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Symposium

Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education

Creating an Age-Savvy Workforce Through Gerontological Internships

Thursday, November 9, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
Location: Room 125

The disconnect between age and work demographics is well-known. Less understood is how to create an age-savvy workforce prepared to meet the diverse needs of a rapidly aging population. To date, considerable research has focused on: (1) Are current and future professionals interested in working with older adults (e.g., King et al., 2013) (2) Does "exposing" current and future professionals to aging content increase their interest in working with older adults (e.g., Gutheil, et al, 2009); and (3) What impact do direct intergenerational experiences have on student attitudes and desires to work with older adults (e.g., Gorelik, et al., 2000)? The results of these studies are mixed, suggesting additional elements be considered, such as the quality and outcomes of the experience. This symposium considers the nature, role, and challenges of internship, practicum, and field work experiences from a range of perspectives. First, Dr. Laura Donorfio introduces the components of internships as they relate to workforce development. Next, Dr. Rona Karasik provides a faculty perspective on intergenerational internships. Third, Dr. Phyllis Greenberg and Jodi Danielson offer insight into the agency and preceptor perspective. Forth, Jessica VanderWerf presents a gerontology student’s perspective. Fifth, Camryn Hafner shares the perspective of a student from outside of gerontology – in this case, drama therapy. Finally, moderator and discussant Dr. Marilyn Gugliucci synthesizes the presentation findings and reflects on the promise of gerontological internships to develop professionals both within and outside of gerontology to best meet the demographic reality of the next 30 - 50 years.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the components, benefits and challenges of internships, practicum and field work with older adults
  • Compare student, faculty, and agency perspectives on gerontology internships, practicum, and field work
  • Discuss benefits and challenges of gerontology internships, practicum, and field work

Presentations:

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
    The Value of Internships in Creating an Age-Savvy Workforce

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Laura K.M Donorfio, PhD, FAGHE (she/her/hers) – University of Connecticut

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
    Gerontology Internships, Practicum, and Field Work From a Faculty Perspective

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Rona J. Karasik, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA (she/her/hers) – Saint Cloud State University

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
    What Works and What Is Missing: A Preceptor and Agency Perspective

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Phyllis A. Greenberg, MPA, PhD FAGHE (she/her/hers) – St. Cloud State University

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
    Traditional and Nontraditional Internships: A Gerontology Student's Perspective

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jessica VanderWerf, BA, MS (they/them/theirs) – University of South Florida

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
    Ready or Not: A Drama Therapy Student's Perspective on Working With Older Adults

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Camryn Hafner, BA (she/her/hers) – New York University