A Passion for Psychology
Kara Schwartz ’19, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Major:
Undeclared.
Internship title:
Research intern for the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Science.
How I got this internship:
When I was a senior in high school, I had the awesome opportunity to shadow CHAMP (Child and Adolescent Mood Program) psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as the program’s coordinator and research assistant. I learned so much during that month at CHOP that during my first semester at Dickinson, I reached out to my mentors at CHOP and asked if I could return this summer to assist with research. I was so excited to come back, this time for a full summer.
What I do, day to day:
Every day presents something a little different. I do data entry for research projects and conduct follow-ups with CHAMP patients. My favorite part of the day is when we discuss cases. CHAMP sees a variety of mood disorders. These include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and other co-occurring conditions. Each patient presents a new or different challenge.
Previous internships:
Both of my internships have been with CHOP. I hope to continue interning throughout my summers as an undergrad.
Most valuable part of this experience:
Having the opportunity to intern at CHOP has allowed me to experience firsthand what it's like to work in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. I have always been interested in and passionate about this area of study, and this opportunity confirmed my aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology. My supervisors were supportive and helpful, both in terms of career advice and in terms of helping me learn though hands-on experience. I also gained knowledge of topics that I wasn’t even aware of before, such as how difficult it is for many people to find mental health care in a timely and affordable fashion.
Advice for students considering internships:
Do it! Internships are a great way to challenge or confirm your interest in a field. Even if you don’t end up loving exactly what you do as an intern, you may find something through the experience that interests you even more. You also build connections with a lot of people who can give you very good advice.
How this internship has helped me:
I knew I had a passion for psychology. Now, I feel like I know the steps I need to take to be successful in this field. I also feel much more determined and goal-oriented. This internship has taught me a lot of organizational skills, as well.
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Published August 9, 2016