Emily Bourassa ’18 is a Family Studies major and Gerontology minor at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ). In the spring of 2018, she interned at Hartford Hospital’s Cedar Mountain Commons – a nonprofit independent and assisted living retirement community –
located in Newington, Conn.
Bourassa’s internship experience allowed her to apply concepts and principles learned in the classroom to a business environment. Her primary responsibility was to assist the Director of Operations in day-to-day activities such as grant writing, management, and interaction with residents and their family members.
“I’ve learned a lot from my internship classes and professors. From grant writing to facility operations and the skills taught in my Seminar on Aging course, I feel prepared for a career after graduation. I hope to work with children or seniors in a non-profit to promote overall health and well-being,” said Bourassa.
This isn’t Bourassa’s first internship. In the fall of 2017, she interned at the Alzheimer’s Association where she presented at local health fairs and assisted in event logistics. Bourassa was proud to assist in the Litchfield Walk to End Alzheimer’s last September, where she was able to network and gain knowledge in her field.
Experiential learning gives students the opportunity to learn through first-hand experience. At USJ, students are encouraged every day to network and acquire skills outside of the classroom. USJ continues to provide an environment that pushes students to excel in their desired field through experience and observation.
Learn more about internships at USJ.