Balancing both virtual and in-person internships
October 01, 2020 Written by Jessica Smith | Photo provided by Sharon Kung
Biological sciences major Sharon Kung didn’t let a pandemic stop her from pursuing professional development opportunities this summer. The ambitious rising junior is currently participating in not one but two internships – one virtually and one in-person.
Kung received the prestigious Bryant-Howard Research Award, which provided her with a research internship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and covered summer housing expenses to live on campus. With previous summer research experience at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia and Nemours/A.I. Children’s Hospital respectively, she was a shoo-in for the position. “I love devoting my summer towards learning and I wanted to gain more medical and research experience, Kung says.
Given the circumstances, the intended in-person program had to shift to a virtual setting. Kung engages in daily Zoom sessions with guest speakers, including nurse practitioners, physicians and scientists. “Some days they talk about how they got to their careers and their daily schedule; other days, they explain their lab’s research,” she says.
Kung also participates in Zoom Journal Clubs, meeting with a small group of students each week to take turns presenting a scientific research paper. She also meets regularly with her assigned mentor, Dr. Elias Zambidis, and a group of lab members. “Dr. Zambidis’ lab focuses on stem cell research and its use in regenerative medicine,” she says. “The summer program culminated in a virtual symposium where each student gave a flash talk on the research they did that summer.”
The virtual program was an adjustment of expectations for Kung. “Initially, I was extremely disappointed that I couldn’t live on the Johns Hopkins campus,” she says. “If my internship weren’t online, I would spend most of my day in a laboratory running experiments and learning techniques. The program was supposed to have social events for students, as well, so I missed out on getting to know my peers.”
But Kung understood that potential program cancellation—something that has affected so many students in similar situations this summer—would be far worse. “Now, I’m very grateful that I was able to participate in a virtual experience when a lot of other programs were completely canceled,” she says. “Being virtual has allowed me to spend more time with my family and friends, and I have found new hobbies.”
This change also allowed Kung more flexibility to pursue a second internship as a medical initiative coordinator with Dr. Angela Saldarriaga Family Medicine Practice. “When I was growing up, Dr. Saldarriaga was a close family friend,” says Kung. “Last year, I started helping her at her office and I loved being in a medical setting. A majority of her patients are underserved and some only speak Spanish. Dr. Saldarriaga’s staff are all bilingual and make her patients feel at ease. I wanted to dedicate my summer internship to better serve patients that face barriers in receiving adequate health care.”
As a recipient of the Career Center’s Summer Internship Grant, Kung was given a financial award to offset the expenses of her unpaid internships. Kung was able to coordinate a blood drive with the Red Cross for Dr. Saldarriaga’s patients with a goal of receiving at least 50 pints of blood. The drive is scheduled for September and is dedicated to those who have suffered from COVID-19 complications and their families. “During this pandemic, I wanted to make a difference and give back to the community,” she says. “I’m very thankful for the Career Center. Without their grant, I would not have been able to dedicate my time towards coordinating a blood drive.”
Additionally, Kung continued a previous project with AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid Managed Care Organization, identifying patients who are behind on routine care and reaching out to them to ensure they have accessible care options. “My internship has given me a wonderful opportunity to be in a health care setting,” Kung says. “With Dr. Saldarriaga’s mentorship, I aspire to become a doctor like her someday.”
Despite having a full schedule in what is usually a relaxing season for students, Kung is grateful for both of her professional opportunities. “Although my two internships are in different formats, I’m so glad that I was able to experience them because I know they will contribute to my capabilities as a future doctor,” she says. “They were equally as challenging and rewarding.”
Kung encourages students concerned about job and internship prospects to continue to put themselves out there. “Apply for everything you can because you never know who will say yes,” she says. “I’ve gotten copious amounts of rejections from summer internships, but it doesn’t matter; all you need is one employer that’s willing to give you a chance. I would also encourage others to reach out to who they look up to and learn more from them. Most people are more than willing to give advice and help you out if you ask for it.”