Service-learning co-op leads to meaningful full-time job for UC grad
Ryley Jones came to the University of Cincinnati to study nursing but discovered in her first year that she didn’t like the major.
“I was good at science, but I wasn’t super passionate about it. I was interested in health care and in helping people, but I was more interested in the communication aspect,” she says.
With nursing off the table, Ryley had to pivot quickly. Through an exploratory course, she discovered UC’s health promotion and education program, which focuses on using public education campaigns to promote healthy choices. Jones hadn’t known such a thing existed, but she says “it was exactly what I was looking for.”
Health promotion and education major Ryley Jones credits UC’s Service-Learning Co-op program with helping her land a professional job in her field upon graduation. Photo/provided
Jones knew that the program required a 400-hour internship during her senior year. Internships in this field are often unpaid. She wondered how she could juggle classes, a job at Starbucks and an internship at the same time.
Then she found out about UC’s Service-Learning Co-op program, which provides funding to nonprofits to pay interns. This meant she could trade her Starbucks job for one that aligned with her career goals instead of just earning money.
With a referral from UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services associate professor Amanda Lynch, Jones secured an internship with local health education organization PreventionFIRST. The position would be paid thanks to UC’s Service-Learning Co-op program, which is helping to make paid, major-related work experience available to every baccalaureate student as part of UC’s Next Lives Here strategic direction.
I would encourage every student to take advantage of the Service-Learning Co-op program if they can.
Ryley Jones, UC student
In addition, during her internship Jones took a reflection course that “solidified everything for me. The most helpful part of the course was taking the interest, strengths and personality tests. It helped me know that I had made the right decision and that this is where I fit in.”
With that confidence, Jones started a full-time job as a program coordinator with PreventionFIRST last month, just a week after she graduated.
Grateful for how UC helped her find — and fund — her path toward a fulfilling career, Jones says, “I would encourage every student to take advantage of the Service-Learning Co-op program if they can.”
Featured image at top: Ryley Jones, center, with PreventionFIRST colleagues Julia Kyser, left, and Marisa Detore at the organization’s 25th annual awards luncheon and fundraiser in April 2022. Photo/Provided.
Become a Bearcat
- Learn more about Service-Learning Co-op
- Explore public health programs at UC
- Schedule a campus visit
Related Stories
Carnegie Foundation recognizes UC with Leadership for Public...
June 24, 2024
UC part of inaugural group honored for focusing on developing students as leaders
UC completes $85 million renovation of key residence hall
June 24, 2024
After 18 months of renovation, Siddall Hall will re-open for UC students in August, offering 500 beds on 12 floors of residence hall space. The 112,000 square-foot residence hall will offer new amenities including at ground level 5,000 square feet of fitness space, along with common laundry, common kitchenette and lounge space. Local media got a sneak peek of an updated Siddall Hall.
Environmental engineer researches water treatment solutions
June 21, 2024
Katelin “Katie” Weitzel was first drawn to the University of Cincinnati by the esteemed College of Engineering and Applied Science, but her decision was solidified by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Dionysios Dionysiou in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Weitzel’s interest in water treatment came from growing up in Michigan and witnessing firsthand the impact of a water crisis. During her time at UC she has been awarded the Rindsberg Fellowship, a Graduate Student Award in Environmental Chemistry, and recently was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by CEAS.