1. For me the internship was a wonderful opportunity for a number of reasons. I learned that
a job unlike school had real consequences. I couldn’t ask for an extension because I was sick or
something came up, being on time is so crucial not just for myself but for everyone I worked
with. So I strived to keep a perfect attendance record. Cynthia Peters IT&S Director at HCA -
Oak Hill Hospital stressed to me the importance of arriving on time diligently, taking the time to
sit with me in her office and just having conversations on what I could improve on periodically.
She also taught me that responsibility is shifted from the teacher to myself, it was not my bosses
job to reach out, It was mine to make sure I inform them of any issues so we can work on them
together. This made for a world of difference from completing papers for classes in school
because in school we get a syllabus, your professor and friends will remind you of when you
have assignments due. We are generally given extra time if something comes up. In the HCA

2. internship, I received some bitter medicine showing me exactly what it’s like when you get a real
job; it is expected for you to be delegating your time properly because you are an adult. Time
management was a necessary skill that you have no choice but to master for real jobs, and
internships were really a crux for me in understanding that.
A great thing I learned was to be careful about which opportunities I pursue, there is
always more than one choice and at first I would jump on any assignment offered. The internship
at HCA was very diverse in the projects/tasks that I could take part in. I was given the

3. opportunity to make a decision on what to choose and even allowed to put forth suggestions of
my own on projects I could work on to benefit the organization. My seniors on staff were all so
supportive and willing to help out, they were actually excited to have someone as support. It was
important for me to note that they are not paid to teach, this is their life their work, I am their
guest in their area so I must respect them taking their time with me.
As is evident from my experiences at internships they teach you so much. So that by the
time your finished you take a look back, and the journey will have astounded you. This journey
will make it clear to you that you are suitable or are not suitable for this type of position. I faced
so many challenges during my time as HCA IT&S intern. I know I have the dedication, grit, and
drive that I have now through the exposure gained during this time, exposure which cannot be
learned in a classroom.
Kenneth Rauld, our Senior Technical Analyst said I was “their favorite intern to date’. I
know it wasn’t because I was smarter or had more experience, but because they could leave me
alone and I would find something beneficial to do. Very quickly I realized at the position that
just like in life those who wait will get things handed to them, problem is you don’t get to
influence that. If, however you pursue the things you desire, you get to influence your options
and also gain recognition for being assertive and a “go-getter”. I considered this a valuable life
lesson: In life you can sit back and wait for what comes your way, or you can launch forward and
go after what you want.
An internship was a great way to pick up a few life lessons, even excluding the
work/career lessons that came with them. I have had other jobs, however none were in the lines
of what I wanted to do. With this internship I learned a new appreciation for self-discipline as the

4. safety net of the university fell away and the unexpected surprises of the real world started
popping up.
More than anything I appreciated the networking opportunities that I was have developed
into strong relationships. In fact, to this day I still enjoy conversations with them and even visit
to see how things are going, when positions are open they will send the listings or links my way.
More than that however is the support they show me in other ways.
Their constant encouragement and advice has really impressed upon me the concept of
paying it forward, they are willing to give me advice and support even outside of the internship
experience. This speaks very highly to the structure of the program they run and I hope to carry
that mentality forward. Whenever possible I try to help others even if and sometimes especially
if they are not able to help me back personally.
This internship gave students the opportunity to mess up many times and to figure out
how I messed up, what I could do about it, and even when it was time to throw in the towel.
Undoubtedly intimidating, but from a student’s perspective the growth I underwent as an
individual was priceless. I truly believe that internships help build professional bonds, bridges to
future jobs, and give you career goals that you previously have not thought of. The goal of this
internship was to promote growth in line with professional employment in any service related
technology field. Personally and professionally internships give you a push ahead of other
students who do not have this experience. Not due to the fact you have an internship on your
resume, but due to the personal growth and development that came with it. Even if you cannot
find an internship in the US, spend your summer vacation in a foreign country completing an

5. internship you will never regret it. I have already completed three internships while working
towards my bachelors and each has had its own mind expanding effects on me.