INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Courtney Walpole ’19 – Massachusetts General Hospital

ENDICOTT COLLEGE PROGRAMS OF STUDY | INTERNSHIPS AND CAREERS

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Here's a look into women's ice hockey student-athlete and bioengineering major Courtney Walpole's '19 (Allen, Texas) internship experience at Massachusetts General Hospital. 

ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience.

WALPOLE: I love my internship because I am working in clinical research at Massachusetts General Hospital. This is my first experience with research in the medical world so I am learning lots! I like that I am able to work with patients/subjects because I hope to become a doctor someday and this will help prepare me for then. The location of my hospital is in Charlestown at the Navy Yard, it is beautiful because we are on the pier so we can go outside and have lunch by the ocean. 

ECGULLS: What have you learned from your internship?

WALPOLE: Since my lab is doing MRI imaging I have been MRI trained, trained to use tDCS (brain stimulation), and trained how to use other medical equipment. I am learning a lot about research; how long the process is, what it entails, and the differences in clinical research vs scientific research.  

ECGULLS: How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

WALPOLE: This internship has helped me learn and understand more about the other side of medicine. It has opened my eyes to research in the clinical world, something that I can further pursue as a medical doctor.

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

• Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
• Develop competencies for careers and community service
• Explore career options and gain field experience
• Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
• Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

"The Endicott internship model allows students to have multiple opportunities throughout their college experience to discover their passions, bolster career confidence, and develop a marketable skill set while creating a professional network that will serve them well after graduation," said Endicott's Dean of the Internship and Career Center Eric Hall. "Endicott students leave with the career-readiness competencies and passion needed to excel in today's workforce." 

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(Photo Credit - Nick Grace)