Annabelle Johns

September 3, 2023
RHS 493
Smal
Part 1
Background Information
Name: Annabelle Johns
City, State where you hope to intern: State College
Best phone number to reach you: (814) 933 – 6114
Gender: Female
What degree are you pursuing: Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS)
Long-Term Goals
I am currently pursuing a degree in RHS with the aim of building a fulfilling career in the
ever-evolving field of human services. My passion lies in helping others and engaging in
meaningful work that allows me to interact directly with people. I chose RHS as my major
because it offers a diverse range of career opportunities, as opposed to limiting me to a single
field. This major equips me with the foundational knowledge required to be effective in human
services, while also encouraging personal growth and self-care.
My ultimate career aspiration is to work in an environment that I look forward to every
day—an environment that is rewarding both personally and professionally. Financial
independence is another important goal; I aim to be in a position where I can comfortably
support myself. While I'm still exploring my options concerning the type of workplace that
would be ideal for me, I do know that I enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and crafting.
Additionally, a balanced work-life ratio is crucial to me; I hope to have a job that allows me to
enjoy my weekends without having to bring work home.
I have a particular affinity for working with older adults. I'm still uncertain about my
comfort level with middle-aged individuals, and while working with children isn't my first
choice, I remain open to the possibility. However, I find the idea of working with people from
middle school age upwards to be appealing.
Past and Current Experience
I have garnered relevant experience in my chosen field over the years. My early exposure
came from working as an after-school counselor at an elementary school, where I engaged
students in enriching and entertaining activities until they were picked up by their guardians.
Most of my hands-on experience, however, has been with the elderly population. For three years,
I served as a waiter at a local retirement home, and I'm currently employed as an activities
associate at another facility. My responsibilities include facilitating activities designed by our
director and striving to increase each resident's participation to enrich their lives.
I am considering pursuing an internship at my current workplace as I have a keen interest
in advancing to the role of Activities Director. When seeking internship opportunities, it's vital
for me to find a position that offers financial compensation. Given that I'm both a full-time
student and a full-time worker, solely to finance my education, an unpaid internship is not a
viable option for me.

Part 2

Notes on Career Exploration

Skills Needed:
 Empathy and compassion
 Interpersonal communication
 Problem-solving
 Cultural sensitivity
 Organizational skills
 Research abilities
Career Opportunities
1. Rehabilitation Counselor
 Assists people with disabilities in achieving personal and career goals.
2. Social Worker
 Provides support and resources to individuals and families dealing with various
challenges.
3. Occupational Therapist
 Helps individuals regain or develop essential skills needed for daily living and
work.
4. Addiction Counselor
 Works with individuals to overcome substance abuse and addiction.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
 Helps people with disabilities find and sustain employment.
 6. Case Manager
 Coordinates care and resources for clients in various settings.
7. Life Coach
 Helps individuals set and achieve personal and professional goals.
8. Geriatric Care Manager
 Specializes in elder care, helping to plan and coordinate the care of the elderly.
9. School Counselor
 Provides academic and emotional support to students.
10. Researcher or Academic
 Engages in scholarly work, possibly teaching the next generation of professionals.
Questions for Career Exploration
1. What level of education or certification will you need?
 Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Ph.D.
 Certification requirements differ for various roles.
2. What is the earning potential?
 Salaries can vary widely depending on the role, location, and level of experience.
3. What are the work environments like?
 Hospitals, Schools, Rehabilitation Centers, Private Practice, etc.
4. What are the typical job responsibilities?
5. What is the job outlook?
 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many healthcare roles are
expected to grow faster than average.
Action Steps
1. Informational Interviews: Arrange to speak with professionals in the field.
2. Internships or Volunteer Work: Gain hands-on experience.
3. Networking: Connect with alumni, attend industry events, or join professional
associations.
4. Job Shadowing: Spend a day with a professional in the field to understand the day-to-
day activities.
 5. Career Counseling: Seek advice from career services at your school.
6. Research: Stay updated on industry trends, opportunities, and challenges.
By thoroughly investigating your options and understanding the needs and opportunities in
Rehabilitation and Human Services, you can make informed decisions that will guide you toward
a rewarding career.

Lessons Learned Relevant to Internship Goals and Plans

What kind of skills or experience do you hope to gain through your internship?
Through my internship, I aim to acquire hands-on experience in client assessment,
treatment planning, and case management. While my academic coursework has provided a solid
theoretical framework, practical experience will offer an invaluable opportunity to apply this
knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, I want to build strong interpersonal skills by
interacting with clients, caregivers, and other professionals in the field. Working in a multi-
disciplinary team will help me understand the collaborative efforts needed to provide
comprehensive care to clients. Lastly, I'd like to gain experience in cultural competence as it's
essential to understand the diverse needs and challenges faced by different population groups in
the rehabilitation and human services field.
Do you have ideas about specific organizations or types of organizations at which you
would like to intern?
I'm particularly interested in interning at non-profit organizations that focus on mental
health, addiction recovery, or vocational rehabilitation. Organizations such as the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Alcoholics Anonymous, or vocational rehabilitation centers
have always intrigued me due to their direct impact on individual lives. I'm also considering
educational settings, as I believe early intervention is crucial and working in a school could offer
a unique perspective on preventative measures in the human services field.
How would these kinds of internships help you achieve your career goals?
Interning at a non-profit organization or an educational institution would provide me with
a wide range of experiences that align closely with my long-term career goals. For example, if I
decide to specialize in addiction counseling, experience at a recovery center would give me a
clear understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by this population, as well as insight into
effective intervention strategies. Likewise, working in a school would be incredibly beneficial if
I decide to become a school counselor or educational psychologist. These experiences will not
only enhance my resume but will also give me the confidence and competence to enter the job
market as a well-rounded professional. Additionally, internships at these organizations would
provide networking opportunities that could lead to job offers or further educational prospects in
the future.