What I Learned From Interning with NAMI
During Spring 2023, I interned at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southern Nevada. NAMI is a nonprofit organization that provides peer support resources to individuals living with mental illnesses and their loved ones. I assisted such individuals during my internship, while also gaining valuable real-life experience from working with professionals in the mental health field. The experiences I had and skills I learned from this internship will assist me in my future career as a mental health professional.
As the Community Resource Intern, I performed various tasks, such as attending tabling events, answering calls on the NAMI Southern Nevada Helpline, and drafting the Helpline Guide and corresponding PowerPoint. Of these responsibilities, the most significant way I assisted individuals was through the Helpline. During my shifts, I returned missed calls and voicemail messages and sent follow-up emails. Once I completed a call, I found resources suited to the caller’s needs and sent those resources in a follow-up email. Housing, legal assistance, support groups, and therapy were the most requested. I felt a sense of fulfillment in providing callers with these resources, as I felt I was making a meaningful impact in their lives, especially those who were distressed and emotionally vulnerable. I enjoyed being the starting point in others’ journey to seeking help.
During this internship I developed my skills in time management, communication, and problem-solving. I was a full-time student during this internship, so I had to manage my time efficiently. I made sure to complete my school assignments, my research lab projects, my tutoring obligations, and my internship tasks in a timely manner. I also learned the importance of immediate and direct communication when a problem arises and how to problem-solve to find a solution for issues that occur. These skills will help me in my future career as a mental health professional as I serve other individuals facing similar issues. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with NAMI, and I encourage others interested in the mental health field to intern with them as well!
Traci Stephens joined the Interactive Measurement Group in the Summer of 2022. She is majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Family Studies and Communication. She plans to graduate in the Spring of 2024. During her time in the lab, she has served as a poster team leader, been first author of a research poster, presented research at a conference, worked on the accessibility team, given multiple workshop presentations, and has been involved in several leadership roles in the lab. After she graduates, she hopes to further her education by pursuing graduate school.