Michelle Cox

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Company/Organization website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/
Destination: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Timeframe: Fall 2025
Advisor/Coordinator Email: lizh@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

During my internship, my responsibilities were to accompany workers on home visits, attend court hearings, write case notes, and learn about policies and procedures. By the end of my internship, I was going on home visits alone.

Accomplishments

One of my greatest accomplishments was going on home visits alone. I asked the required questions and practiced motivational interviewing. I was also able to practice using different approaches with different families.

Learning experience

The greatest lesson I learned was that compassion and communication go a long way with families. They are more likely to positively respond to things like court orders and safety plans if you treat them with respect.

What advice would you give?

I would advise future students to be confident in their abilities and trust the educational background they have been provided. You learn so much faster when you aren't afraid to throw yourself in.

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