What’s Involved in a Public Health Internship?
A public health internship involves gaining experience in community health promotion and education, health policy analysis and research, or health system management and administration. Interns may be assigned to community health centers, health organizations, research laboratories, policy organizations, public health departments, or other related governmental offices. Interns may have an opportunity to observe and assist in developing health initiatives, collecting and managing health data, and analyzing health and programmatic trends.
What Do Public Health Interns Do Day-to-Day?
Public health interns may work directly with community members, assisting in providing health education and outreach to vulnerable populations. They may also have an opportunity to conduct basic health research, analyze health services data, or even work on policy initiatives. Interns typically work on short-term projects, presenting their findings and conclusions upon the end of the internship.
Do Companies Hire Students From Their Public Health Internship Program?
Many organizations that offer public health internships also hire qualified interns for permanent full-time positions. When applying for an internship, students should ask the program management if there are opportunities for future employment. A successful internship experience is usually seen as an indication of the student’s skills and potential to be successful in the position.
What Are Public Health Internship Interviews Like?
Public health internship interviews generally focus on the skills and experience the student has and how he or she can contribute to the organization. The interviewers will be interested in the student’s ability to work independently and with teams, as well as in topics related to public health. These could include epidemiology, environmental health, health services management, communication, and community health.
What Skills Are Needed to Be Successful in a Public Health Internship, and How Can You Acquire Them Through an Internship Program?
In order to succeed in a public health internship, students should have excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. They should also be able to work independently, as well as part of a team. Additionally, while working in public health, interns should be comfortable seeking out community resources and developing relationships with community partners. Through an internship program, students can acquire these skills through direct mentoring, on-the-job learning, and networking opportunities with experienced professionals.
The Benefits of Interning in Public Health
Interning in public health gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge of health and healthcare systems while making a positive impact in the community. Additionally, students can learn from experienced professionals in the field, gain opportunities to network and build relationships, and gain potential access to future employment opportunities. Lastly, interns gain access to funding sources for research projects and can be recognized by a professional organization for completing their internship.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Public Health Internship Experience
To make the most of an internship in the field of public health, students should take the time to find an internship that best suits their interests and career goals. Additionally, they should take advantage of every network and educational opportunity available as this can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Students should also be sure to build relationships with their supervisors and other professionals, and they should be open to new ideas and feedback. Finally, students should try to stay organized and take initiative in their internship projects.