Building Skills, Rebuilding Confidence: What I Gained from a Summer Internship

Before beginning my internship with the National Diaper Bank Network and Alliance for Period Supplies, I felt excited but also uncertain. While I entered the experience with strong research training, I was still carrying some of the self-doubt that had accumulated during graduate school. I expected the work to feel like a continuation of my academic training, but I quickly realized that stepping into a new organizational environment required a different kind of confidence and adaptability. Learning how to position myself professionally and understand where my skills could be most useful took time and intention. 

Early on, I had to navigate a steep learning curve. I learned how to ask thoughtful questions, balance initiative with listening, and adjust to new expectations. There were moments of uncertainty, but those moments ultimately helped me rebuild the confidence that I had lost during graduate training. Through consistent feedback and support, I began to trust my judgment again and gained clarity around my strengths. I became more comfortable contributing ideas, taking ownership of projects, and engaging more fully in collaborative work.

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One of the most meaningful realizations during this experience was recognizing my ability to translate complex research into accessible insights for diverse audiences. Communicating effectively with advocates, public health practitioners, and nonprofit leaders reinforced my interest in applied, impact-driven work. This skill became central to my contributions and helped me better understand the role I want to play as a researcher working at the intersection of evidence and practice.

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A defining aspect of this experience was the mentorship I received from my supervisor, Dr. Kelley Massengale. Dr. Massengale created an environment grounded in trust, curiosity, and support. She consistently encouraged growth, asked thoughtful questions, and modeled what it looks like to lead with both rigor and empathy. Her mentorship played a critical role in helping me rebuild confidence in my abilities and see myself as a capable and valued contributor. Observing how she navigated challenges while remaining grounded in purpose had a lasting impact on how I approach my work. She modeled what it means to lead with clarity, generosity, and integrity, and demonstrated how meaningful mentorship extends beyond formal roles or timelines. That example has deeply influenced how I think about mentorship and how I hope to show up for others in the future.

As I move forward, I do so with a renewed sense of confidence and direction. This experience not only strengthened my skills in research, communication, and collaboration but also directly supported my ability to secure my current position by helping me articulate my strengths and professional identity with clarity. The Summer Internship Fellowship made this experience possible by providing me with funding. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support I received and continue to carry these lessons with me as I grow in my career.

AUTHOR

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Kels Bowman, Ph.D.

Recent Ph.D. graduate, Public Policy Studies

Kels Bowman, Ph.D. focuses on public policy with a particular interest in state-level policymaking and its impact on child and family wellbeing. Her research primarily explores period product insecurity and poverty, emphasizing developing innovative measures to assess and address these issues. Kels is passionate about the role of states as laboratories of democracy, investigating how state policies can serve as models for broader national strategies. She is now director of data and analytics with Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center.