I have just recently completed a summer internship program at Columbia University that occurred over six weeks from July 8, 2019 to August 15, 2019. This particular internship program was sponsored by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) under the Children’s Arts and Science Workshops (CASW).
My first day of work commenced with a tutorial seminar essentially detailing the regulations and features of the internship program. The seminar covered specific policies and procedures pertaining to the program such as punctuality, employment attire, and behavioral conduct in the work environment. After the tutorial seminar, each intern was randomly assigned a job placement into different departments and faculties located on the campus of the university. I was assigned to the Health Information Management (HIM) Department located at 21 Audubon Avenue. I would then work at this particular department for the next four weeks.
My basic job descriptions and roles at this site were to perform data entry, organize and arrange mailed letters, answer incoming calls for the department, and attend bi-weekly departmental meetings pertaining to certain issues or developments within the department. The rest of the staff members and my administrators were very friendly and comfortable to work with. They always came into work with ambitious attitudes and positive demeanors.
After the first four weeks were completed, I was transferred to a different work site based on a promotional status. The particular site I was transferred to was the Columbia Community Wellness Center located on 610 West 130th Street. This was where I completed the remaining two weeks of my internship program.
It was very unfortunate that I was only able to work at the Wellness Center for just two weeks out of the six week duration. I truly enjoyed my time working at the Columbia Community Wellness Center. Just like the staff members and administrators at 21 Audubon Avenue, the faculty members at this particular site were just as friendly and welcoming.
My administrators gave me a tutorial seminar and a tour guide around the Wellness Center. They also provided me with well-detailed information with regards to the significance of the community center and how it has assisted the neighborhood by providing an abundant amount of health information. The staff members of the Wellness Center take great pride and honor in helping their community by educating them about strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
My job descriptions and responsibilities working at the Wellness Center primarily involved attending multiple team conferences pertaining to certain outreach projects that were being developed by the staff and faculty. I was also invited to attend a few seminars that mainly concentrated on issues and concerns regarding the community. Throughout my time at the Wellness Center, I was able to also exchange contact information with a few physicians, nurses, and other health administrators. Working for HIM and the Wellness Center enabled me to obtain an abundant amount of experience. H.I.M. introduced me to a world of data administration while the Wellness Center introduced me to a world of community health service.
