by DeJa Bunyan
Students at Virginia Union University are continuing to gain hands-on experience in the workforce through enriching internship opportunities. Alexis Truman, a VUU Mass Communications student and native of Richmond, is interning at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, Virginia, that manages the nation's organ transplant system.
After seeing the organization's impact on the Richmond community, Alexis first heard of UNOS and wanted to apply for an internship.
As an intern, Alexis is active in various organizational initiatives and projects. She has played a pivotal role in conducting interviews to start a blog highlighting Senior Leadership Team members (SLT). Another project included establishing an intern spotlight for UNOS' social media channels.
"This weekly spotlight showcased each intern, allowing them to share their backgrounds and knowledge," Truman said. "Interns also had the chance to have professional headshots taken."
Truman's day-to-day tasks included collaborating with various departments to contribute to the development of new internal SharePoint sites. She also participated in regular meetings to discuss project progress, provide updates, and gather feedback.
"I have acquired valuable skills in event planning, interviewing, fostering collaboration with various departments, and honing my abilities in website content development," she added.
Her background as a communications student from VUU has prepared her for an internship at UNOS, strengthening her understanding of the critical role public relations plays in organ transplant management.
"I decided to attend VUU due to the abundance of opportunities open to students and the exceptional academic offerings," Truman said.
UNOS works tirelessly to match donated organs with individuals on the national transplant waiting list, ensuring fairness and efficiency in organ allocation. UNOS' efforts have transformed countless lives and provided hope to patients and their families.
"Working alongside the dedicated professionals at UNOS has been an immensely rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of saving lives through organ donation and transplantation."
After graduation, Alexis plans to pursue a master's in public health (MPH) to further her expertise in healthcare communications, focusing on initiatives to enhance health outcomes in underserved communities.