Public Health Undergraduate Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

For undergraduate students pursuing a career in public health, internships are invaluable experiences. They bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, providing opportunities to develop practical skills, engage in impactful research, and network with professionals in the field. This article will explore the various aspects of public health undergraduate internships, including their benefits, requirements, and available opportunities.

The Value of Public Health Internships

Public health internships offer a multitude of benefits for undergraduate students:

Practical and Research Experience: Internships provide hands-on experience in diverse public health settings, allowing students to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. Students gain experience and engage in impactful research projects alongside public health agencies, non-profit and non-governmental organizations.
Skill Development: Internships foster the development of essential professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, data analysis, and project management. Student interns will gain communication skills by participating in written discussions with peers and preparing an oral presentation about their completed projects.
Networking Opportunities: Internships offer opportunities to connect with public health professionals, expand professional networks, and learn about various career paths within the field.
Career Exploration: Internships allow students to explore different areas of public health and determine their specific interests and career goals. HCC encourages students to explore career options and fields through HCC internships.
Academic Credit: The Public Health Internship course is a degree requirement and consists of 480 hours working with a health organization or agency to complete a semester-long project applying public health concepts and skills in a community or public health setting. Some internships, like PBH 341R at UT Austin, offer academic credit for participation. This course is for credit and meets the capstone credit.

Types of Internship Opportunities

Public health internships are available in a wide range of settings, including:

Government Agencies: Opportunities exist at the federal, state, and local levels, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state departments of health (DSHS).
Non-Profit Organizations: Many non-profit organizations focus on specific public health issues, such as disease prevention, health education, or environmental health.
Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities offer internships in areas such as community health, employee wellness, and health administration.
Research Institutions: Universities and research centers provide opportunities to participate in public health research projects.
International Organizations: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) offer internships for students interested in global health issues.

DSHS hosts a variety of internships across all divisions and public health regions. Internship projects are offered three times a year, during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. DSHS has hosted interns across the agency in areas ranging from epidemiology, data analysis, communications, nursing, and more.

Internship Requirements

The requirements for public health undergraduate internships vary depending on the specific program and organization. However, some common requirements include:

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Academic Standing: Most internships require students to be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in public health or a related field. Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university who will have completed at least two years of college (i.e. juniors and seniors only) by the OHIP summer and students enrolled in graduate programs are eligible to apply.
GPA: A minimum GPA may be required for some internships.
Coursework: Some internships may require completion of specific public health courses. The course is writing intensive and can be completed in a fall or spring semester only aftercompletion of all other degree required coursework;grades of 'C' or better earned in PH 4100 and PH 4640;with a minimum 2.50 major GPA.
Application Materials: Common application materials include a resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Completed applications will be reviewed and students may be interviewed.
Work Hours: Interns must be able to commit to working a certain number of hours per week. Student interns must complete 180 hours of work for the semester (approximately 12 hours/week during fall and spring semesters, 16 hours/week during long summer session) to earn 3 hours of academic credit in PBH 341R Public Health Research. Applicants must be able to commit to working 12 hours per week for the semester, or 16 hours per week for the long summer session at the internship site plus additional time interacting with Dr.
Eligibility: Some internships may have specific eligibility requirements, such as U.S. citizenship or specific language skills. If your Visa allows you to receive a stipend, you would qualify. You should check with your school’s student services or financial aid office.
Background Check: Some organizations may require interns to undergo a background check.
Immunizations: Some organizations may require interns to have certain immunizations.

Finding Internship Opportunities

Several resources can help students find public health undergraduate internships:

University Career Services: Most universities have career services offices that provide information about internships and other career opportunities. SoHE Advising will send information and the application link before registration for each semester.
Online Job Boards: Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Idealist list public health internships. Interested students and post-graduates can view internship opportunities on the internship opportunities page.
Professional Organizations: Organizations such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offer internship listings and career resources.
Networking: Talking to professors, advisors, and other public health professionals can help students learn about internship opportunities.

