James Addison '21

1.) What are some skills/competencies (NACE) that you developed during your internship?

During my time at UMass Medical School as a clinical research intern, I have learned a surplus of vital skills and habits needed in the field of research. I created a research experiment and got first hand experience on the IRB process along with setting up meetings with other coworkers. Despite being a virtual internship, I maintained professional relationships and friendships with the research team. Working efficiency with a team is a very rewarding experience and was a skill I strongly developed during my internship.

2.) How does this experience connect to your future career goals?

This experience is needed as an introduction in a potential future career. As a pre-health professions student, I appreciated the rigour and academic demand this internship brought me. This experience has bettered me as a person as-well, working in the field of psychiatry is very interesting and eye-opening. I will see myself in the future using the skills I’ve developed, such as working with a team or conducting clinical research.

3.) What advice would you give to other Holy Cross students?

UMass Medical School offers great educational and professional opportunities for motivated student and it is a very rewarding feeling. Reach out to people and make connections, it will make the whole process easier and more comfortable. Conducting research may be a tedious task at some points in time but in the long-run it will be rewarding and you will benefit the scientific community.