Finding an Internship

Yes. The summer internship is a degree requirement for all MPH students except for those in the Advanced Professional MPH program.AP students must fulfill the MPH practicum requirement by taking one of the three approved public health practice courses offered during the academic year. (Please see the Practice Requirement Guidelines for course offerings.)collapse
A summer internship should help you define your overall professional goals. Successful searches start early and a good first step is to meet with a Career Services staff member. Important resources to take advantage of include: internship postings on CareerBoard; the Employment Resources section of this website; a list of prior internship placements, Office of Public Health Practice; faculty; second year students; and YSPH alumni.collapse
It can take several months to find a good internship and work out the details related to your project, travel, etc. It is recommended that first year students begin the process during the fall semester.collapse
The internship needs to be one project of at least ten weeks of full time work in a public health setting.collapse
No, and this is what makes the search process exciting. YSPH students intern all over the world and the US, in all different types of organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.collapse
Every organization has its own recruiting etiquette but most organizations require a resume and a cover letter. Some will also require references and a writing sample. Need help with your resume and cover letter? Check the Career Essentials link of this website (link) to get started.collapse

Funding

Some student interns are paid by the preceptor agency; others are not. Only students doing unpaid internships can apply for funding.collapse
There are a number of funding sources available at YSPH and elsewhere at Yale University. The Office of Career Services will conduct workshops early in the spring semester to help you navigate the funding process.collapse
Funding applications generally consist of a 1 -2 page proposal and a budget. Deadlines vary and start in February.  collapse
No. In order to apply for funding you need to have a specific, well-defined project.collapse
No. The application process is streamlined so that you submit one application to be considered for any source of funding that is appropriate for your internship project.collapse
We try very hard to provide funding for as many students as we can. It is not possible to guarantee funding for every student, or to guarantee that funding will cover the full budget for the project.collapse
You will be notified of funding decisions in early April.collapse
If you do not receive funding or your budget is partially met you will need to either personally finance your project or choose a different internship.collapse

Meeting Internship Requirements

The Office of Community Health offers special workshops during the spring semester to provide hands on support to students in developing their internship work plans. One-on-one assistance is also available upon request.collapse
April 30: Student work plans are due in the Office of Public Health Practice for review and approval. 
September 15: Student’s Evaluation and Final Report are due. 
September 15: Preceptor Evaluation is due.
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