a 16-bed facility that provides assistance to seriously mentally ill adults in need of hospitalization. Below, Jaida discusses her experience at Park Center, her journey into social work, and the advice she gives to future interns.

Why did you decide on a Master of Social Work?

I am pursuing an MSW because I know that the work I do will have an impact on people’s lives. I want to work with others who are just as committed to social justice and enhancing the quality of other’s lives as I am. Most importantly, I want to empower others to dig deep and find the gifts and resilience that have always existed within, even if those gifts have been covered up by traumatic events, disadvantage, or marginalization.

Why did you select Park Center as your internship site?

I knew that Park Center was committed to providing quality education and an in-depth training experience. I was certain that interning with the organization would give me experience working with a multidimensional, collaborative team that would enhance my knowledge in the field of social work.

What is the environment at Park Center like?

It’s dynamic and fast-paced! Each week I walk onto the Unit, I am faced with different and unique experiences that challenge me to grow. I love the combination of medical staff and mental health professionals who work together to provide holistic care to our patients. I am thankful to be surrounded by others who love what they do and care about helping those we serve.

What have you enjoyed most about your internship experience so far?

I have enjoyed working alongside the medical staff and deepening my understanding of mental health diagnoses. I have also enjoyed working with the therapists and learning how to plan and facilitate group sessions.

What has stressed you out about the internship experience?

The only challenge I can think of is the dynamic nature of the Inpatient Unit. I am more inclined to build relationships with the people I am helping; however, the Inpatient Unit is designed for quick, short-term rehab. I usually see new patients each week and am not able to fully establish the long-term therapeutic relationships I wish for.

What do you hope to do after your education is completed?

My immediate plan is to obtain my LSW in the state of Indiana. After that, I plan to work under a Licensed Clinical Social Work supervisor until I can obtain my own LCSW. I hope to work in an environment where I can provide therapeutic services to individuals and families.

What was the most important thing you learned during your internship?

No one is going to do my learning for me! Ultimately, I am in charge of what I want to learn and what I walk away with. Being a self-starter has been something I have struggled with in the past; however, through this internship experience I have learned to actively pursue what I want to learn. It has stretched me in ways I didn’t even know were possible!

What advice would you offer to other students during their internship?

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to grow. I think it is so important for interns to place themselves in challenging situations where they are uncomfortable and can be stretched. I would also tell other students that it is normal to be unsure, nervous, and even uncomfortable in the beginning. Nobody expects an intern to be an expert right away!

Visit our website to learn more about Park Center internships. Opportunities are available now!