Notes from the Field: Stephanie Brown '16

Student Intern: Stephanie Brown '16

Internship Organization:
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP)

How would you describe your employer in one paragraph? What’s the elevator pitch?
ARHP is a non-profit organization that produces journal articles, live sessions, webinars and clinical minutes regarding reproductive health and its impact on our lives. AHRP works closely with other reproductive health non-profits and NGO's to formally accredit providers (nurses, doctors, physicians assistants, etc.) with continuing education about reproductive health.

What are your specific responsibilities in the organization?
I am the education and policy intern; since the organization is medically based, I am tasked with keeping the organization up to date on relevant health policy. I analyze policy statements and write reports to inform the staff and thus the ARHP website.

How did you feel on the first day of your internship?
The staff was extremely welcoming. It is a small office so they took me to a two-hour lunch on the first day so everyone could introduce themselves to me.

What is your favorite part of the internship so far?
ARHP provided me the opportunity to attend the Planned Parenthood Generation Action conference where I saw Senators Elizabeth Warren and Barbara Boxer speak about women's health issues. It was really amazing to hear some of my role models speak directly to what I am most passionate about.

What challenges have you faced so far?
After writing my first report, my boss provided feedback that I was too aggressive and wasn't writing in a professional manner. I took the criticism harder then expected, but my boss allowed me to rewrite the report, which allowed me to see the difference academic papers and professional reports.

Broadly speaking, what do you hope to achieve by the end of your internship?
I hope that I learn how to write more concisely, while still being thorough. I have also been working on a page for the website, so I hope that gets published!

What have been some practical lessons you've learned in the day-to-day life of your internship?
The metro is a nightmare at 5 PM, so I recommend the bus. Also I try to walk around the office at least once an hour, especially on days without meetings. If you are in DC I highly recommend exploring the monuments at night! Additionally, my boss signed me up for a weekly intern lunch called Sex and Politics in the Capital City that I highly recommend, especially if you are interested in Women's Health. Lastly, reach out to your bosses, in most cases they want you to get the most out of your internship as possible!