BEVERLY, Mass. -  Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Taylor Jordan (Saco, Maine), who is a senior on the women's track & field team, is currently interning at Boston College (NCAA DI). Here's a look into Jordan's experience as a strength and conditioning intern with the Eagles.

1.) ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience?

JORDAN: My internship at Boston College working with their athletes in the strength and conditioning department has been an amazing learning experience so far. The strength & conditioning coaches have been so helpful and have taught me a lot. They want to be sure that I leave each day getting the most out of my time there.

2.) ECGULLS: What have you learned at your internship?

JORDAN: Getting to work at one of the top Division I schools in the country is allowing me to see what type of strength and conditioning programs are created to help an athlete at this top-level condition their bodies for the specific sports that they play. Gaining perspective on every aspect of the job in a college weight room is giving me knowledge and experience I wouldn't have had otherwise.

3.) ECGULLS: What are some changes you've had to adjust to with COVID being in the strength & conditioning field right now?

JORDAN: COVID has been the biggest challenge in terms of scheduling the workouts so that social distancing standards can be met. BC is a big campus and was able to expand its weight rooms to more than one location throughout their sports complex. After every lift or any time an athlete completes their workout, one of my responsibilities is to clean all the equipment that was used. This completely sanitizes it for the next athlete. Wearing a mask for eight hours a day did take some getting used to.

4.) ECGULLS: How will this internship help you prepare for post-graduation?

JORDAN: From observing how programs are created for specific sports teams, to running tests, evaluations, coaching, and communicating with the athlete during their workouts, I am learning every aspect of the job. I am getting a true view of what a typical day would look like in a college weight room. The experiences I'm getting by being here every day will give me the confidence I need when I am eventually working in the real world.

5.) ECGULLS: Any specific memories that have stuck with you throughout your internship?

JORDAN: It's hard to pinpoint one experience that sticks out so far, but I would say that every day when I leave I have learned something new. Whether it's about a strength and conditioning program, an athlete coming back after an injury, or communication, it's something that only real-world experience would teach me.

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

• Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
• Develop competencies for careers and community service
• Explore career options and gain field experience
• Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
• Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

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