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Advance Your Career in Public Health with an Internship

Article by GVI

GVI

Posted: February 5, 2023

Public health is an ever-growing and dynamic field that is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of communities. It seeks to accomplish this by preventing and controlling the spread of diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting against environmental hazards. To achieve these goals, the field of public health requires a talented and motivated workforce, and internships play a crucial role in developing that workforce.

Why Consider a Public Health Internship?

  • Gaining Hands-On Experience: Public health internships offer students and recent graduates an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations. This provides a valuable and practical learning experience, helping interns to build essential skills and competencies in public health.
  • Networking Opportunities: Internships also provide a platform for interns to network with experienced public health professionals. These connections can lead to potential job opportunities and career growth.
  • Exposure to Different Public Health Settings: Public health internships are available in a diverse range of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organisations, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. This variety allows interns to experience different aspects of public health, allowing them to determine their preferred career path.
  • Building Your Resume: Internships are an excellent way to add valuable experience to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to a career in public health. This can make you a more competitive candidate for future job opportunities.

Types of Public Health Internships

  • Community health internships focus on improving the health of specific populations and communities. Interns may work with community organisations to implement health promotion programs or participate in health assessments.
  • Epidemiology internships concentrate on the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations. Interns may assist in conducting research, analysing data, or developing public health interventions to address disease patterns.
  • Environmental health internships deal with identifying and addressing environmental hazards that impact public health. Interns may work with government agencies to monitor air and water quality, or participate in environmental assessments.
  • Global health internships allow interns to work on health issues that affect communities on a global scale. Interns may assist in implementing public health programs in low- and middle-income countries or participate in research to understand the impact of diseases on communities.

Qualifications and How to Apply

Public health internships usually require applicants to have a background in public health or a related field, such as biology, environmental science, or a related field. They may also require a minimum GPA, such as a 2.5 or 3.0, and some may require applicants to submit a resume and cover letter.

Internships can be found through various resources, including job boards, university career centres, and professional organisations. It is essential to research the requirements and expectations of the specific internship before applying to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria.

Public health internships provide a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and explore various aspects of public health. These experiences help to build the essential skills and competencies needed to succeed in a career in public health. If you are interested in pursuing a career in public health, consider seeking out a public health internship. It could be a vital step in your journey towards making a positive impact on communities and promoting health and wellness.

GVI offers a unique opportunity for individuals who want to make a difference in public health while also growing their careers. With internships in countries such as Ghana, Fiji, Nepal and Thailand, you’ll get to work hands-on in communities and help implement important public health programs. Not only will you gain valuable experience in a global health setting, but you’ll also develop a range of skills, like program implementation, community engagement, cross-cultural communication, and more.

Working in a new and exciting environment will broaden your horizons and help you see things from different perspectives. You’ll also get the chance to understand global health issues in a deeper way, making you a well-rounded and culturally competent professional. And let’s not forget the amazing personal and professional growth you’ll experience while taking on this challenge. Overall, a GVI public health internship is an unforgettable journey that combines making a difference with personal and professional growth.

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