Marlee Sheriff

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: Stepping Stone Family Services
Company/Organization website: https://www.steppingstoneia.com/
Destination: West Des Moines, Iowa
Timeframe: Summer 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jenvan@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My daily responsibilities are to update each employee's continuing education credits and do projects to help me learn about the company and what they stand for or projects to help the office run smoothly for the clients. One of the best parts of the internship is shadowing counselors as they meet with clients. It gives you an idea of what your career post-graduation could look like.

Accomplishments

Stepping Stone wants their interns to learn, grow, and manage their time independently. When they see you succeed and feel you are a good fit for the company, they could potentially offer you a job. I was offered a job and accepted, which is a huge relief because you don't have to apply for a new company.

Learning experience

I learned that your supervisor is there for you to ask questions. Building a relationship with them is important because they help you tremendously on projects, so it is best to be comfortable enough to ask all the necessary questions. I have also learned that each client is different in the mental health field, even if they have the same diagnoses. You have to learn how to communicate with each of your clients differently to help them reach their goals.

What advice would you give?

They are so many different career routes you can take within our major. If you try one way out and don't like it, try a different one before changing majors! Our professors have all been in the human services field, so personally, they are the best because they know how to build connections with each student to help you grow. So don't give up on HD FS!

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