For Allied Health students, an internship provided experiences ‘that just can’t be taught’.

When Jiannah Paulino ’26 (CAHNR) and Jayline Steiding ’26 (CAHNR) came to UConn in the fall of 2022, the Allied Health Sciences major had never crossed their minds. Now, as they prepare to graduate from the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and pursue careers in health care, they look back on their studies in allied health as the key to their passions.

Both seniors knew they wanted to work in health, and their studies and internship opportunities began to introduce them to the many career paths they could pursue. Paulino and Steiding have collaborated on two internship projects that have prepared them for a future in health care.

This past January, Paulino and Steiding traveled to Panama with VAW Global Health Alliances, where they joined local medical clinics to provide and serve for underdeveloped communities.

This internship offered students clinical exposure, and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global health equity while developing your own professional skills in real-world settings.

“I want to go into health care to fulfill my desire to help people, and this trip gave me the opportunity to provide medical support and see how health care differs in other countries,” says Steiding. “It motivated my interest in health care and my passion for volunteering. There are so many people that need health care access, and I want to use my skills and be part of that.”

Read the full article on UConn Today.