Majors & Careers

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip

jpow — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:47:35 +0000

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip jpow Sun, 05/25/2025 - 10:47

Nothing is better than falling in love with a country after spending years learning the language. Over spring break, I had the opportunity to attend the France Sites of Memory 2025 study abroad. This experience was life-changing. I was able to connect with my professors, students, and even the locals. Those long hours of translating for French 408 finally paid off. As a student with eight years of experience learning French, here's a day-by-day rundown of how my journey went.

Day One: Bonjour Paris

Our first day in Paris was short but fun. We landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport around seven in the morning. Afterwards, we headed straight for the hotel. Once we arrived, the rooms were not ready yet, so we headed to a nearby café for a coffee and lunch. I ordered a BLT with fries and everything was so fresh and amazing. After our petit lunch, we headed to see an antique chapel that was quite extraordinary and a graveyard where some of the most prominent French writers were buried. To top the night off, we headed to a quaint restaurant that had the best French onion soup I’ve ever tasted in my life. It was warm, rich, and delicious.

Day Two: Bienvenue au palais de Versailles

During our trip to Versailles, we learned a lot about why the palace is built the way it is. Although the palace is 356 years old, it still holds its glory today. With an astonishing 357 mirrors in the hall of mirrors alone, Louis the 14th created a space that resembled the true French identity. For the duration of my visit, each and every corner of the palais left me in awe. From the jardins to the private estates, Versailles won my heart. With the Greek and Roman influences the palace has such a rich historical connection and display. The Sun King (Louis XIV) really demonstrated his power and achievements through the 357 mirrors in the “salle de glace” (hall of mirrors), which reflected the painted walls that displayed his achievements through Greek, Roman, and Christian references. One day was not enough to see everything that Versailles had to offer. To end the day, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant with authentic, fresh Italian pizza.

Day Three: Paris, Je t’aime toujours

Our third day in Paris was magical. We started our morning with the most perfect petit déjeuner (breakfast) that had croissants, fromage (cheese) and assorted fruits. In one word, it was parfait! After breakfast, we headed to the Louvre, which had so much art history about France and other countries. Here, our guided tour provided stories behind these great works of art, one of which was the Mona Lisa. Before leaving the Louvre, we were able to stop at the iconic Laduree Patisserie, which had the best macarons and cutesy gift items a person could imagine. After our trip to Le Louvre, we visited this quaint area in Paris that had small cafes, shopping, and plenty of sightseeing. While in this area, we had a movie-esque outdoor lunch with a view of the quaint streets of Paris. Once we finished our lunch, we headed to the Latin Quarter, better known as le Quartier Latin, where students of Paris have studied for many years. In this part of the voyage, we were able to witness beautiful architecture that was hundreds of years old. Afterwards, we had dinner at the most gorgeous restaurant called “Les Noces de Jeannette” (the weddings of Jeannette). This restaurant has every bit of elegance and composure that one could have imagined. The restaurant, located near the Opera, had timeless decor that brought the scenery to life. Finally, when our night came to an end, we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. The tower is embedded with approximately 20,000 lights that sparkle over Paris. Every student that attended this part of the trip was blown away. We were taken aback by its beauty, by its culture, and by its history. All in all, day three was most definitely my favorite!

Day Four: Les Châteaux

Day four was a sweet memory as well. Monday morning, we woke up early and headed to Tours, France, where we went to tour the castles. Upon arrival, Provost Gabriella Scarlatta gave us the historical background of the castle we visited. After the guided tour, we had lunch right outside the castle on the premises. Then once we were finished, we headed to our second castle, which was, in one word, magnifique! It had the most gorgeous small chapel on its grounds as well as a beautiful view from the top of the castle that overlooked the town and river. For dinner, we went to a fun and elegant restaurant called Bistro Rossini, where I ate a chicken and potatoes dish that went along with a tomato sauce on top. When the day came to an end, we headed to our hotel, aptly named Le Grande Hotel De Tours. A hotel that was, in fact, grand.

Day Five: St Malo

Day five is another one of my favorites. We started the day early and took a walk around the city of Tours, where we saw this ancient building that was still intact. Then, after visiting a few hidden gems, we visited our last Castle, which was one of my favorites. It had a beautiful, serene stream running through it and a gorgeous, petite garden all around. The castle itself was small, but had a demanding presence. After our tour (which had a guided speaker phone), we headed to St. Malo, which is where we saw the sea. This was my first time seeing the sea, and I have to say it was magnificent. As the day was winding to a close and the sun was setting on the horizon, it was a moment I will never forget.

