Walla Walla University encourages students to not only study and learn in classrooms, but to be equipped, inspired, and prepared to positively impact their world by gaining real world experience through internships. Adam Nakamura, senior strategic communication major, decided to unite his hands-on learning requirement with an act of service. 

Last year, Nakamura heard that a free medical, dental, and vision clinic in Portland, Oregon, needed help recruiting volunteers and promoting their ministry. The Impact Your Health Portland annual clinic offers free healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured, as well as to refugees, immigrants, and homeless. Eager to join their mission, Nakamura stepped up to serve as their public relations director. 

Over the course of several months, Nakamura applied skills learned in class to connect with the local community. “WWU's classes definitely played a major part in guiding me in this internship,” Nakamura revealed. “They helped me through website optimization, social media management, drafting, submitting press releases, and much more.”

Nakamura said he learned the importance of knowing your audience, having clear expectations within a team, and problem solving when directions were unclear. He hopes to apply these skills to a career in the humanitarian aid sector or as a freelance public relations writer. 

To suggest an internship opportunity or to learn more about the university’s internship program, visit wallawalla.edu/internships.