Amy Camenisch - Dietetics intern
Amy Camenisch is a dietetics major who is currently completing her internship at Saint Joseph Hospital. In an electronic interview she shares her experiences:
What is your typical day as an intern like?
"Right now I am in my Food Service Systems Management rotation. This means I do not have a typical day. Every day I follow a different person, helping them with their typical tasks. So far I have worked the positions of Tray Passer, Late Trays, PM Cook, Nutrition Lead, Diet Office, Salads, Starter, Dishroom, Beverage, Hots, and Veggie. I have worked shifts such as 7 am-5:30 pm, 5 am-1:30 pm, and 12-8:30 pm. I have also had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Dietetics Association Day at the Capitol and a Kentucky Dietetics Association Board Meeting."
What is one of the things you learned as a student that you use often as an intern?
"Being an intern is like working full time while taking a few online courses. Take the importance of reading your syllabi and organizing your planner as an undergrad and multiply it by 100. That's how vital it is to stay on top of things as an intern. There are no reminders in lecture about upcoming deadlines, because there are no lectures! Learning how to take responsibility for your education and not relying on outside motivation is of utmost importance as an intern."
If you could share one piece of advice for other students in you major who are preparing to complete an internship what would it be?
"Review the basics. Keep that attitude of learning. Be humble. Be willing to ask questions. Take advantage of every professional opportunity you can. And try not to think about the fact that you're not getting paid...unless you're one of those lucky few."