Izbeth Alexandra Flores Aparicio

Describe the steps you took to obtain your internship.

I found out about the company due to Nole Network. Applications for Fall 2023 opened, and I started researching the distinct positions and what the company focuses on. I searched their projects, mission, and vision and analyzed whether this would fit me and my career goals. After finding the Florida Center for Prevention Research, I started observing the documentation required in their application, such as the resume and references. Then, when having all the documents the company was asking for, I uploaded them and submitted them through Nole Network. I waited for the company to contact me, and after some days, I received an email about having an interview. I prepared myself for a couple of days before the interview. I investigated how and what I should acknowledge about myself, such as my strengths and why I wanted to work with them, the proper way to behave in an interview, and several other details. The interview was done, and a few days later, I got the news that I had obtained an internship position with the company.

How far in advance did you prepare and begin applying for your experiential learning opportunity?

I started searching for an internship position in the Summer of 2023. I wanted to pursue and obtain an internship for Fall 2023, so I started looking through all the resources that Florida State University offers its students to excel and advance in their careers. However, a month before applying, I had my latest and polished version of my resume ready to be published and uploaded to any internship I would be interested in.

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your internship/research opportunity/fellowship, what were they? How did they support your application process?

I often went to the Career Center to polish and get tips about my resume due to the several career fairs held on campus. Attending and talking to different people about their jobs, company, and paths was great. However, I was still waiting for those to catch my attention, and neither did it fit my desired career path. During the summer of 2023, I started searching through Nole Network and got a notice about the InternFSU program applications being opened for Fall 2023. Thanks to this program, I found a job opportunity/internship with a place I felt I would fit in and help me start my career.

Describe some of your responsibilities or duties during your experiential learning opportunity.

Some of the responsibilities during my opportunity were conducting data entry of surveys of teen pregnancy prevention projects, assisting with monitoring programs in relationship/sexuality education and marriage education, developing and strengthening skills on entering and managing data, implementing evidence-informed prevention programs for at-risk youth, and participate in other research activities, providing detailed translations of documents, surveys, emails, and materials in Spanish.

What was a typical day like "on the job?"

A typical day on the job was getting to the location at nine-thirty and drinking a cup of coffee or eating breakfast to start the day. I would check everything on my desk and prepare for the day's tasks. I would reunite with my co-workers to discuss the following duties I must take care of. As soon as I wrapped up with my co-workers and supervisor, I went to my spot and started working on the task. Depending on the job, I would know how long it would take me; if I could finish it and have some spare time, I would handle a second task. Later, around 11 a.m., everyone would take a break to eat lunch, stretch from their working area, and have some time to mingle. It was great to eventually bond with everyone since the environment felt more welcoming and comfortable. It was like I was finally entering their circle and becoming part of the team. After my working shifts, I would take the bus back to college and focus on my assignments and other things to handle.

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

Throughout this transformative experience, I gleaned invaluable lessons in time management, the intricacies of proposal writing, delivering impactful workshops to youth, and delving deep into the underpinnings of various research domains. My journey illuminated the profound truth that research transcends more than publications and peer-reviewed articles; it involves navigating vast databases, monitoring data streams, engaging in regular meetings, and navigating diverse facets. Crafting compelling proposals was a nuanced process, demanding meticulous attention and iterative refinement until achieving the desired polish necessary for success. Moreover, my internship allowed me to confront and conquer my public speaking apprehension as I sharpened my skills by conducting workshops and delivering presentations. Furthermore, it underscored the pivotal role of teamwork and collaboration in fostering a conducive work environment. The connection and support within our team facilitated a seamless integration into the project and enabled collective success at every turn.

Did this experience help clarify your career path? If yes, how so?

This profound experience is a guiding light, illuminating my career path and making me reflect on my future trajectory. My genuine aspiration lies in pursuing advanced studies culminating in a Master's Degree and, ultimately, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. This immersive journey has deepened my research interest and ignited an uncharted passion. At the beginning of the internship, I had uncertainties about my affinity for research and its alignment with my future aspirations. However, these transformative experiences have unequivocally affirmed my desire to immerse myself in the research world further. I have discovered a genuine fondness for collaborative teamwork, an inclination for meticulous data analysis, and even an appreciation for the intricacies of managing databases despite their occasional monotony. Moreover, this journey has instilled a profound confidence in my ability to navigate challenges and thrive in dynamic environments. Armed with robust skills and competencies cultivated through these experiences, I stand to pursue my post-graduation ambitions with persistent determination and enthusiasm.