Day Six: Mont Saint-Michel

Day Six was probably one of our busiest days. We headed to the tidal island of Mont St. Michel, located off the coast of Normandy, to visit the monastery, which is hundreds of years old. The monastery was massive and currently houses ten monks and ten nuns. The building has had many uses since it was first built, including its original purpose as a monastery and as a prison cell in the 17th century. This gothic site of memory left many students astonished. Also, in order to visit the monastery, you must walk up the steps to the top, and once you leave, you have to pay to return. Although this site involved a lot of cardio, it was still a cool experience. To end the evening, we had dinner in an old farmhouse and finished off our feast with a game of Uno.

Day Seven: Bayeux

For day seven, we made our way to the Utah Beaches located in Normandy, where WWII took place. Here we had a tour guide who took us through this historic building and gave us a historic lesson on what happened during WWII, and the Utah Beaches, specifically. Our tour guide even gave us time to look inside the building, which had various WWII machinery and artifacts. We also had a chance to actually visit the Beaches themselves, which were gorgeous. After our trip there, we took our bus to Bayeux. Since we only had the chance to spend half a day and the night in Bayeux, we stayed in this beautiful hotel called Lion d’Or (which several celebrities stayed at). After we received our rooms, we headed out for lunch and went to visit this very ancient cathedral (during lent). The cathedral there was one of my favorites because it was so dark and medieval, yet it still had so much history behind it. To end the night, we separated into three main groups. Those who were tired could rest at the hotel, those who wanted to visit more historical sites, and those who wanted to go shopping. I was in the shopping group.

Day Eight: Au revoir à France

Our final day in Paris was divided up between travel and exploring. We took a bus from Normandy, France, down to Paris. We arrived around noon, and strolled the streets of Paris and ate lunch near the Eiffel Tower. After our lunch, we headed to the catacombs, which is its namesake. Although the experience as a whole was quite intriguing, it was probably my least favorite. We walked 100 steps underground to reach the catacombs. It's so far down that it is underneath the metro. You also can't return the way you came in, you must continue straight out of the underground. Since the last day was unlike the rest, we did have more time to go shopping in Paris, where we went to the Opera shopping district, which was exhilarating. Finally, to end the night, we had an “Au revoir” dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant, and we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle one last time.

Majors & Careers

UM-Dearborn Experience

Sun, 05/25/2025 - 14:47

After an eventful trip to Europe, Bryanna, a French studies minor, chronicled the eight days she spent in France. From the historic monuments to the delicious food, she provides an in-depth rundown for anyone who loves traveling or is considering a trip of their own.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student

jpow — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:36:23 +0000

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student jpow Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:36

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

That day was strange. No one came to school except me and a few close friends. The image of running through the empty halls is clear in my mind. We were all clueless and had no idea what was happening. The government had announced that we were going into a pandemic and that, for a short period of time, the schools would be closed. At first, I was optimistic about having some time away from classes, but I was entirely wrong. After that day in March, running through the halls of a seemingly abandoned school, I didn’t realize it would be my last time there.

The first year of the pandemic was difficult. In addition to a general uncertainty about what would happen, my grades took a massive hit. I had begun my freshman year of college, and by the end of my first semester, my overall GPA was low. I mean really low. My motivation was gone.

When I began my sophomore year it was quite the journey. The lockdown had been lifted and I was back in a physical classroom after almost two years at home. While I was excited to have in-person classes again, it didn’t feel like a real experience. People were spaced out and wearing masks, and the lack of human connection made me feel distant.

However, it was during my junior year that everything changed. It was a few months after my mom had a heart attack and a year after going back to in-person classes. My mom’s health scare was an event that shook me and put a lot into perspective. No longer would I sit in the passenger seat. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I transferred from my local community college to the ÿ�մ��. As I entered the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters auditorium, I was amazed at the very thought of me making it here. As the weeks flew by, I met so many amazing people who would change my life forever. I met Teaching Professor Jerilyn Mannion who encouraged me to get involved in the French department. I also met Associate Professor Margaret Murray who helped me transition into becoming a public relations student and later find employment as a Language, Culture, and the Arts Student Ambassador.

I remember the first time I visited the French Club. The experience I had was amazing and enlightening. I was so fortunate to have met Professor Mannion, who helped me realize that I still had a passion for the language. She also helped me receive a minor in French studies. Never would I have imagined that after a few months working alongside Professor Mannion — and previous French Club President Jay Cormier — it would lead me to the position I’m in now.

