Public Health Internships in Seattle: A Comprehensive Guide
Public health internships in Seattle offer invaluable opportunities for students and aspiring professionals to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and contribute to the well-being of communities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of public health internship opportunities in Seattle, including eligibility requirements, program features, and application processes.
The Significance of Public Health Internships
Public health internships play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of public health leaders. These internships provide a platform for individuals to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Develop practical skills in areas such as research, evaluation, and data analysis.
- Gain exposure to diverse public health settings and populations.
- Network with professionals in the field.
- Explore potential career paths.
- Make a meaningful contribution to community health.
Internship Opportunities in Seattle
Seattle is home to a diverse range of organizations offering public health internships, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions.
Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) Summer Internship
The Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), a division of the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), offers a Summer Internship program. This internship is specifically designed for individuals who self-identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Indigenous.
Mission and Values:
UIHI's mission is to decolonize data by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people, recognizing research, evaluation, and data as Indigenous values. Mentoring the next generation of Native public health leaders is a vital part of their responsibility to build health and wellness from the strengths and solutions in our communities.
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Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must self-identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Indigenous.
Program Features:
- Interns explore a range of public health topics and gain experience with research, evaluation, and data.
- They participate in Indigenous methodologies trainings and gain knowledge that is aligned with the UIHI approach of using Western science to complement Indigenous knowledge systems.
- Interns are assigned a project based on their interests and the needs of our relatives.
- Interns participate in several site visits, outreach events, and conferences throughout the summer.
Compensation and Logistics:
- Interns are paid as hourly employees.
- The Summer Internship takes place on-site in Seattle, WA (no remote option).
- UIHI is unable to provide housing for summer interns.
Application Requirements:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter.
- A writing sample (e.g., a research paper from a class, blog post, or article).
- Completion of the application form.
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Internships
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) offers a variety of internship, capstone, practicum, and other learning opportunities for students. DOH values staff with experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including public health, nursing, medicine, education, biology, chemistry, environmental science, public policy, law, human resources, and finance.
Pathway Paid Summer Internship Program
DOH’s Pathway Paid Summer Internship Program provides paid internship opportunities for post-secondary students selected through an application process each summer.
Academic Partnerships:
Academic partnerships are vital to DOH’s work supporting research, innovation, student engagement, workforce development, and a myriad of public health initiatives across the state. DOH supports the sharing of expertise between DOH and academic partners, including guest speaking opportunities for DOH staff to bring applied public health insights into the classroom.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a competitive, eight-week, full-time paid internship for students between 11th and 12th grade who haven't had extensive research experience.
Program Structure:
- The internship begins with two weeks of hands-on training in laboratory safety and techniques, as well as an introduction to Fred Hutch.
- For the remaining six weeks, interns are paired and immersed in mentored activities in a Fred Hutch research group in Seattle.
- Interns also participate in research seminars, attend professional development workshops focused on college and careers, and enjoy social activities with their teams and peers.
Application Process:
The SHIP application has two online components: an applicant section and a separate online form for references. Applicants should thoroughly review the application, complete their section well in advance of the deadline, and proofread their application and essays carefully.
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Required Documents:
- Contact information for two recommenders.
- Resume (PDF).
- Transcripts (PDF).
Western Washington University (WWU) Public Health Internship
The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health at Western Washington University requires majors to complete a full quarter internship of 400 hours. The majority of opportunities are in the Puget Sound area, especially Seattle and nearby communities, but it is also possible for majors to intern out of state or country. The internship is a 12 credit course.
University of Washington: Undergraduate Internship (NUTR 495)
The Undergraduate Internship, NUTR 495, is an opportunity for Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health majors to earn credit for academic work associated with a major-related internship experience.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to receive NUTR 495 credit, internships should involve training or supervised activities which are clearly related to the food systems, nutrition, and health competencies for the major.
Responsibilities:
- Identifying and securing an internship, with input from the Instructor.
- Finding a site supervisor and communicating the NUTR 495 expectations to both parties.
- Completing required internship hours.
- Submitting academic assignments, including a final paper/project.
- Sharing the final paper/project with the site supervisor.
- Maintaining correspondence with both the instructor and site supervisor.
Application Process:
The deadline to submit the application is the first Friday of the quarter; however, submitting earlier is strongly recommended.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Internships
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) of Washington State is the largest state agency, offering a wide range of programs and services to support individuals and communities. Interning at DSHS provides a unique opportunity to work within one of its many specialized administrations and divisions, each dedicated to addressing critical needs across the state.
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Program Overview:
DSHS offers paid and unpaid internship opportunities for students who want to gain professional experience and make a difference in their communities. As a DSHS intern, you will gain valuable experience by working on real-world projects that serve the community. You will have the opportunity to explore career paths in fields such as social services, IT, communications, management, and other areas. This internship will help you strengthen your professional skills and help you prepare for future career opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in good standing at a post-secondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in public service and thrive in team-oriented and inclusive environments.
- Possess strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
- Ability to work independently while adapting to fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are crucial for success in this hybrid-remote program.
- Networking and relationship-building skills are key to maximizing your internship experience.
- Passionate about helping others and dedicated to public service.
Program Features:
- Flexible schedule, with some hybrid/remote opportunities, depending upon the program needs.
- Training in departmental procedures and learn important administrative skills.
- Work on meaningful projects that support the community and the mission of DSHS.
Logistics:
- DSHS office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The paid summer internship is competitive, with recruitment starting in January through March.
- The internship is a 10-week program that generally starts the first week of June and runs through the end of August.
General Requirements and Application Tips
While specific requirements may vary depending on the internship program, some common elements include:
- Academic Standing: Most internships require applicants to be currently enrolled in a degree program and in good academic standing.
- Resume and Cover Letter: A well-crafted resume and cover letter are essential for showcasing your skills, experience, and interests.
- Writing Sample: Some internships may require a writing sample to assess your communication skills.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from professors or previous employers can strengthen your application.
- Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts may be required to verify your academic record.
- Personal Essay: Some internships may require a personal essay to assess your motivations and goals.
Application Tips:
- Start Early: Begin your internship search and application process well in advance of deadlines.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume, cover letter, and other application materials to match the specific requirements and interests of each internship program.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: Emphasize the skills and experience that are most relevant to the internship.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your application materials are free of errors in grammar and spelling.
- Seek Feedback: Ask professors, career advisors, or mentors to review your application materials and provide feedback.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully follow all application instructions and deadlines.
Other Internship Considerations
- Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: Determine whether you need a paid internship to cover living expenses or if you are able to consider unpaid opportunities.
- Credit for Internships: Explore whether your academic institution offers credit for internships.
- Housing: If you are interning away from home, research housing options and costs.
- Transportation: Consider transportation options and costs to and from your internship site.
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