Kara Cipperley

Responsibilities

Each week I was in charge of maintaining the three fitness areas inside of Meredith. This included wiping down the machines, stocking the towel area, and filling sanitizer spray bottles. Monthly, I updated the group fitness schedule and posted the calendar throughout the building. A lot of my responsibilities were on the computer from looking through wellness program forms such as clinic visits and preventative health screenings, and approving reimbursements for gym memberships, events, and well-bucks--the company's wellness incentive that can be used towards any workout equipment or apparel. Towards the beginning of the internship, I was in charge of creating a group fitness challenge to increase participatory numbers in the various classes.

Accomplishments

During the internship, we had Waukee APEX students shadow corporate wellness for their class. I was in charge of leading the students in a project for 12 Days of Wellness. Together we worked on creating new activities that employees can do during the challenge at the end of the year.

What advice would you give?

Don't be afraid to look outside of what your main interest is. I never realized there was a "business" side to public health until I became involved in corporate wellness. There is always something to be learned wherever you end up.