Later that year, I won multiple awards. My grade point average improved — a lot. I made it onto the French Honors Convocation list and the Dean's List, and it's all because of the chance I took here at the ÿ�մ�� (with the encouragement of my family). I elevated myself by going after my dreams, and the vast resources available here at the university helped me do so.

Even though I started as a not-so-motivated college student in the middle of a pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have such a great supportive system that led me to where I am today. I’ve found that, in the face of adversity, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just waiting for you to make that first step.

Majors & Careers

Student Stories

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:36

CASL transfer student Bryanna Worthy documents her journey from an unmotivated first-year student in the midst of a pandemic to a thriving senior who has made her way on the Dean's list and is leading multiple organizations on campus.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Changing majors: detrimental or beneficial?

jpow — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:16:59 +0000

Changing majors: detrimental or beneficial? jpow Tue, 01/03/2023 - 10:16

Blog written by April Marvin

I feel like an expert at changing my mind because I have done it about three million times over the course of my life. And if you think about it, that’s a LOT in a small amount of time. When it comes to decisions, I haven’t always been the best. But when I started out my college journey, I knew (in my heart, mind, and to the core of my soul) that I wanted to be a lawyer. I could speak well, write, had a memory like a steel trap, enjoyed researching, loved most aspects of the law, and could argue with anyone and everyone. (I had a lot of practice in that particular field.)

That changed after one semester at UM-Dearborn — and quickly. In my first year of undergrad, I felt like my brain was a revolving door, continuously spinning and throwing things out while pulling other random stuff in. I get dizzy just thinking about how often and quickly I changed my mind.

It was frustrating to me because I had been so passionate about being a lawyer and going to law school that I had taken LSAT prep tests and planned on going to NYU for law school (“what, like it’s hard?!”). I didn’t picture myself like Elle Woods all bend-and-snap-like, but I did see myself as a professional lawyer. How could years of what I always knew I wanted, be so quickly thrown away?

The answer is life. And experience. It’s insanely hard at such a young age to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life, what makes you happy, let alone choosing between Chipotle and Taco Bell. What changed things for me was experiencing college life, taking different classes, and spending time thinking about not just passing classes, but what I enjoyed about them and the content. Being able to look at the course catalog and read over different classes and what they were about and asking myself if I would gain something personally and academically from them. It’s all trial and error.

I changed my mind about my major three times. It might not seem like a lot, but when you think about prerequisites for each major, the track of classes you have to follow, and ensuring you have all the proper attributes for that major, it can quickly turn into a long journey. Longer than you expected and longer than you have time or money for. There’s a big BUT coming…

It's okay.

Really.

You are allowed to change your mind about anything and everything.

Especially when it involves your life, your future, and your happiness.

We get so caught up in thinking about our future that we draw in a lot of stress about it instead of enjoying what we have right in front of us. We also may hold on to things that our families expect of us, or others want for/from us. Even with our own perfectly planned out futures, we try to work through something we just don’t enjoy or stay in a major that may not be right for us. And I am here to tell you that working in a career that you don’t like is a ticket to a ride you don’t want to be on. I’m talking about getting stuck on the zipper ride at the fair, spinning over and over in a cage.

So, back to my dreams of yelling “I object!” in the courtroom. I found, through several classes, that I just didn’t love the law. Gasp. I know. I know the exact moment it happened, I was studying Supreme Court cases and I had rubbed my eyes too long over the hundreds of pages that I literally asked myself, out loud, “Are you ever going to be able to remember ALL of these?!” I had a full out conversation with myself where I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want to do this anymore. So, I changed course. I also found that my passion had changed as I took different classes. I felt like I could reach people and make an impact in another way.

I went from political science to journalism, to undecided, to communications.

I tried classes, looked at potential careers, looked into the field and internships, and landed on communications. For me, this major took the best of everything I always wanted to do (from a young age being an actress or the president, and now concentrating on public relations as a press secretary, working in the government, or as a speechwriter) and melded them together for me. After all, communication is a skill you need in every field. That’s what worked for me. You know what will work for you. The reality is, only you can decide that. And what a powerful thing you have in that.

So, take your time, and don’t be afraid to change it up if you see yourself headed down a path you don’t love. This is your life, your time, and your future — make it work for you. Let your brain be that revolving door now while you have the time and don’t stress out if you need to switch it up. If you take the time to find your true passion and what makes you happy, your future will be smooth sailing (minus the zipper ride at the fair).

