Successful Internships
Ten Tips to Get You Started
NOW is the time to start contacting agencies to discuss opportunities if you are planning to do an internship winter semester. Here are a few tips to get you started with a successful internship:
1- Read the packet. Download the public health internship packet from http://hs.byu.edu Look under the “academics” tab and then click on “internships.” This will be your most valuable source of internship information and directions.
2- Decide in what area you are most interested in working. Do you like tobacco prevention and control? Diabetes? Asthma? Or other areas?
3- Decide what type of things you want to learn while in your internship. Do you want to work with advocacy and legislation? Develop programs? Give presentations? Analyze data and write reports? Other?
4- Identify possible agencies. There is a list on the Health Science website that you can use as a starting point. If you are moving out of the area, start by Googling “public health agencies” in the city or county where you will be living. Research the agency so you know their programs and their priorities. Also find out of there is local Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) or American Public Health Association (APHA) chapter in the area. Members of these associations will be a great networking resource.
5- Set up an appointment. Identify a contact person at each agency. Their titles may be listed as “program manager,” “division director,” or “bureau director.” When you call them, tell them that you are a BYU student majoring in public health and are interested in interning with their agency. Ask if there is a time that you could come and meet with them or call them on the phone and talk for 15-20 minutes. Be prepared to talk about your interests and what you want to learn during your internship.
6- Start the paperwork. Once you have an internship selected, start filling out the paperwork, as explained in the internship packet. The first form is Form A, a pre-approval. This is to ensure that you are on the right track and the work you will be doing relates to public health and health promotion.
7- Register for internship credit. You will need to register for Hlth 496R section 2. Register for the number of credits you will complete that semester. 50 hours of work = 1 credit hour.
8- Read the blog often. A list of current internship possibilities are posted here on this blog. Make sure to add http://byupublichealth.com to your Google reader, or sign up for email alerts through the link on the right.
9- Meet with Dr. Thackeray. If you need assistance in finding an internship, please meet with Dr. Thackeray. Call 801.422.3386 to set up an appointment.
10- Be the best intern you can be. Be on time. Dress appropriately. Complete assigned job tasks. Give more than you are asked to do. Communicate with your supervisor about any concerns that you have. Show initiative. Be positive and do not talk negatively about others. All these things will help ensure your success, and you may even be offered a job when you finish!