Notable Internship Programs

Several established internship programs offer valuable experiences for public health undergraduates:

CDC Pathways Program: The Pathways program is made up of three main components: the Internship Program which offers internship and summer employment opportunities to students. The Internship Program is for high school and college students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school.
Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP): The Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) is a full time, paid summer internship designed to link the skills and interests of students with the needs of workers employed in an under-served or high hazard job.
Health Career Connection (HCC): As a summer internship participant, you’ll be placed in a full-time, paid internship that aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals-whether that’s healthcare, public health, primary care, or behavioral health.
Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program: The Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program is designed to increase interest in public health careers among minority students, and to increase minority representation in mission critical occupations at CDC and the public health workforce.
WHO Internship Programme: WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health.

Program Components and Structured Activities

Many internship programs offer additional components to enhance the learning experience. These may include:

Educational Workshops: Workshops on topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and professional development.
Networking Events: Opportunities to meet and connect with public health professionals. Along with the intern project and day-to-day work, DSHS provide additional educational and networking opportunities to expose students to the varied work of DSHS as well as the many career paths in public health.
Mentorship Programs: Pairing interns with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.
Presentations and Seminars: Opportunities to learn about current public health issues and research.
Community Engagement Activities: Participating in community health projects and outreach events. CHLP fellows gain valuable knowledge of trends in community health and valuable professional and leadership skills such as working in teams, project management, data analysis, advocacy, engaging community and policy stakeholders, patient-centered care, philanthropy, and research.

Maximizing the Internship Experience

To make the most of a public health internship, students should:

Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve during the internship and communicate your goals to your supervisor.
Be Proactive: Take initiative and seek out opportunities to learn and contribute.
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
Network: Attend networking events and connect with professionals in the field.
Reflect on Your Experience: Take time to reflect on what you have learned and how the internship has impacted your career goals.
Seek Feedback: Ask your supervisor for feedback on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Stay Connected: Maintain contact with your supervisor and colleagues after the internship ends.

Internship Program Examples

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): DSHS offers a broad range of internships to students of different academic levels from universities inside and outside of Texas. Along with the intern project and day-to-day work, they provide additional educational and networking opportunities to expose students to the varied work of DSHS as well as the many career paths in public health. Multiple interns have gone on to full-time staff roles at the agency.
University of Texas at Austin - PBH 341R: PBH 341R is a research internship for undergraduate public health students at UT Austin who are interested in gaining experience in public health through partnerships with state and local public health agencies and other institutions involved in population health. Students will be selected to participate based on merit via a competitive process without regard to race, color, religion, or gender.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Whether you are on a career path, or in the process of determining which career you would like to pursue, the CDC has numerous commissioned corps, internship, training, and volunteer opportunities for students of all academic disciplines and levels. The CDC Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program offers students work experience in various occupations during the academic year and/or summer months. FWS at CDC exposes students to a wide arrange of opportunities, including public health careers.
Emory Rollins School of Public Health's Earn and Learn Program (REAL): The Emory Rollins School of Public Health’s Earn and Learn Program (REAL) is a program that offers MPH/MSPH students’ valuable opportunities to earn money for their living expenses while they learn.
World Health Organization (WHO): WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health.

Opportunities at the CDC

The CDC offers several programs for students seeking public health experience:

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The Pathways Program: This program offers internship and summer employment opportunities to students. The Internship Program is for high school and college students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Student Summer Employment: This provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. Student summer employment opportunities are announced January through March of each year.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program: This program offers students work experience in various occupations during the academic year and/or summer months, exposing them to a wide range of opportunities, including public health careers.
Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP): This program offers high school and college students non-paid, educationally related work opportunities. Students can gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to their professional development.

Public Health Service Corps

The Public Health Service Corps offer talented, ambitious people a variety of public health training programs.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for public health internships varies depending on the program, organization, and location. Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. Some programs also offer stipends to help cover living expenses. As of January 2020, WHO provides living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

Many internship programs prioritize diversity and inclusion. The Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program is designed to increase interest in public health careers among minority students, and to increase minority representation in mission critical occupations at CDC and the public health workforce. Students will be selected to participate based on merit via a competitive process without regard to race, color, religion, or gender.

Utilizing Internships for Career Advancement

Internships can be a stepping stone to full-time employment in public health. Multiple interns at DSHS have gone on to full-time staff roles at the agency. Students who successfully complete the CDC Pathways program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Many HCC interns are hired on a full-time or part-time basis and some summer interns may extend their internship or continue on a volunteer basis upon exemplary completion of their health internship.

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