Meet Kimberly, Medicine at Johns Hopkins Through Social Media Internship

During many years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Johns Hopkins University, I met talented students who supported the daily operation of a complex and busy office. Kimberly Hilson was one of those gifted students and she is now a senior at Johns Hopkins University, which is also a Summer Program partner with the Joyce Ivy Foundation. Kimmy approached Johns Hopkins Medicine to locate an on campus internship for the summer between her junior and senior years of college. Her thoughts about the value of on campus internships follow:

• Why did an on campus internship appeal to you?

I was excited to complete this internship at Johns Hopkins Medicine because it was interesting as an undergraduate to view Johns Hopkins University from somewhat of an “outsider” perspective. The Johns Hopkins institution is incredible and very multi-faceted, so I enjoyed the new perspective. 

• When did you begin your internship application process?

I began my application process in February of 2013. I emailed a contact who I had made from an internship search for the summer of 2012 to inquire about what positions might be available in the summer of 2013. She put me in contact with the internship coordinator, and I completed the application. After interviewing with some of the people from the department in April, I accepted the internship offer in late April/early May. I began working the day after Memorial Day.

• What was the nature of your internship? Where did you work within the university?

My internship was in the Marketing and Communications Department within Johns Hopkins Medicine. Specifically, I worked with the internet marketing manager and various specialists. I learned so much about what goes into internet marketing and social media. It was such an exciting opportunity and I learned valuable skills and strategies.

• How did the internship prepare you for your career goals?

My internship at Johns Hopkins Medicine has definitely prepared me for my career goals, and I learned so much that I am certain it will have a strong impact on whatever career I end up pursuing. During my internship, I was treated like a "real person” and I attended various meetings, worked on various projects with numerous members of the team, and I had the opportunity to work independently on projects. I have always had a strong interest in marketing and this internship definitely opened my eyes to areas in marketing careers which exist at a complex institution. I specifically learned how the internet and social media platforms play integral roles in marketing campaigns. This is a strong area of interest for me so the experiences were extremely helpful and rewarding. I strongly encourage high school and college students to consider adding several internship experiences to their resumes! The "real" experience is extremely helpful in declaring a college major or creating an interdisciplinary major and the practical work experience is great professional training.