Majors & Careers

Student Stories

Tue, 01/03/2023 - 15:16

Changing your major can come with a wave of different emotions. Excitement at the prospect of entering a new path, or anxiety at the thought of changing your mind. In this post, blogger April talks about her experience making multiple major switches and how it may not be as daunting as you think.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

11th Grade Checklist

jpow — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:56:56 +0000

11th Grade Checklist jpow Thu, 10/20/2022 - 09:56

Junior year: It’s probably the most vital year of your high school career. From narrowing down your top schools of choice, to college visits and standardized testing, there’s a lot to get done on your college prep journey. We’ve organized your responsibilities into manageable steps. All you’ll need to do is follow these guidelines and enjoy the satisfaction of crossing items off of this list as you accomplish each task throughout the year.

⬜ Consider your passions. Make a list of what you’re interested in studying and explore college program pages and different career ideas.

⬜ Talk to your guidance counselor. High school counselors are a wealth of information when it comes to college admissions. They can help advise you on what courses to take, provide information about scholarships you may be eligible for and can help broaden your college search.

⬜ Make a college list. Do some online research, and make a list of colleges you are interested in applying to with a few reasons why (specific program, cost of attendance, location, etc.)

⬜ Take the SAT. The score you receive on the SAT can determine the options you have come senior year. It’s important to note that not all colleges require an SAT score for admission (including UM-Dearborn).

⬜ Visit college campuses. Campus tours play a significant role in the decision-making process by helping you understand what you look for in a college. And don’t forget to talk to current students or professors while you’re there!

⬜ Dual Enrollment. Consider taking a college course through dual enrollment to get a head start on your collegiate journey. UM-Dearborn offers students the opportunity to enroll in college courses while still in high school through our Dual Enrollment Program.

⬜ Think financially. Take a look at the cost of attendance for each college (which can be found on the university website), and start looking into financial aid options that can help offset your college costs.

⬜ Create a résumé. Colleges want to see all the amazing work you’ve done throughout high school, so make a record of all your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, athletic achievements, and student organization involvement to include in your applications.

⬜ Have fun! Exploring different colleges and discovering your passions and career goals is just the beginning of the wonderful journey you are about to embark on, so don’t forget to enjoy the process.

Majors & Careers

Thu, 10/20/2022 - 13:56

Everything you need to prep for college your junior year of high school

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

10th Grade Checklist

jpow — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:54:30 +0000

10th Grade Checklist jpow Thu, 10/20/2022 - 09:54

Figuring out how to jumpstart your college search doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here, we simplify the process, offering six tips to help guide you through the most pressing tasks ahead. Keep this checklist handy and cross things off as you go!

⬜ Consider your passions. Make a list of what you’re interested in studying and explore college program pages and career ideas.

⬜ Talk to your guidance counselor. High school counselors are a wealth of information when it comes to college admissions. They can help advise you on what AP courses you may be eligible for, what steps you can take to make yourself more marketable to admissions officers, and make sure you are on track to meet your academic requirements.

⬜ Take the PSAT. The score you receive on the SAT can determine the options you have come senior year. Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to study and prepare for the SAT to achieve a higher score.

⬜ Think financially. Take some time with your family to begin educating yourself about college costs and financial aid. Do some research on financial aid (FAFSA), where it comes from, and how you can apply for it.

⬜ Get Involved. Admissions officers want to see that you’re an active member of your community and thrive at juggling responsibilities. Join a club, organization, or team that highlights your talents and strives for leadership positions. You should also participate in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialties such as music, arts, and science.

⬜ Stay organized. Things can get hectic between balancing school work and student life throughout your high school career. Keep a file of important documents and notes, including copies of report cards, lists of honors and awards you’ve earned, and activities you’re involved in. You never know what’ll come in handy when meeting with admissions officers down the line.

Majors & Careers

Thu, 10/20/2022 - 13:54

Everything you need to prep for college your sophomore year of high school

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

How to Pick Your Major

jpow — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:00:34 +0000

How to Pick Your Major jpow Thu, 09/01/2022 - 10:00

One of the first steps in cultivating a list of prospective colleges and universities is to identify the institutions that offer the areas of study you’re most interested in. Whether you’ve had lifelong career goals or you’re still on a path of discovery, follow these steps to help find the majors and minors that best support your interests.

