USCB Students Gain Experience Helping Others Through South Carolina Internship Program
Five University of South Carolina Beaufort students spent their summer gaining professional experience through internships with organizations across South Carolina — from healthcare and human services to nonprofit advocacy and community philanthropy.
These students were chosen to participate in the South Carolina Internship Program, a statewide initiative of the University of South Carolina that provides financial support to undergraduate students completing internships with South Carolina-based employers. The program provides $3,000 financial supplements to eligible students who complete qualifying in-person internships or co-ops with South Carolina employers during Summer 2026. Designed to support workforce development in high-demand industries, the program prioritizes opportunities in fields such as health and life sciences, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy, financial services, and other high-priority occupations across the state.
Their internships offered opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional skills, and to make an impact by helping others.
Dominique Dotson interned at Piedmont Post-Acute near Greenville, SC.
Dominique Dotson: Advocating for Person-Centered Care
Human Services major Dominique Dotson's internship at Piedmont Post-Acute provided insight into the daily operations of a skilled nursing facility and the importance of compassionate, person-centered care.
Dotson assisted with case management, emotional support, family intervention, inventory, facility supervision and management, and customer service. The experience introduced her to the extensive documentation and regulatory requirements in healthcare settings, including in admissions, care coordination, inventory, discharge and wages.
Dotson developed skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, communication and teamwork through participation in staff meetings and interactions with residents, families and employees.
“My favorite moments had nothing to do with the business side of social work and everything to do with client-centered human services," Dotson said. “Human service workers are more than just workers; they are empathic people.”
Dotson was inspired by the meaningful relationships her supervisor built with her team and those that staff members formed with residents, including helping celebrate personal milestones, reconnect with family members and transition to new chapters in their lives.
“This explains what human services is about,” Dotson said.
Shehzeen Muqri provided information during community
events as part of her internship at NAMI Greenville.
Shehzeen Muqri: Promoting Mental Health Awareness
Human Services major Shehzeen Muqri spent the summer learning about mental health advocacy and nonprofit operations through an internship with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greenville.
As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization, NAMI works to provide education, support and advocacy while reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Through the internship, Muqri gained an inside look at community outreach efforts and the behind-the-scenes work required to operate a nonprofit organization.
Muqri also completed facilitator training to lead conversation groups for South Asian communities through NAMI’s Chai and Chat program, part of the organization’s Sharing Hope series. The initiative focuses on providing mental health education, support and resources to communities that have historically been underserved.
“This program is geared toward providing support and resources to underrepresented and underserved communities,” Muqri said. “It was an honor and wonderful learning experience to intern at NAMI.”
The experience strengthened Muqri’s understanding of the importance of culturally responsive mental health advocacy and community engagement.
Taylor Rabon interned at Julaan Derrick Family Law Firm in Conway, SC
Taylor Rabon: Supporting Families Through Law
Human Services major Taylor Rabon gained experience supporting individuals and families through an internship with Julaan Derrick Family Law Firm.
The family law practice, led by attorney Julaan Derrick-Lawrence, focuses on divorce, child custody, child support and other family-related legal matters. During the internship, Rabon assisted with client intake, legal documents, case organization and daily office operations.
Through this experience, Rabon developed a deeper understanding of the connection between legal services and human services, especially when clients are navigating challenging life circumstances.
“This experience has taught me the importance of professionalism, compassion and effective communication while working with individuals and families during difficult times,” Rabon said.
Rabon’s favorite part of the internship was building relationships with her co-workers and seeing the positive impact they have on clients every day.
“This internship has strengthened my confidence and reaffirmed my passion for helping others,” Rabon said.
Jaydene Brown: Exploring Community Impact Through Philanthropy
Human Services major Jaydene Brown spent the summer interning with the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF) in Beaufort.
CCF is the largest community foundation in South Carolina and works with individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to strengthen communities through philanthropy. Founded in 1974, the organization manages hundreds of charitable funds and distributes grants and scholarships throughout the state’s coastal communities. Brown learned how CCF supports nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
One of her responsibilities involved a storytelling project that required site visits and interviews with local nonprofit organizations supported by Coastal Community Foundation.
Brown learned about Coastal Community Foundation's grant applications and awards process.
“My favorite part of my internship was being able to see what the grantmaking process looks like from the inside,” Brown said.
Jon Reese: Providing Compassionate Care at MiraSol Health
Public Health major Jon Reese spent the summer gaining experience in healthcare and community support through an internship with MiraSol Health in Bluffton.
MiraSol Health is a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate care for individuals facing serious illnesses and their families. Its services include hospice and palliative care, grief counseling and bereavement support, behavioral health counseling through its Rays of Hope program, and volunteer and caregiver resources throughout the Lowcountry. Formerly known as Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, the organization expanded its services and adopted the MiraSol Health name in 2024.
Through the internship, Reese learned about compassionate communication, community-based healthcare and many other ways healthcare professionals support quality of life for patients and their loved ones.
- USCB -
CW 08/07/2026