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How can I gain experience in public health as a college graduate student if i want to work in the epidemiology field?
I’m currently a senior and will be starting graduate school next semester. I’m really interested in working in the epidemiology field. I am extremely passionate about public health. As I prepare to start graduate school, I want to have hands on experience in this particular field. I am motivated to work on addressing health disparities and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities
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Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
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Charlotte’s Answer
Hey,
As a soon-to-be graduate student passionate about public health and epidemiology, you can gain hands-on experience by seeking internships or research assistant positions with public health departments, hospitals, universities, or nonprofits focused on health equity. Volunteering for community health organizations, participating in epidemiology fieldwork projects, or assisting with data collection for health studies are great ways to build practical skills. You should also look for graduate research opportunities with your professors, especially those working on topics like health disparities, infectious diseases, or chronic disease prevention. Joining professional groups like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and attending public health conferences can also help you connect with mentors and open doors to fieldwork and networking opportunities.
As a soon-to-be graduate student passionate about public health and epidemiology, you can gain hands-on experience by seeking internships or research assistant positions with public health departments, hospitals, universities, or nonprofits focused on health equity. Volunteering for community health organizations, participating in epidemiology fieldwork projects, or assisting with data collection for health studies are great ways to build practical skills. You should also look for graduate research opportunities with your professors, especially those working on topics like health disparities, infectious diseases, or chronic disease prevention. Joining professional groups like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and attending public health conferences can also help you connect with mentors and open doors to fieldwork and networking opportunities.
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Shelley’s Answer
Hello! That's so great! Glad to hear you're interested in going into the field of public health. I recommend looking for opportunities with local public health departments (e.g., city, state) and public health associations (e.g., Illinois Public Health Association). You could also consider job shadowing with someone in epidemiology - that could lead to other connections in their workplace for an internship or for future employment. Another similar area that you could explore is volunteering or working with community health centers. While they aren't necessarily doing epidemiology work, you'll get exposure to a lot of health issues (including health disparities) that could be positively impacted by improved public health infrastructure and any public health work you do in the future.