When public health students take on internships at health and community organizations, it’s more than just gaining experience. They often become essential team members.
Veronica Chea, a public health major, interned at Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire during a busy season. Katherine Dzenis, an infection prevention specialist, initially worried about bringing on a student during the peak of cold and flu season. “But Veronica is a rock star,” Dzenis says. “She learned quickly and showed a real passion for improving healthcare.”
As an intern, Chea helps track infections like MRSA. This role, which earns her academic credits, allows her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. “I’ve used skills like data analysis and health communication,” Chea explains. “I also realized how crucial attention to detail is when handling patient data.”
Similarly, Shakeel (Shaq) Kawuba works as an intern for the Healthy Youth Coalition, which promotes youth health in Massachusetts. He develops educational activities and manages social media. Jamie Klufts, the coalition’s co-chair, values Kawuba’s fresh perspective. “His energy and ideas are vital for our outreach,” Klufts says, noting that he recognized Kawuba’s potential right away.
Kawuba says the experience changed how he engages with people. “I learned that making learning fun helps even adults feel more comfortable discussing tough topics,” he shares.
Internships also help students refine their career goals. Some find that a role isn’t what they expected, while others gain confidence in their chosen path. Jillian MacLean, a Master of Public Health in Dietetics student, had a revelation during her supervised practice at North Reading Public Schools. She realized that food service directors do much more than manage kitchen staff; they create menus, order food, and oversee personnel. “The UMass Lowell program’s required rotations helped me discover my passion for food service management,” she says.
Chea’s experience at Elliot confirmed her interest in infection prevention and epidemiology. “This internship strengthened my desire to improve patient outcomes,” she states. Meanwhile, Kawuba believes his internship skills will serve him well as he aims to become a physician assistant. “I learned to take initiative and recognize moments where I can make a difference,” he reflects.
Recent studies show that internships significantly impact career readiness. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 70% of employers value internship experience when hiring recent graduates. These experiences not only build skills but also boost confidence, making internships an essential stepping stone in public health careers.
As students like Chea and Kawuba dive into these roles, they help improve community health and gain valuable insights that shape their futures.
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