Cari-Med summer interns making the most of learning experience

Christina Broderick is a final-year student at the University of the West Indies, where she is pursuing a degree in molecular biology.

Her plan is to become a cross between a medical doctor and a geneticist. She believes in the power of prayer, and prayed hard over her application for the summer internship programme at Cari-Med Limited.

Her prayers were answered and she started her internship at Cari-Med in July, first in the pharmaceutical warehouse, then later in the credit department, excelling in her daily duties.

Broderick uses her area of study to describe her work experience at Cari-Med. "The molecules of the body all work together to allow the body to function well. In the same way, my co-workers and I come together to form a team of excellence."

Each year, more than that 100 high school and university students pass through Cari-Med's summer internship programme, and senior human resources manager, Mitzi Hyde, says that the company receives more than double this number of applications.

While the children of employees are given priority for acceptance into the programme, other applicants are also selected.

"The earlier the application, the better the chances of being accepted," said Hyde, who advised that persons should apply before May of the year of application.

Variety of Experiences

Hyde noted that the interns are exposed to a variety of experiences throughout the company, which is one of Jamaica's largest distributors of pharmaceutical and fast-moving consumer products.

Christina advises anyone who wishes to intern at Cari-Med to ensure that they are punctual and to try to make the most of the fulfilling experiences.

The Cole twins Nathania and Netania have the staff at Cari-Med checking their eyes for double vision. The two recently graduated from Mona High School, with Nathania wanting to be a chartered accountant and Netania planning to go into tourism management.

The two have plans to move on to tertiary studies at the University of West Indies, Mona campus, and it's proving difficult for most persons to tell them apart.

But Cari-Med has given it a try by placing them in different departments, customer service and pharmaceuticals warehouse.

As second-time participants in the summer internship programme, the Coles continue to enjoy the experience, capitalising on the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the working world.

Computer, information technology major at the Vector Technology Institute, Joel Campbell, is back at Cari-Med, having already been exposed to the company as a contractor's assistant.

The aspiring entrepreneur is focused on fulfilling his dream of owning and funding his own business, but acknowledges that he has to start somewhere, He is confident that Cari-Med is the best bet for him.

For Campbell, the best part about being at Cari-Med Limited is the supportive working environment that he gets to be a part of, but he especially loves the food from the lunchroom.

- Malique Dawkins is a Cari-Med summer intern. Feedback: editorial@gleanerjm.com.