Northwest student Hannah Hood (left) assists Career Services staff with setting up its fall Career Day in September. A summer internship, combined with her experiences as an intern with Career Services have helped her develop skills she'll use in her career. (Northwest Missouri State University photos)

Northwest Missouri State University student Hannah Hood has always wanted to work with children, and she got an opportunity to do just that during the summer months as an internship with Union County-Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Hood, a senior psychology major from Creston, Iowa, helped provide educational programs for children.

“One of the coolest experiences that I had during my internship was planning and organizing a camp for over 100 children,” Hood said. “We were able to create these grab bags and work with our local food pantry. Families were able to pick up food and fun activities for their children for free.”

Not only was the internship full of memorable programs, it also allowed Hood to enhance her skills. She learned the value of being adaptive and found alternative ways to engage the children in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I learned how to teach children virtually,” Hood said. “Throughout the whole summer, the only interaction that we could have with the children was through Zoom. It was hard at first, but we all had to be flexible. I was also able to take away planning and organizing a summer camp in a week’s time.”

Working in Northwest Career Services as an event coordinator intern also helped Hood prepare for the summer internship. Along the way, Hood has benefited from the mentorship of Jill Brown, Northwest’s director of partnerships and placement.

“Jill Brown has been especially helpful to not only me, but every single student that comes into that office,” Hood said. “She is always willing to help in any way that she can. I have talked to Jill so many times about what I wanted to do after graduation, and she is a great listener, who is willing to find the right career path for each student. She genuinely wants to help each student succeed.”

After graduating this December, Hood will be attending graduate school to pursue a career as a school psychologist.