Athena Interns Share Their Experiences
Since it was founded in 1986, Athena Institute has offered paid science and business internships to local college students. Dr. Winnifred Cutler strives to provide a challenging and rewarding experience during each intern's stay at Athena. Past interns have continued on to impressive positions in the business, science, and pharmaceutical marketplace, and many have successfully pursued graduate degrees from major universities.
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A Note From Dr. Cutler:
"One of my founding principles since 1986 at Athena Institute for Women's Wellness remains part of our core mission today; to work to improve the quality of health care for women. One of the services we have fostered is to employ student interns interested in learning the scientific process and potential futures in the medical health fields.The other group of essential staff members who help support Athena Institute, are active mothers who want to work part time. These women are educated, accomplished mothers wanting to maintain their skills in the work force as they devote years to raising their families. They form an important phase of life as they face the challenge of finding meaningful employment yet still coordinating their home life as a priority. We are excited to be a part of their success.
And we have found a rather ideal synergy between staffing with college students in the summer, and mothers of school-age children during the academic year. The mothers enjoy having the summer off; the college students enjoy finding a good job for the summer. And we still have student interns work around their semester schedules, too. I personally have enjoyed the experience of working with all of the Athena Institute 'alumni' who have commented below..."
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Stephanie, Research and Office Administration Intern 2010
I wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity of working for you this summer. I really enjoyed the time I have spent. This job was definitely something very different and more interesting than anything I have ever experienced. I loved telling anyone who asked me about my job this summer because I have learned so much and was able to share my experience with my friends and family. I have also grown as a person and have become more confident in communicating with other people and I thank you for that. I definitely will not be afraid to answer the telephone anymore (smile). I look forward to coming back to help out this winter and hope to keep in touch with you throughout the years.
Breah, Office Administrator and Research Assistant, 2009
During the spring semester of my senior year at Ursinus College, I worked at Athena Institute with Dr. Cutler on a variety of projects and spoke with customers of the 10X and 10:13 Pheromones. Not only did I learn more about pheromones and the unique stories customers shared about their experiences with the product, but I also had the opportunity to explore some research in Breast Cancer statistics broadcasted in the media. As a student at Ursinus, I double majored in Biology and Spanish, and it was interesting to assist Dr. Cutler’s pursuit of the truth in numbers, specifically whether the statistics announcing the percentage of women that will likely develop breast cancer were accurate representations of scientific research. As a first-year student in graduate school now, it is remarkable how important correct statistics are in every disciplinary field of science. As I work toward earning a Master of Public Health, I am required to take a course in Biostatistics, and a great deal of what I learned at Athena Institute applies to the course. I was also able to witness the end stages of the editing process of Dr. Cutler’s most recently published book, Hormones and your Health: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormonal and Alternative Therapies for Menopause.
I am interested in attending medical school, and Dr. Cutler was a great mentor during my time at Athena and continues to be both a friend and colleague. Dr. Cutler is an advocate of self-education, and I believe this is one of the best ways to improve our health care system for the future. My interests in preventative medicine and self-education lead me to pursue my Masters in Public Health, which I will complete after two years as a full-time student at the University of Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with a group of diverse students and professors from the schools of medicine, law, and nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. I know that my training at Athena Institute will continue to help me think creatively and confidently when applying my knowledge to the sciences throughout my career. Dr. Cutler is hard-working and innovative, and anyone willing to challenge his or her abilities can learn a great deal from working at Athena Institute.
Maggie, Research and Manuscript Assistant, 2007
As an English major I am intrigued by the use of language to express both poetic ideas and pertinent information. Similarly as a writer I enjoy the pursuit of research and detailed information that yields to the collaborative process combining research with personal insight. Working as a manuscript assistant for Dr. Cutler has provided me with an opportunity to view the development process that precedes publication. In this position I was challenged to work efficiently and effectively to edit a technical work and found the experience to be both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. Overall this unique internship provided me with a work experience not commonly available to students on a temporary basis and enabled me to spend the summer working while continuing to learn and develop my own skills.
Thank you again for this valuable internship experience!
Leigh, Research and Manuscript Assistant, Summer 2006
Spending my summer as a manuscript assistant to Dr. Cutler was an ideal position for me. It allowed me to combine both of my undergraduate majors (English and biopsychology) as well as learn a bit about what I'd be studying in graduate school (law). While working on the second edition of her book on hysterectomy, Dr. Cutler showed me the importance of continued revison, the necessity for intelligent collaboration, and the difiiculties and rewards of simultaneously being a writer and a scientist. With the hands-on work I was given, I felt that my contributions were worthwhile and that ultimately, I was a part of something that would be valuable to women at a time when they need thoughtful guidance most.
Suzie, Office Administrator/Intern, Summer 2006
For little over a year’s time, my working alongside Dr. Cutler and the other Athena Institute staffers proved to be an inspiring, enlightening, and fruitful experience. Athena's science–focused effort in promoting women’s wellness and community service was, and will continually be, encouraging to myself and countless others. My multifaceted employment position allowed me the opportunity to learn a tremendous range of skills – from communicating with customers, to sending packages overseas, to becoming informed about recent studies in women’s health. Along with fostering an independent work environment, Dr. Cutler and Athena Institute simultaneously emphasized the importance of shared knowledge and focused growth. As I was completing my last year of college and transitioning into a new role as a medical student, I increasingly found that the understanding I was gaining from Athena was applicable to nearly all situations I encountered.
