For ten weeks, 60 summer interns from 36 colleges and universities nationwide received hands-on learning and training through NECC’s award-winning programs. For two of NECC’s summer interns, this summer helped them realize the potential the field of autism education holds.
Needham, MA native Lily Klein was looking for a meaningful summer internship in the area of her psychology major before she entered her senior year at Syracuse University. When she discovered the first-hand experience offered to summer interns at NECC, she was energized for an “incomparable” experience that would help shed light on what she’d like to do after graduation.
“I have always known I wanted to work with people in a field that is making a difference, however, I often find myself struggling to decide the specific avenue I want to pursue,” she said. “After learning about NECC, I was optimistic that not only would I be able to gain a unique experience working within such a great organization, but that I would also be able to gain more clarity regarding my future potential career decisions. As my summer internship is unfortunately coming to an end, I can say with absolute certainty that not only has NECC helped provide me with this clarity but that it also has exceeded all expectations I had coming into this internship.”
Klein explained that she learned a tremendous amount over the past several weeks and grew both personally and professionally. In fact, many of her previous anxieties about what the future looks like have been replaced with optimism.
“What I found to be so unique and special about NECC’s intern experience were the constant opportunities for growth created for the staff, interns, and students alike,” she said, citing the seminars designed for summer interns to learn more about NECC, the significance of their work, the life-changing research being conducted, and more. “Everyone’s passion for what they do and their care for the students are incredibly contagious and create a fun and welcoming environment.”
Klein shared that working at NECC this summer was “lifechanging,” and she has discovered a desire to continue working within the autism community. “I have developed a real enthusiasm for what this field can and is accomplishing. I will carry everything I have learned with me into this upcoming school year, accompanied by a newfound passion for NECC and the kind and caring community I have been fortunate enough to grow with, and the support I will have as I move forward.”
For Amy Shanahan, this was her second summer interning at NECC. The Marlborough, MA, resident and biochemistry major at Hamilton College spent last summer working on a residential team. She was inspired by the rewarding educational experience to return this summer to gain a different perspective of NECC, this time interning with Cohort B on the IIP team.
“I was hoping to learn more about applied behavior analysis and how it operates in practice,” said Shanahan. “And I was definitely given ample opportunity to learn and observe this. The work being done at NECC is incredible and getting to play a role in that has been a great experience.”
She shared that her biggest takeaway from the summer was witnessing “that teamwork and cooperation are essential to the success of the work being done here. People collaborate across all teams and departments at NECC, and I have learned how important it is to be able to communicate and work together with my coworkers for the success of our students.”
According to Shanahan, these are important skills that can be transferred to almost any career, including her desired profession, which isn’t teaching. She plans to pursue a degree in medicine, with the goal of specializing in and working with children with autism.
“It was so special to watch the students I work with learn and grow so much over just the summer,” she shared. “My favorite part of the internship was the bonds I formed both with the students and staff at NECC. It is a great environment, and I will always be grateful for my time at NECC and this opportunity!”
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 edition of Insight.