My Career Journey

I applied for the WorkU Program in the Spring of 2025 as a junior at Boise State University, eager to gain hands-on experience in the field of psychology beyond the classroom. Sunderlin Behavioral stood out to me because it is a family-owned company dedicated to helping individuals through Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) therapy. Before this internship, I had little background in ABA therapy, which motivated me to learn more. I was excited to challenge myself with a new experience in a professional environment.

During my initial meeting with my mentor, Yrenka, she emphasized that the value of this internship would depend on the effort I put into it. She explained that interns who used their time wisely had the most rewarding experiences. Taking this advice to heart, I fully engaged in my role and embraced every learning opportunity.

Throughout my internship at Sunderlin, I helped plan activities that promote social interaction among children, learned to take ABA paper data, and ran specific client programs. At the same time, I was completing the RBT training online. Although there were challenging moments, the meaningful connections I developed with each child was rewarding. I gained an appreciation for the dedication and patience required to be a successful Registered Behavior Technician.

As I approach my senior year of college, I will carry the valuable knowledge and skills I have gained from this internship into my future career. I plan to apply to graduate school next year to pursue a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. This internship has equipped me with professional experience, critical thinking abilities, and interpersonal skills that will help shape my career. Ultimately, I hope to work in marriage and family therapy, supporting adolescents and adults on their mental health journeys.