Part One: Student Interns Offer Career Advice

In a world with many pathways to success, being a college student seems to be one of the most challenging ways to success.  

With graduation season approaching, The Clarion reached out to students of Sinclair Community College who are interning to learn about their experiences, challenges, and growth since where rewards are found, challenges are also present.

Alese Tyler, Radiologic Technology Major. Picture by Ayi Jean-David Jun Atayi

Meet Alese Tyler. As she who majors in Radiologic technology, Tyler is doing clinical work at Miami Valley Hospital near Sinclair. 

“The most surprising aspect of my clinical experience is how you get thrown right in. There is no introduction; colleagues might give you a little tour of the hospital; after that, it’s up to you. You are essentially working. They monitor you while you are there, but it is mostly independent, which can be quite daunting initially. From day one, they expect you to know already and be ready to apply what you learn in class, which adds to the intensity of the experience,” said Tyler.

Clinical work has deepened Tyler’s understanding of what she has studied in class. To her, the clinical experience “deconstructed.” What she learned in class, has revealed a harsh contrast between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. 

According to Tyler, in school, students are often taught in ideal scenarios where the patients are consistently cooperative and in stable conditions. However, in practice, they encounter patients who may be unresponsive, hooked up to life support, or in critical situations which challenges the application of learned theories. 

She emphasized that clinical work often requires flexibility and adaptation, as the situations encountered are rarely taught in school. Tyler believes students should focus more on adaptability than rigidly adhering to textbook scenarios.  Her advice for those starting their clinical work is to not think about most of the things learned in school. 

“One thing I wish I had known before starting my clinical is that they were more honest about how much work it is. Clinical practice is probably some of the hardest work I have ever had to do. Class alone is hard, and the professor grades harshly, since anything below 75 is an automatic failure. And if you fail one class, you must start from the beginning, like two years ago,” said Tyler.

She also advises those who are thinking of majoring in Radiologic Technology that they must want it and have passion for this major. This is because for her, it is time-consuming. They must be willing to sacrifice their next couple of years for this. 

Rochelle Woodson, Social Work Major. Picture by Ayi Jean-David Jun Atayi

“The most rewarding part of my practicum is being there while the change is happening because my practicum lets me follow up with clients, providing resources that help them maintain their progress. I see clients both at their lowest point and as they begin to rebuild.”” said Rochelle Woodson in an interview.

To Woodson, her biggest challenge is following strict guidelines, especially when services are only available on certain days. In this, she cannot help those who come in for a different service than the one available that day. This has been heartbreaking to her.

Woodson believes open-mindedness is her most valuable skill in her practicum, given the uncertainty of the situations faced by those seeking help. “In social work, you quickly realize how much it influences everything. In my policy class, I’ve learned that we wouldn’t have access to many of our rights, like education, without social work’s impact on policy and legislation,” said Woodson. 

To handle these emotional challenges, Woodson relies on personal routines to stay balanced. She schedules specific days for activities she enjoys. She takes her dog for walks, learns new dances, makes time for music, and focuses on staying positive. Staying connected with her community has also been very helpful to Rochelle

Reflecting on her own journey, Woodson has valuable advice for others entering the field.

“My advice to another social work student about to begin their practicum is to believe in yourself. It’s tricky and stressful, but it is just part of the process; everybody has to start somewhere. I would also say to care for yourself because you can’t truly help people fully if you do not care for yourself,” said Woodson. 

Regardless of the challenges, Woodson is motivated by the impact she can make and looks forward to continuing her work in social services.

Woodson and Tyler counsel others who want to follow in their footsteps. Tyler recommends students make sure their passion aligns with their profession and they are ready for the demands of a clinical job. To effectively deal with the difficulties of a practicum, Woodson urges self-belief, determination, and self-care.

Being ready for whatever life (or school) may throw at you matters. Woodson and Tyler have been able to experience what their lives would be like after they leave Sinclair, and their stories represent their dedication to their field.

We’ll have more interviews available to read next week.

Esperance Amuri, Staff Writer.