Public Health Internships: A Launchpad for Graduate Students

For recent graduates eager to gain practical experience in the field of public health, internships and fellowships serve as invaluable stepping stones. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to make a tangible difference in communities. This article explores the benefits of public health internships and fellowships for graduate students, highlighting key programs and opportunities available.

Internships: Experiential Learning in Public Health

An internship is an experiential learning opportunity which provides a different experience as compared to a part time job or volunteer work. An internship or practicum is an educational experience with ongoing communication between the student, the student’s adviser and the employer’s preceptor. During the internship or practicum, the student should have the opportunity to link key academic knowledge to practical work experiences. Internships are a great way to gain experience in public health.

Key Features of Public Health Internships

Experiential Learning: Internships offer a hands-on approach to learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Educational Experience: Internships are structured educational experiences that facilitate ongoing communication between the student, academic advisor, and employer.
Practical Application: Interns have the opportunity to connect academic knowledge with practical work experiences, enhancing their understanding of public health concepts.

Fellowships: Launching Careers in Public Health

The word Fellowship is used to describe different types of professional training and scholarship opportunities. Many fellowships are programs designed to launch the careers of new professionals. Some have rotations through various departments and often include professional development opportunities. Typically, fellowships are for recent Master’s level graduates and the salary and benefits are comparable to other entry level jobs. A fellowship can be awarded by an institution or organization for many reasons. They can be focused around research, teaching or training. Fellowships generally are designed to advance the applicant’s knowledge in a certain area or specialization. Fellowships can be obtained as many as five years after graduation from a master’s program and can be an alternative to a full time position. Because fellowships are sometimes based on merit, they can be a nice addition to your resume or curriculum vitae.

Key Aspects of Public Health Fellowships

Career Launching Programs: Fellowships are designed to help new professionals start their careers in public health.
Rotations and Professional Development: Many fellowships offer rotations through various departments and include professional development opportunities.
Competitive Compensation: Fellowships typically offer salaries and benefits comparable to other entry-level jobs.

The NC Public Health Fellowship Program

Are you a recent graduate looking to gain experience in public health? The NC Public Health Fellowship Program offers hands-on experience and continuous mentorship. Working alongside teammates, fellows make a difference in the lives of North Carolinians. The program, offered by the state's Division of Public Health (DPH), helps fellows to qualify for state positions that require experience. DPH has more than 1,100 positions statewide, covering a variety of expertise and skill sets.

Why Work with the Division of Public Health (DPH)?

We are champions for improving the health of all North Carolinians. The effects of public health in our state are critical. We are educators, protectors, investigators, advocates and scientists. We're neighbors and friends, working in every county across the state. We're committed to helping every community be as healthy as possible. Our programs and services touch the lives of every North Carolina resident and visitor. Learn more about how DPH makes a difference. DPH is part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Our culture of inclusion celebrates and cultivates diversity along many dimensions.

Read also: Best Public Health Degrees

Benefits of the NC Public Health Fellowship Program

Hands-on Experience: Fellows gain practical experience working in public health settings.
Continuous Mentorship: The program offers ongoing mentorship to support fellows' professional development.
Career Advancement: The program helps fellows qualify for state positions that require experience.

WHO Internship Program

A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health. WHO offers internships to students pursuing graduate, or postgraduate degrees in public health, medical or social fields related to the technical work of WHO, or in a management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related field. Individuals may also qualify for consideration, if they apply to the internship within six months following the completion of the formal qualification. As of January 2020, WHO provides living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support.

Important Considerations for WHO Internships

Financial Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for all expenses, including travel to and from the duty station location.
Declaration of Interests: All interns must complete a legal Declaration of Interests form.
Non-Staff Status: Interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and shall not represent the Organization in any official capacity.

Post-Internship Opportunities at WHO

WHO interns are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within WHO for a period of three months following the end of their internship. Any employment with WHO shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures.

Application Process

Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be selected every year. Only successful candidates will be contacted.