Kendra, Office Administrator , Summer 2006
I am so very thankful to have found Athena Institute for summer employment before leaving for graduate school to earn a Master's in American Studies. As a college student, it is often difficult to convince employers to hire you only for the summer. At Athena, however, somebody finally appreciates students who work hard. Dr. Cutler understands that college students who strive for excellence in their academics will do the same in their jobs. I am so grateful that I could spend a summer in a professional and efficient working environment. It was a great learning experience, and I have acquired skills here that I know I can use in the future. Thank you, Dr. Cutler, for giving me this great opportunity.
Amy, Assistant to the President 2004 - 2005
I decided to apply for a job at Athena Institute because it was a perfect way for me to combine my interest in women’s issues with health and medicine. I graduated from Ursinus College with a biology major (focus on pre-med) and a women’s studies minor. It was perfect timing for me since Dr. Cutler was right in the middle of doing research for her 2nd edition of Hysterectomy. I figured that assisting Dr. Cutler with her research for a scientific book would help me to understand where and how physicians and other health care practitioners get their information.
During this process I was given the opportunity to discuss and interpret journal articles involving many aspects of women’s health including, hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer, osteoporosis, nutrition, cognition and many others. In addition to assisting Dr. Cutler with her research I also assisted in managing the office. Although I had never had office experience in the past I quickly learned many skills that will help me down the road if I ever have a practice of my own.
Rachel, Office Administrator and Research Assistant
Summer 2005
I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work with Dr.Cutler for a summer at the Athena Institute. My role as Office Administrator gave me extended contact with both clients and members of the press. As her Research Assistant, I was able to assist her in the collection and organization of research pertaining to the new edition of her book, Hysterectomy: Before and After. Dr. Cutler went out of her way to engage her employees in intellectual discussions, as well as teach us about the process of conducting scientific research and running a business. I am grateful to have been able to work for an employer who is so passionate about her work and takes such an active role in the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of her employees. My experience at the Athena Institute has given me skills and knowledge that will assist me in my future professional and educational endeavors.
Please tell everyone I said hello, and pet Cynthia for me!
Megan, Office Administrator Fall 2005:
... I cannot say enough wonderful things about Athena, and about the people I have encountered working here. Your leadership has taught me a great deal, and the experience gained at Athena is irreplaceable...My last day will be Wednesday, Feb. 1... Again thank you for this wonderful experience.
Samantha, Assistant to the President 2002-2003
My ten months at Athena have been an incredible learning experience, and I am grateful for the office, business, and customer service skills I have had the opportunity to develop while working for you.
Keely, Assistant to the President 2001-2002:
After graduating from Haverford College with a degree in Animal Behavior, I worked as Assistant to the President of Athena Institute for Women's Wellness for over a year. The Athena Institute for Women's Wellness is a research institute. In addition to raising awareness on women's health issues, the Institute researches and markets two synthesized human sex-attractant pheromones.
As an animal behaviorist, pheromones became one of my interests years back, and this year I have had the exciting opportunity to work on the inside. I have also learned more about running a small business than I'd ever thought to have known - and I have helped to keep it running smoothly.
As Assistant to the President, I do everything from payroll and inventory to data analysis, and from customer service to manuscript editing. I manage and train other staff members and maintain organization of the office routine. I participate in the science that is forever the heart and soul of Athena Institute, as well as the daily nuts and bolts of the business.
I have learned of, and achieved competence in, many current issues in women's health; marketing strategies, the politics of science from original research to final journal publication, media coverage and press release distribution, and finally, the ebb and flow of a small business.
Kara, Athena Staff Member, 2002-2004
As a college student in need of part-time employment, the Athena Institute was a perfect match for me. Not only is the working environment challenging and rewarding, the hours were flexible and complimentary to my schedule. For four years, over my summer and winter breaks from college, I was an Athena staff member. My employment with Athena afforded me a preliminary experience in a professional environment where I acquired many important skills that I will take along with me as I develop my own career. I learned how to professionally represent the company to the public over the telephone by fielding questions, and taking customer orders. I was also able to sharpen my researching skills by utilizing the internet when conducting marketing research and when searching for journal sources for scientific information.
Being involved in many of Dr. Cutler's scientific research projects has not only given me a chance to utilize my intellect, but I also was able to learn more about important women's health issues. In turn, I learned a lot about myself and have become more in tune with my own personal health and well being.
It was fascinating and inspiring to see how a successful business operates, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.
Stacy, Intern 2001-2004:
Feeling tired of lackluster internships that offered nothing more than getting the boss a cup of coffee, I was overjoyed at becoming part of Athena Institute.
From the first day, I felt a sense of unparalleled professionalism that offers me a glimpse into how a successful business is run. I am now capable of communicating effectively with customers, because it is through them that a company thrives. As such, the Athena Institute is consistently being featured in the media for their innovations and contributions.
Dr. Cutler plays an active role in promotion her interns' futures, and allows me to sit in on her interviews since I am majoring in Journalism. In addition, I've interacted with TV personnel (Extra, Discovery Channel), and have been able to offer my ideas to our advertising managers.
On a daily basis I edit the order database, prepare customer mailings, organize product packaging, send out Airborne Express, and provide attention to our lovable corporate mascot, Cynthia (a beagle).
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