Human Development and Family Science Program Emphasizes Real-World Experience
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science are required to complete an internship before graduation, a cornerstone of the program that bridges classroom theory with hands-on practice. Faculty say the experience is designed to prepare graduates for careers in human services, education, counseling, and related fields by immersing them in professional environments where they can apply what they’ve learned.
The internship offers students the chance to step outside the classroom and into settings such as child development centers, family resource agencies, hospitals, and community outreach programs. Under the guidance of both a site supervisor and our Internship Coordinator, Robin Anderson (pictured left), students gain practical skills in communication, case management, and program development while also building valuable professional connections.
Beyond technical skills, the internship fosters personal growth. Students often report that working directly with individuals and families deepens their empathy, strengthens their cultural competence, and sharpens their problem-solving abilities. Reflection is built into the experience as well, with journals, reports, and presentations encouraging students to connect their fieldwork with academic concepts.
By the end of the semester-long requirement, graduates leave with more than just credit hours. They carry portfolios of professional experiences, a clearer sense of career direction, and the confidence to work with diverse populations. For many, the internship becomes the defining moment of their undergraduate journey, shaping not only their future careers but also their understanding of the communities they will serve.
Two such students who are carrying the torch are Madison Hogeveen (left) and Leeann New (right).
Madison’s internship experience has been both transformative and affirming of her passion for working with children and families. Initially drawn to the HDFS major through years of coaching, nannying, and teaching swim lessons, she found the internship to be an invaluable extension of that commitment. Though she first felt hesitant about the required hours, the hands-on work quickly became one of the most rewarding aspects of her college journey, allowing her to build meaningful connections and gain practical skills in a real-world setting. At Kids Place, Madison thrived in a supportive environment alongside peers, caring deeply for the children she served while balancing coursework and employment. The flexibility and elementary school setting aligned perfectly with her long-term goal of becoming a school psychologist, giving her exposure to diverse families and needs that will strengthen her path toward graduate school. Ultimately, the internship confirmed that she is exactly where she is meant to be, and her dedication has been recognized with an offer to continue employment at Kids Place next semester while she completes her undergraduate degree and applies for her graduate programs to gain her Ed.S. in school psychology.
Leeann’s internship experience has been a deeply rewarding extension of her passion for supporting the whole child. Drawn to HDFS for its emphasis on children’s well-being, identities, and relationships, she approached the internship with excitement and a clear vision of the kind of work she hoped to pursue. Serving with AmeriCorps through the Emerald Youth Foundation’s JustLead program, Leeann chose this site because of her prior involvement and the strong relationships she had already built with the children and families. Returning allowed her to take on greater responsibilities, refine her professional skills, and grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated, ultimately strengthening her commitment to the field. The internship not only affirmed her career direction but also provided clarity about the impact she wants to make in the future. Her dedication was recognized with an offer of employment at her site, a meaningful validation of her hard work and the value she brought to the program.
Together, Madison and Leeann’s journeys highlight the profound impact of the internship experience in Human Development and Family Science. More than a graduation requirement, the internship serves as a bridge between passion and profession, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and clarity to pursue meaningful careers in service to children and families. Their stories demonstrate how hands-on learning not only strengthens professional readiness but also nurtures personal growth, affirming that the internship is a defining chapter in the undergraduate experience—one that shapes both future careers and the communities these graduates will continue to uplift. We are proud of our students for carrying forward their Volunteer spirit, and we look forward to seeing all of them continue to thrive and make a lasting difference in the lives they touch.
For more information on our Human Development and Family Science Undergraduate degree, click here.
Check out this link for more information on our internship and a list of our internship placement options under “Community Placement: 480N.”