Katherine Dick '13 Gains Insight Into Life After College During Internship
Health Promotion major Katherine “Kate” Dick '13, spent her final semester at Colby-Sawyer as a Program and Special Events intern at Breathe New Hampshire, a non-profit organization working to eliminate lung disease and improve the quality of life for those living with a lung condition through education, advocacy and research.
Dick, of Westford, Mass., interned at the Manchester, N.H.-based organization from January through May 2013. She chose Breathe New Hampshire because she wanted to gain professional experience in a non-profit establishment that betters the lives of those with health risks.
The projects Dick worked on throughout her internship helped her to groom essential skills in organization, time management and creativity, and enabled her to gain experience with marketing, fundraising and communications. “I was able to work on [my] communications skills as well as gain a better idea of what happens in the 'real world,'” she says.
Dick believes that her course work in health promotion programming and health education helped her to prepare for the duties she was responsible for as an intern. “My major is all about encouraging healthy behaviors, and this internship allowed me to share my passion for the importance of health in everyday life,” she explains.
Regarding Colby-Sawyer's requirement to complete at least one internship before graduation, Dick says that it is absolutely beneficial for students, regardless of major, and is an experience everyone should take advantage of and learn from. She believes that an internship not only provides valuable experience and learning opportunities, but can also offer insight into life after college. “You may realize, hey, this isn't what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, or you could be motivated to put in the extra hours in the library to ensure that you will succeed in the kind of work you completed during your internship,” she says. “[It] is a great a way to apply what you learn in the classroom and see it in action. You might discover something new about yourself!”
–Anurup Upadhyay '15
Anurup Upadhyay is a Business major at Colby-Sawyer College and a student writer for College Communications.
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire.
Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000
