It is a whirlwind of emotions over one weekend: As Rogers’ latest cohort of interns graduated after a year of learning and great successes, a new group stepped in to grow and share their talents.
On Friday, August 1, seven interns graduated, and by the start of the next week, seven new interns began their journey with Rogers.
“I always had this metaphor for our interns coming in like baby deer, wobbly at first, but eager to grow, and by the end of the year, they can take what they have learned and run with it with such confidence,” says Dr. Nancy Goranson, director of internship training. “To see how a group becomes psychologists — how it happens both subtlety and dramatically – I can’t think of a better job to have in the System.”
Of the graduating cohort, Cole Morris and Angel Mak are two of only four individuals out of all the applicants from across the world who were accepted into LEAD, a prestigious mentorship program through the American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Psychology designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in clinical psychology. The others are well on their way to contributing to the field of psychology, with plans including working in a state correctional inpatient facility, working in intensive children’s program, setting up private practice, and focusing on education and advocacy efforts.
“Our last cohort of interns were able to both assist and challenge each other, stepping out of their comfort zone to really grow,” Dr. Goranson says. “Our training committee is so proud. It is so humbling to watch them grow and be supported by this organization.”
The Rogers internship serves as the culminating set of clinical experiences of a doctoral student’s graduate program. Taking on the 40-hour-per-week job, Rogers interns not only get hands on training, but they can also share their unique skillsets and knowledge. Additionally, interns give back to the community, including by working with organizations such as Journey 21, Walkers Point Youth and Family Center, and Carroll University.
“We are instilling in them that as psychologists at Rogers and in the world, we don’t just sit at our desks,” Dr. Goranson says. “It is so critical we teach them to contribute.”
Another important lesson, she says, is ensuring interns intentionally focus on finding work/life balance.
“We teach them that when you go home, you must live your life, because if you don’t, you will burn out,” Dr. Goranson says. “Having a life that is rich and full supports you during your work week, too.”
With each group of interns, Dr. Goranson notes how meaningful it is to make new connections.
“Our interns keep in touch with us over the years. Many of our interns over the years have stayed with us at Rogers. To watch them be a fully immersed member of our staff gives us on the training committee great pride,” Dr. Goranson says. “We have such a solid training committee, and every single one of our supervisors is actively involved in the process and aligned with our value system to ensure we provide the best training possible.”
