Carrie Rishell, 2014 WVU SEP graduate, is adding new skills to her resume through an internship with the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
“My main job at the President’s Council is to assist with whatever is necessary. Recently, that was planning the Eggtivity Zone which was one of the activities at the White House Easter Egg Roll this year. I help with logistical things like preparing documents and scheduling as well as planning some portions of events,” she explained.
In addition to event planning, Rishell, a current George Washington University graduate student, writes blog posts and prepares other messaging distributed via social media. She researches a variety of topics to maintain current, accurate information.
Rishell believes the internship will be extremely helpful and is thankful for the opportunity. “I think the most valuable experience that I have gained so far from working with the Council is a much better understanding of the importance of communication materials and event planning,” she said.
Rishell is grateful for her time at WVU and credits campus life and faculty support for her success. “There is no way that I would be where I am if it were not for WVU. I learned so much from my classes and other experiences at WVU.”
“WVU gave me the opportunity to explore my many interests and piece together how they might fit into one cohesive career that I would truly love. It also provided me with excellent mentors who were able to help me figure out what I might be capable of doing with my life,” she said.
CPASS mentors played an important role. “Dean Brooks was my advisor and was always willing to sit down with me and take a look at my schedule. Dr. Zizzi was my professor for two courses that were very important to me as well as a mentor outside the classroom.
“Finally, Dr. Clement was there for me throughout my entire WVU journey. I got to know him initially when I became a member of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Club and then worked with him even more as I took on the role of community service coordinator and then club president,” Rishell explained.
Rishell plans to graduate in May 2016 and will begin her job search.
“My main plan after graduation is to begin working. I would love to find a job where I can work with children and help encourage them to be active and healthy. However, in a more general sense, I am looking for a career where I can begin to apply everything I have learned about health and wellbeing and help others to lead healthier lives,” Rishell concluded.