Internship Advice for MPH Students University of Toledo Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Objectives Know the internship procedures inside and out. Realize that you need to start thinking about your internship as soon as you arrive on campus. Know how the forms are to be completed and how to construct an internship portfolio Understand the importance of the internship for the present and the future. 2Internship Information for MPH Students

Tips for Starting Listen closely during Orientation. READ the Student Handbook at as the internship information is there. As you work through your first semester, start thinking about your work and research interests. 3Internship Information for MPH Students

Tips for Starting Meet with your advisor Discuss your goals for the MPH and beyond Ask questions! Have initiative! 4Internship Information for MPH Students

More Tips Talk to your advisor about past student internships, where they interned, what they liked/disliked Search on your own Internships do not have to be “local” Hometowns, abroad Possibilities are only constrained by a lack of imagination and work ethic 5Internship Information for MPH Students

Internship Procedures Talk to adviser about best method for contacting potential internship site, particularly if it is a new site. Once a site is determined, you must meet with your adviser about internship contract and meeting your major and core competencies, evaluation, and internship portfolio. The competencies are in the Student Handbook. 6Internship Information for MPH Students

Interviewing for Internships Research the potential site beforehand. Know the work that is done at the site. Bring to the interview your ideas for what you can contribute to the site, particularly to their current endeavors. Do NOT show up unprepared and simply ask what you can do to complete the 275 hours. 7Internship Information for MPH Students

Internship Procedures All procedures are in the Student Handbook. READ it. Your internship objectives must meet both core and major competencies. Thus, you must work with your internship site supervisor and your adviser to ensure you have a proper internship. 8Internship Information for MPH Students

Internship Procedures Internship Contract: must be completed by you, your site supervisor, and your internship advisor Copies should be provided to each of these individuals Internship Evaluation: must be completed by your site supervisor. This is part of your portfolio. 9Internship Information for MPH Students

Internship Portfolio You must keep track of your daily activities. Include projects and tasks worked on and completed, with descriptions. Photos are welcome. 3-ring binder is most useful. Talk to your internship advisor and see what prior students have done. It is turned in to your internship advisor after internship completion. Can be useful for a job interview and thus you should request it if needed. 10Internship Information for MPH Students

Remember Do not procrastinate on internship searching – waiting until the month before your final term is way too late. You are ultimately responsible for starting the process of searching for and obtaining an internship. Work with your advisor and show interest in your field. 11Internship Information for MPH Students

Remember Your internship should be something you want to do. Your internship may lead to a job offer and/or contacts with other sites that may have a job for you upon graduation. Will also help with applying for additional schooling. Take this seriously. You represent the MPH program and the University. 12Internship Information for MPH Students