This summer, 10 Saint Mary’s psychology students took what they have learned in the classroom and put it to action in a variety of paid internships across the Midwest. In addition to gaining skills and building future contacts, these students have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Collectively, the cohort completed more than 3,150 hours of experiential learning while serving children, adolescents, and adults in behavioral health, education, residential treatment, and community settings.
Sophia Smith
A summer internship at SpringPath Mental Health Services in Brooklyn Park, Minn., helped prepare Saint Mary’s senior Sophia Smith for her future, which includes obtaining her master’s degree in mental health counseling and becoming licensed as a professional clinical counselor.
As an independent living skills intern, she engaged with adults with severe mental impairments and substance use. Each day she did both one-on-one and group interventions, worked on documentation, and helped with food preparation and cleaning responsibilities.
“Through this internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of individuals contributing to their own treatment and recovery goals and processes,” she said. “The process that Spring Path utilizes is through psychiatric rehabilitation, reinforcing autonomy, building skills, and meaningful treatment, which is also beneficial for harm reduction and person-centered care. This internship has significantly strengthened me professionally by providing the hands-on opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in real-world settings. It’s important … that I am ready to meet (clients) with compassion.”
Megan McGinnis
Likewise, senior Megan McGinnis hopes to pursue a dual master’s degree in sports psychology and counseling, so she can one day become an athletic director, coach, or sports psychology consultant. Her summer internship at the Appleton (Wis.) YMCA summer sports camp was a step in the right direction.
“I worked alongside the sports camp staff to create a meaningful experience for the children and families that we served,” she said. “I helped plan curriculum, facilitate activities, and fulfill any other needs of the sports and recreation department.”
“What I learned most from this experience is the ways that I excel in the workplace,” she added. “I appreciate quality planning and attention to detail. This internship really allowed me to also see what my strengths are that I can bring to any career or endeavor I face in the future.”
Remote learning across the Midwest
Though spread out across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, the students continued learning together through weekly virtual meetings, led by Dr. Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, assistant professor of psychology.
Dr. Thorson-Olesen, who has expertise in career counseling, says these sessions included ongoing faculty supervision, professional mentorship, and peer collaboration.
“Regardless of where students were completing their internships, these meetings created a supportive learning community where they could share experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and learn from one another,” she said. “Each week, students provided updates on their internship experiences, reflected on their professional growth, and engaged in discussions on topics related to ethics, career development, professional identity, and workplace skills. These regular check-ins helped students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigated the transition from the classroom to professional practice.”
They also let students discuss ethical and professional issues and connect psychological theory to practice as they prepare for their careers. Plus, it exposed students to a range of career opportunities.
The benefits of internships
Saint Mary’s psychology students completing the internships are juniors and seniors. Students choose between a thesis/research pathway or internship, but those who choose the thesis pathway can also do an internship for elective credit if they choose.
“Students begin by taking our Internship Planning course, where they explore their strengths, skills, career interests, and potential internship opportunities,” Dr. Thorson-Olesen said. “They also develop professional materials such as résumés and cover letters, practice interviewing, and learn effective follow-up and networking strategies. We collaborate with Career Services to identify internship placements that align with each student’s goals and interests.”
“Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained in the classroom to real-world professional settings. They also allow students to develop confidence, expand their professional networks, and gain meaningful hands-on experience while living out our Lasallian mission of service, leadership, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Plus, it makes for a smooth transition from college into the workforce.”
