Lauryn Bennett

Responsibilities

During my time interning with Boone County Hospital Public Health, I was responsible for conducting research on different public and community health needs that Boone County needed improvement on. I took my information from Boone County's Community Health Needs Assessment and began researching from there. I created many educational materials for Boone County Public Health to advertise throughout the community, specifically in public schools, clinics, community centers, and hospitals. I also assisted in the planning process of different program implementations.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship experience was being able to conduct my own research and create educational flyers/materials for Boone County Public Health. I created several flyers on the poor health effects of vaping and energy drinks, and those flyers are currently hung up around Boone County Hospital and in Boone County Public Schools!

Learning experience

The greatest lessons I learned from this experience was that the information and knowledge I obtained from my public health classes at Iowa State actually transferred over into my everyday responsibilities during my internship! Oftentimes I felt that the information I was being taught in class was useless and wouldn't be helpful when I got a job, but that knowledge truly did help me become extremely successful during my internship experience! I also learned the importance of time management and professional communication. Especially with an internship, it's very important to meet deadlines and perform every task with meaning and intention.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students is to find an internship you are passionate about! It's much easier to enjoy your everyday tasks and responsibilities if you truly enjoy the work you are doing!