Part 2: The Impact of Our Teams on Summer Interns

Through real-world projects and collaboration with experienced teams, student interns gain valuable skills, fresh perspectives, and confidence that will serve them throughout their careers. In turn, they inject renewed energy into our organization that encourages innovation and promotes a culture of learning and growth—contributions that not only meet immediate staffing needs but also lay the groundwork for a strong and capable workforce in the years ahead.

As we gear up for the next round of interns, hear what some of our current interns are sharing about their experiences.

From Our Interns

Nicholas Shelton, flex medical office tech (summer and holidays), CFM – Bedford; Virginia Tech student, Psychology major/Adaptive Brain and Behavior minor

"My experience as an intern has been unmatched, providing growth and applied knowledge to my education at Virginia Tech, which I believe I would have not received anywhere else. This has only continued through my employment with Carilion Clinic as I view this as not only a job but an opportunity to provide an impact to people's lives. 

The best part of my internship, and as an employee, has been meeting fellow employees who have provided an environment for me to thrive. My co-workers are always dedicated to learning what I am doing in school, what my future may hold, and providing support for any obstacles that may alter my path. Not only have they offered ample learning experiences for me, but they have shown a lasting inspiration to who I want to be throughout my career in healthcare and the rest of my life. 

I chose to continue my work at Carilion from the experiences I already had, leading into the possibilities that I can engage in the future. This position allows me to continue to grow past the internship, experiencing new things and contributing to an important aspect of many people's lives. Carilion has so many opportunities and partnerships at hand, so there is no better place to grow into something you dream to become.

If I had to give advice to future interns, it would be to take every opportunity you can get. This opportunity has allowed me to learn so much for my future career, and Carilion has contributed to this greatly by investing in me. Past my internship, Carilion has offered expansions on my skills with phlebotomy training, allowing me to contribute to healthcare in numerous different ways. Every time someone asks if you want to see something, work on a new project, or simply help with a task, do it. Healthcare is constantly evolving and always changing, so be on the forefront of it and get out there!" 

Cara Martin, flex patient care technician (PCT); James Madison University student, Nursing major

"My experience at Carilion has been very positive and has helped shape my growth as a future nurse. I started as a summer intern, where I built foundational skills and gained confidence in the clinical setting. As I continued working as a flex PCT while finishing nursing school, I was able to strengthen my hands-on skills and become more comfortable with patient care.

The best part of my experience as an intern was learning in a supportive environment that encouraged growth. As an employee, I’ve enjoyed building relationships with my team and feeling like a valued part of the unit. Shout out to Nancy and Katrina for being very understanding with my schedule and always doing check-ins.

I chose to continue working at Carilion because of the strong teamwork, supportive culture, and opportunities to keep learning and growing as I transition into a nursing role.

My advice to future interns is to be proactive, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn."

Kate Horton, flex PCT; Virginia Tech student, Biology major

"Starting off as an intern my experience was very eye opening. I learned the basics of patient care and got comfortable working directly with patients and nurses. As I continued working flex time, I became much more confident in my role and gained a better understanding of hospital workflow. 

The best part for me was interacting with patients and learning something new every shift from other PCTs and nurses. Another part is feeling like I am making a difference even in small ways. 

I chose to stay with Carilion after my internship because of the welcoming environment where everyone was supportive of me as an intern. It also allowed me to grow more and learn more things in healthcare that make me a better PCT. 

My advice to future interns would be to be patient with yourself as it can be a lot to get comfortable with at first, and to be very engaged while orienting." 

Lena Shepardson, flex clinical associate, CRMH Emergency Department; High Point University student, Nursing major

"Starting as a summer intern at Carilion and continuing as a flex Clinical Transport employee at Carilion has been an incredibly rewarding experience. During my internship, I gained valuable hands-on exposure to the healthcare environment, built confidence in patient interactions, and learned from an amazing team. When I began my studies at High Point University, that experience played a major role in my decision to switch my major from exercise science to nursing, as it confirmed my passion for patient care. 

As I continued working in Clinical Transport, I became more independent, strengthened my communication skills, and gained a deeper understanding of patient care and hospital operations. The best part has been not only growing professionally but also building strong relationships with coworkers and feeling like a meaningful part of the care team. 

I recently accepted a role as a flex clinical associate in the Emergency Department, which reflects my passion for patient care and desire to continue learning in a fast-paced environment. I chose to stay at Carilion because of the supportive environment and the opportunity to grow within the organization. My advice to future interns is to ask questions, take initiative, and fully embrace every opportunity to learn and grow."

To learn more about our internship programs and other student and career development opportunities, visit our new Students and Early Career Development website.