Identify your passions. Has anyone told you, you’d make a great teacher? Or, perhaps you’ve always had an interest in environmental studies. Take some time to reflect on the subjects you love most. You can draw inspiration from your classroom studies or extracurricular activities that bring you joy. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to narrow your interests down to one subject—once you begin exploring various fields, you’ll be surprised to learn that the right major and minor can satisfy more than one of your passions.
Consult your guidance counselor. Once you’ve outlined your passions, do some research of your own to find majors and minors that complement your interests. Then, enlist your guidance counselor to share insight on any areas of study you may have overlooked in your initial search. A teacher, parent, or mentor you trust can also help offer advice. It doesn’t hurt to gather a wealth of information on subjects that align with your interests in these early stages of planning!
Research schools that offer majors that match your passions. As you subscribe to college newsletters, you’ll notice that most universities ask you to share your major in their sign-up forms. This helps tailor the information you receive to your specific studies of interest. Visit college websites to browse through their major offerings and read up on their descriptions to ensure that you’re selecting the best fit for you. At UM-Dearborn, you can peruse more than 100 majors and minors offered at UM-Dearborn.
Schedule appointments with admissions counselors. Once you’ve started compiling your list of prospective colleges and universities, consider reaching out to their admissions officers who can help advise on the majors and minors that would best fit your interests and career goals. To learn more specifics about the majors that interest you, some academic college advisors may even be willing to answer any questions you might have. An administrative assistant within each respective college may be able to connect you with the appropriate staff or faculty member if applicable.
Explore your options. Still undecided? No worries! Most students won’t need to officially declare a major until their junior year to fulfill most major requirements for a four-year degree. It is encouraged to use your first two years to discover the subjects that pique your interest. Actively participate in student-run organizations, join a competitive team, take on an internship, research opportunity, or volunteer project; and keep an eye on the Dearborn Discovery Core courses that you find most interesting.

Majors & Careers

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 14:00

Exploring UM-Dearborn’s four colleges and areas of study

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

12th Grade Checklist

jpow — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:58:50 +0000

12th Grade Checklist jpow Thu, 09/01/2022 - 09:58

You’re almost a graduate! But before that senioritis sets in, remember that the decisions you make this year can still impact your college admissions process. University admissions officers will continue to monitor performance during your senior year to ensure that admitted students are committed to their academics leading up to graduation and beyond. Here are a few key guidelines to follow.

⬜ Complete your college entrance exams. There’s still time to take or retake the SAT and ACT. Just be sure the test scores can be sent to your chosen schools before the application deadline. Visit your high school counselor for test dates and application deadlines. Students who have opted to forgo college entrance exams, may be considered for admission through UM-Dearborn’s test-optional policy.

⬜ Submit your applications. Now is the time to apply to your colleges and universities of choice. Apply to several schools, including "dream" schools and "safety" schools — competition for college admission varies every year. If you’re considering UM-Dearborn, our application is free and easy to complete. Though our admissions team encourages early applications, see our Admissions site for deadlines for each term.

⬜ Apply for financial aid. To help you pay for college, you may qualify for loans, grants and work study offered under the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid. In order to be considered, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you should be able to get from your school’s guidance office. You can complete the FAFSA beginning in October.

⬜ Keep up the good work. So, you’ve been accepted to your school of choice — congratulations! Once you’ve committed to a college or university, keep those grades up. Most universities require students to maintain a particular GPA as a condition of acceptance. Consult with your high school guidance counselor to learn more about your school’s requirements.

⬜ Follow proper etiquette. Now that you’ve committed to your school of choice, be sure to show some appreciation to those who helped you along the way. Send thank you notes to individuals who wrote recommendation letters, proofread your application essays and personal statements, and supported you throughout your journey. Another common courtesy: After you've decided on the college you plan to attend, you should notify all other colleges of your decision.

⬜ Get ready for your first year! You’re well on your way! Now, just be sure to enroll in orientation and any activities your college or university requires as you head into your first year of higher ed.

Majors & Careers

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 13:58

Everything you need to prep for college your senior year of high school

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Life inside an internship

jpow — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:23:35 +0000

Life inside an internship jpow Thu, 06/23/2022 - 10:23

Blog written by April Marvin

I can’t lie, I’ve been intimidated by the idea of getting an internship. I don’t consider myself timid or shy, and I have always been labeled an outspoken go-getter. But the thought of finding, interviewing, and being successful in an internship scared me for a long time. I think it was the fear of the unknown and maybe a bit more of the doubt in myself and my abilities (something I have been doing since I was little; hello imposter syndrome, I see you).

