Intern Experiences

Experiencing NIFS...as an Intern

In order to help intern prospects understand the experience that can be gained from interning at NIFS, read the following comments made by former interns regarding their experiences at NIFS.

Why did you choose to do an internship at NIFS?

Rachel Mabery: I chose to complete my internship with NIFS because of the many opportunities the organization had to offer for me.

Amber Riggin:I chose an internship at NIFS because of the wide variety of programs and services it offers to those of all ages and athletic ability.

Jill Proctor: I decided to do an internship at NIFS because it was a location that offered a variety of opportunities for me to learn from, ranging from athletic performance to weight management.

Jamie Zajac: I chose to do my internship at NIFS because it offers such a great deal of programs, and it is hard to find an organization that offers so much! That is what is so unique about NIFS.

Benjamin Coffey: I chose to do an internship at NIFS because the organization was sports orientated, and an institution such as this would allow me to experience a greater spectrum of health and fitness, preparing me for a very competitive field.

Jill Stricker: NIFS provides a multitude of learning experiences ranging from youth development to corporate wellness to fitness to health education. The learning opportunities are well-rounded.

What was most beneficial about your internship at NIFS?

Rachel Mabery: The most beneficial part of being an intern with NIFS was being able to use my health promotion background and incorporate fitness together.   

Amber Riggin: I wanted to get a taste of each of the different areas, which I feel like I did, but I was also able to concentrate most of the time in my own department. I walked away from the internship feeling like I had really been able to make
an impact on people in the short amount of time I was there. That is a great feeling, and the reason I wanted to be involved with the industry to begin with!

Jill Proctor: The most beneficial part of my internship at NIFS was getting to experience such a variety of health- and fitness-related areas and learning so much more about each of those areas.

Jamie Zajac: The many different opportunities I had in different departments; there was never a dull moment, from wellness lectures, field trips, nutrition consultations and weight management programs to mini marathon training and leading group fitness classes!

Benjamin Coffey: Trying to sort out all the useful experiences here is kind of tough, but one thing I have improved on is my time management skills.

Jill Stricker: The friendliness and eagerness of the staff. They were always willing to answer questions and help.

Do you feel that NIFS has prepared you for your future career?

Rachel Mabery: Yes, I feel that NIFS has prepared me for my future career by including projects within the internship such as: in-service presentation, writing a news article, resume development, and mock interviews.

Amber Riggin: NIFS has provided me with experience I would not have been able to get anywhere else. I put into daily practice skills that I learned in school, and some that had never been exposed to before. I feel my experience at NIFS has made me much more competitive in the job market.

Jill Proctor: I greatly feel that my NIFS internship has prepared me for my future career. It has given me the opportunity to experience so many things and realize what it is that I truly want to do.

Jamie Zajac: Yes, the hands-on experience I received at NIFS has definitely prepared me for a career in Health Promotion. The attention from supervisors was great and their willingness to let us really get our feet wet helped me narrow down career goals.

Benjamin Coffey: Yes, I feel very positive about my future endeavors. I have picked up teaching and learning tools while observing some of the senior staff at NIFS.

Jill Stricker: Yes, I have been able to gain experience in many areas such as working with children and health education. I have also been able to improve my time management skills.

Any advice for future interns?

Rachel Mabery: Try to experience as much as you can in the different departments at NIFS and meet as many employees as you can, it goes by fast, so visit the areas in the beginning of your internship. 

Amber Riggin: My advice for future interns would be to approach the term with an open mind, and try things out of your
comfort zone. Those are the best experiences! I had never taught a group fitness class in my life, but discovered I love teaching cycling classes. Also, get organized early and establish goals before time begins to get away from you.

Jill Proctor: While you're here do as much as you can and meet as many of the employees that work here as possible; they are all great and each one will teach you something different.

Jamie Zajac: Make sure you make the most of every day at your internship and take advantage of still being in school – it goes fast!

Benjamin Coffey: Research places to live before you arrive for your internship, participate in as much as you can, and visit as many corporate sites as you can.

Jill Stricker: Experience all that you can!

Other Quotes

Michele Nicholas: NIFS provided me with a great overall
experience in dealing with health and fitness.  The staff was great and always willing to help when needed.  The amount of opportunities provided has prepared me and now I am more confident than I have ever been. Thanks  NIFS!

Lauren Clark: I had an awesome experience with NIFS. My
internship allowed me to grow as an individual as well as a professional. I would do it again in a heartbeat!