By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

This week: Kaile Alford

How do you know you want to do something … before you actually get a chance to do it?

It's the age-old college question. Further, how does a student know they’re interested in an occupation when they’ve never had a chance to try it? And what should happen if they finally get a chance to try the job they’re interested in, only to realize they hate it?

It’s one of the great benefits of interning, say College of Health Sciences students. As an intern, you can practice what you are interested in, to see if a job is right for you.

Meet Kaile Alford, a 19-year-old junior in Clinical Leadership and Management student from Murfreesboro, Tenn. She says she’s found her passion.

“I am working as an intern with Novartis Pharmaceuticals,” she says. “I am a Sales Representative in the Neuroscience department, informing clinicians about Mayzent and Kesimpta (two Multiple Sclerosis products). I got this internship by applying during winter break through the Novartis website.”

She’s been busy this summer doing product training and sales approach training.

She also participated in field rides with an Executive Territory Account Specialist and observed them talk with the physician about their product.

‘’I have had one-on-one conversations with many individuals within the company to learn more about their roles and their journeys, and I have been able to get a lot of great advice through these one-on-ones,” she adds.

From a broader perspective, she is also working on a project focused on how Novartis can help close the health equity gap.

“I love my internship so much,” she says. “I love it because I am learning so much through this opportunity. I am getting an insight and real perspective of what I want to do as my future career. I have been able to meet so many great people and work alongside them.”

For Alford, this reinforces why all students should intern.

“It is a great idea because through an internship opportunity you are able to learn tremendously, grow as a person, sharpen your skills, and you’re able to network with many people you probably wouldn't have been able to without the internship. Having an internship can be very important to help find your passion or ensure your passion before entering into the workforce.”

In the Clinical Leadership and Management department, Kaile says there is a strong emphasis placed on interning — and that, paired together with classroom experience, can give students a full picture of what the professions are like.

It’s just another way that getting your degree in the College of Health Sciences sets you apart, she says.

Each week we'll feature another student who is participating in a summer internship.