First-Year Internship Q&A with Field Hockey Student-Athlete Zoe Clarkin

BEVERLY, Mass. – At Endicott College, a student's first-year internship lays the foundation for future success. It either reinforces early career decisions or creates a new path of thinking about life after graduation. In essence, it gets undergraduate students thinking about their future right from the start, putting them a step ahead of their competition. 

Zoe Clarkin poses with her teammates for a photo with her arms crossed.
February 12, 2018

BEVERLY, Mass. – At Endicott College, a student's first-year internship lays the foundation for future success. It either reinforces early career decisions or creates a new path of thinking about life after graduation. In essence, it gets undergraduate students thinking about their future right from the start, putting them a step ahead of their competition. 

During the winter season, Endicott field hockey freshman student-athlete Zoe Clarkin (East Sandwich, Mass.) completed her first-year internship. Clarkin gained valuable experiences through her first-year internship and offered up her perspectives to ECGulls.com.

Zoe Clarkin
Exercise Science

First-year Internship: Cape Cod Ambulatory Laser and Surgery Center

Describe your overall experience at your internship.

My internship experience overall was very rewarding and exciting. At the Cape Cod Ambulatory and Laser Surgery Center, I interned as a nurse/physician assistant. I observed surgeries, such as MCL repairs, rotator cuff repairs, and Carpal Tunnel releases. I was very interested in observing these surgeries and the intense/busy feel of working in a fast-paced setting, such as the operating room. I also observed and assisted in treating the patients' post-operation, which was very rewarding. When the patients would wake up from surgery, I would talk to them and get them anything they need, typically snacks, warm blankets, or any family/friend who was in the waiting room for them. This assistance was rewarding because it allowed me opportunities to interact with patients and provide them with support post operation. On a particularly busy day, one of the patients said to me, "the world needs caring, good nurses, and I know you are going to do just that in your future." Although a small act of kindness this was very important to me as it made me feel as though I was making an impact on someone else, and that is one of the most important things to me. 

Did your perspective on your chosen career path / major change? Do you want to further pursue this career path / major or do you think you might want to try a different area of your major or switch all together?

My internship only provided me with the reassurance that I chose the correct career path. Through interacting with the patients I realized that the medical field was definitely where I wanted to continue my future. I would consider transferring into the nursing program (since I am currently an Exercise Science major), however, I would also enjoy being a Physician Assistant. 

What was the biggest lesson you learned from your first internship?

The biggest lesson I learned from my first internship was confidence. I tend to lack confidence and second guess myself, however, this internship helped me build up my confidence. I learned a lot through helping people and assisting the nurses and I felt confident in what I was doing to assist them. I also feel confident that I am on the right career path for me.

What advice would you give to future students on picking their first internship?

I would give future students, (especially those who want to go into the medical field), the advice to send everything in early. I learned this the hard way, as I wanted to complete my internship in a hospital setting, however, I was unable to due to the time crunch. I would also tell students not to feel as though you are annoying by reaching out if you do not hear back from the site- the could have simply not seen it!
 

Was your internship what you expected? If it was or wasn't how so?

My internship was more than I expected!! I was somewhat nervous if this experience was going to cause me to want to change my career path, however, it ended up doing the opposite! I enjoyed my internship a lot and am very thankful I got this experience.

The Endicott Experience feature aims to highlight the entirety of the student-athletes' experiential learning journey throughout their academic careers. The student-athlete at Endicott is afforded the same opportunities as the general student population at the College as it relates to internships, study abroad, and postgraduate career pursuits. This philosophy mirrors the mission statement of the College which every student is encouraged to take intellectual risks, pursue scholarly and creative interests, contribute to the community, and explore diverse career paths. Read more Endicott Experience features by navigating the links below.   

INTERNSHIP: Fall 2015 | 2014-15 Internships | Fall 2016 Semester-Long | Gulls "Learn By Doing" On Winter Break | 442 Student-Athletes Complete Internships During 2016-17 Academic Year

STUDY ABROAD: Studying Abroad as a Student-Athlete at Endicott | James Dwyer Focuses on Opportunities Abroad in Switzerland with Les Roches Global Hospitality | Endicott Student-Athletes Study Abroad in Asia | Holly Erbe Studies Abroad in London, Paris, Amsterdam | Andrea Courtemanche Gains New Perspectives Through Study Abroad Trip | 

ACADEMICS: Emily Sharpe and Eric Owens Balance STEM and Sport at Endicott | Kendra Walters, Creating Her Own Happiness Through Art at Endicott

CAREER OUTCOMES: Internships Lead To Career Outcomes | 2015 Graduates Find Immediate Success in Job Market

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