5 Well-Known Public Health Internships for Students and Recent Graduates
- Peace Corps
- World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme
- CDC Pathways
- Ferguson Infectious Disease Internship
- Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP)
Unpaid public health internships are easy to find at any local non-profit organization or county health department. That’s not what’s on this list. These are five of the most prestigious internships possible at organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization. Each of these five great internships offers a paid, resume-boosting experience with meaningful work opportunities and the chance to build a strong network.
1. Peace Corps
While not the most traditional public health internship, the Peace Corps is the best way to start a career in global health. This two-year program covers all transportation, medical and living costs for community health educators working in developing countries. Peace Corps also provides three months of cultural and linguistic training to new volunteers before placing them in rural villages. The conditions are difficult, but Peace Corps is known as “the toughest job you’ll ever love” for a reason. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are in high demand in the public health field. Many universities offer internship or practicum credit to Peace Corps Volunteers; RPCVs can earn Coverdell Fellowships to lower the cost of schooling.
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2. World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme
WHO offers a highly competitive internship program for public health students across the world. Interns head to offices in exciting locations like London, Hong Kong or Geneva to work directly with specific technical units in the WHO. That means interns get hands-on experience leading health projects in malaria, maternal and child health or any other field of interest. These internships are a serious resume booster and a great introduction to global public health.
3. CDC Pathways
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the premier public health institution in the United States. That’s why its Pathways Program for Students and Recent Graduates is one of the best health internships available. Interns work in a variety of concentrations, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and social sciences. Many interns convert their experience into a rewarding public sector job. No matter what options interns pursue, almost all public health students benefit from putting the CDC on their resumes. Internships exist for current students and those who have graduated in the previous two years.
4. Ferguson Infectious Disease Internship
The James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement (RISE) Program is managed by the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. This paid, summer internship brings public health students together with infectious disease specialists to conduct a research externship. Interns receive at least $4,500 and round-trip airfare. At the end of the eight-week program, interns present their research at the Ferguson Fellowship Program Symposia.
5. Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP)
This paid public health internship sends students to work sites to learn about occupational health. Interns work alongside unions to learn about the health hazards that industrial workers face. The interns and union representatives work together to choose a project that will best help both parties. A stipend of at least $4,000 is available for the two-month program.
These opportunities are competitive. Students needing great public health internships to complete their degrees should apply as soon as possible.
