Student Name
Ryan Godwin, BSW, Newton, Mississippi
Agency Name / City / Semester
Institute for Disability Studies / Hattiesburg / Fall 2018
What are your responsibilities as an intern?
As an intern at IDS, I am responsible for keeping thorough notes regarding each client visit, reviewing client files for errors or missing forms, making copies of important documentation, and assisting the caseworker during home visits and inspections.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
The people that I work beside every day are the best part about this internship because they make me feel comfortable and confident while learning the ropes of this agency. They are so easy to talk to, and I know I can ask any questions that I need to in order to gain a better understanding of the task at hand.
What are the most important things you’ve learned as an intern?
I have learned the true importance of thorough documentation. Being precise and consistent within your documentation is critical to being a successful social worker. I have also learned about the value of the client/worker relationship and what building good rapport actually looks like.
How do you balance your internship hours and other responsibilities?
I write everything down in my calendar and plan each week ahead of time. If I don’t write it down, I won’t remember it!
What is your advice to future interns so they can be successful?
Be open-minded. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Take initiative and ask lots and lots of questions.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I would like to be accepted into the MSW program here at USM. I would also like to take the licensure exam and begin working at a local agency.
Ryan’s experience in his own words:
I have been interning at IDS for a little over a month now and my experience here has already been nothing short of amazing. I am surrounded by hard-working, compassionate people who are eager to help me understand what it means to be an outstanding social worker. Anytime I have any questions, I know that I have reliable people that I can ask for guidance. Interning at IDS has provided me with a comfortable yet challenging learning environment where I truly feel as though I am being prepared for my future as a social worker.
In just one short month, I have gotten hands-on experience with real clients and real situations. I have been guided and coached through the interview and assessment process. I am continuing to learn about the forms and paperwork that must be completed with each client. This internship has given me an opportunity to build my network by connecting me with multiple agencies and organizations throughout various counties in Mississippi. I could not be more grateful for my field placement at IDS and I am so excited about what I will learn in the months ahead.
The Southern Miss School of Social Work 