Mia George is a Junior at the University of Connecticut studying Allied Health Sciences, with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. Mia was recently an Office Coordinator intern at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Here is a glimpse of how this internship helped Mia enhance her professional development.
What was the interview process like?
Mia George: The first step of the interview process was a phone interview where I was asked about my education and experiences and the interviewer told me about the next steps. Then, I was contacted about setting up an in-person interview in New York a few weeks later. At the in-person interview, I was asked a series of approximately 6 behavioral-style questions. I heard back from Memorial Sloan Kettering about being accepted for the position around a month later.
What were some of the projects you worked on?
MG: Throughout the summer, I worked on a countless number of different projects. Every week, I was responsible for creating pre-clinic summaries for doctors, submitting pathology slides and radiology films, and providing office phone coverage to schedule tests, appointments, and procedures for patients.
How would you describe the company culture?
MG: I would describe the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center culture as very collaborative and innovative. Everything that is done within the hospital is a team effort. Every day, I would constantly work with different members of the clinical teams to help care for the patients. Additionally, Memorial Sloan Kettering is a research facility, so there are constantly new ways that both the administration and the clinics are being improved.
What was the most meaningful aspect of your experience?
MG: The most meaningful aspect of my experience was the impact I had on the patients and their families. Even when I was doing work that seemed small or insignificant, my contributions were meaningful and I was actually making a difference to help coordinate anything a patient needed, overall bettering their experience with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
What advice would you have for an intern coming into that position/ a similar role?
MG: My advice for an incoming intern in a similar position would be to be very flexible and ready to learn in any situation. The unexpected will always happen, especially when dealing with patients in healthcare, so it’s important to be willing to work through any issues that may arise.
What are your plans for after graduation?
MG: After I graduate in May 2021, I plan to work for a few years before pursuing either a Master’s in Public Health or Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