It wasn’t easy to secure the “perfect” internship. I think that’s a huge misconception. We think we will score an amazing internship in our field, and it will be everything we dreamed of, leading us right to our future (silver platter-like). I had to put in hard work. I think that’s why it’s crucial to have an internship because it takes you through all the steps of “real-world” experience while teaching you so much more about yourself and your future.

When I finally decided to dip my toes in the application pool, I made sure to interview with multiple places that fit my interests (and not put all my eggs in one shiny and cool basket). The first interview is the toughest because you don’t know what they are expecting, what they will ask, and how you will come across. Here is my best advice for any interview, but especially for internships:

Research the company. Know their mission, values, and why you fit in with them — and be able to articulate that.
Ask questions! The biggest thing that interviewers stress is the importance of asking questions to show your engagement and convey interest.
Communication is key. Think about your tone and how you’re coming across (preferably positive and enthusiastic). Keep it genuine and don’t forget about non-verbal cues!
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

So, what’s the experience like?

Well, to be honest, it all comes down to what you make of it. I know, I know, I sound like my parents here (yikes), but you get out what you put in. When we think about a typical internship, we tend to picture ourselves as “paper pushers” or “errand runners.” And as much as I don’t mind making the daily Starbucks run, I am here to tell you that could have easily been my experience but it wasn’t. I recognized my lack of knowledge and experience in the field, but I soaked up everything I heard. I decided to speak up. This is the greatest thing I could tell someone who is contemplating the impact of an internship. Use your voice, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, and ask questions. Our generation has some great ideas, and even if your voice is a little shaky, sharing those ideas are so important to our future and to yours. (Trust me, the first time I spoke in front of the Board at the Mental Health Association, not only did my adjustable desk fall completely to the ground, but I also told them I was thinking of going for the NBA, not to be confused with MBA, which is what I meant! She shoots, but she doesn’t score…)

April traveling to distribute integrated health care surveys to law enforcement and incarcerated individuals to gain info from different demographics on mental health issues.

My internship was unique. I was working as a Policy and Law intern directly below the CEO and President of the Mental Health Association in Michigan. Initially, I was focusing on the policy portion, working with white page documents that impact mental health care in Michigan. I attended every meeting I could, from board meetings to webinars with legislators. I registered for events with the organization, like a mental health improv course and even pharmaceutical presentations on medications. I put myself inside of everything I could. Because of this, not only was I included in many important conversations, but I was given a lot of freedom to work on projects and pitch my own ideas.

Effort, passion, and determination sometimes outweigh experience. I am living proof. It allowed me to run my own webinars about Veterans and mental health; draft and distribute a state-wide integrated health care survey; and present those results to board members, legislators, and the mental health community. Forget the Starbucks run, I got to run around the state and make a name for myself through my internship all because I worked hard and continued to speak up.

The ending of my internship was more of a transition. As I was wrapping things up, my supervisor talked to me about being a contracted employee to continue my work and research. In three short months, I was able to learn about the field, make connections, have my work be impactful, and mostly, I found self-validation in my work and my abilities. It was a bigger lesson than I ever expected, but one that has guided me toward my future and helped me develop an even stronger voice.

I wish I had a magical answer that could perfectly encompass what it’s really like inside an internship for you. The truth is, the experience doesn’t fit inside of a mold, just like most of us don’t. It largely depends on you and how you approach it. If you shy away and do only the minimum, then your internship will just be filler on your resumé. But, if you use your voice, speak up, fight the fear inside you, and squeeze every ounce of knowledge and experience you can out of your internship, well, it can be life-changing.

Bonus Internship Tips

Close up any loose ends with projects and items you have been working on. It is important that you communicate anything that has not been completed and even provide the next person who will be taking over with an outline of the next steps.
Don’t forget to ask for letters of recommendation from your supervisor and/or anyone whom you worked for. If you worked hard and gave your all, those letters can be very impactful to your future.
Write personalized thank you letters to everyone you worked with. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way, to every person you encountered on your internship journey.
Express how you’d like to keep in contact with the organization, showing that your interest in their mission goes beyond your internship means they know you are open to a future with them.
Breathe, smile, and pat yourself on the back! An internship is a big deal, and your hard work is something to be proud of.

Majors & Careers

Student Stories

UM-Dearborn Experience

Thu, 06/23/2022 - 14:23

In a world where everyone seems to be talking about how important internships are, blogger April gives an insight into her summer internship with the Mental Health Association + some interview tips.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog