Internships

Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates to learn about public health and the application of public health practices. Students and recent graduates may be provided with the opportunity to:

• Shadow public health officials and gain exposure to the operations and day-to-day tasks of HVHD
• Experiential learning and assignments that reflect methods in how the office strives for government to be more effective, efficient and elegant
• Establish a framework to enhance educational experience through practical work and research, thereby developing skills useful for career development
• Develop personal and professional public health skills and create public health contacts

*All internships/job shadowing opportunities are unpaid unless otherwise noted. 

We have internship opportunities available in the following categories

• Health Communications
• Environmental Health
• Community Health Education 
• Clinical Consultation
• Emergency Preparedness

Eligibility

Job shadowing or internships may be available to undergraduates, graduate, and post-graduate students at colleges and universities, with first consideration given to those in programs in public health, allied health, medicine, and related fields. Internships are highly competitive and based on preceptor availability and therefore HVHD cannot guarantee placements. Interns must be enrolled in a degree program. 

Placement and Academic Requirements

HVHD will typically place students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, however, immediate opportunities may be available outside the semester timelines. Many students receive credit for their university or college for their internships. Although the HVHD Internship Program does not grant academic credit, it will cooperate with schools that do. If you are seeking credit, you should make arrangements in advance with your university advisor and your internship supervisor.

Application

Those interested in applying for an internship with HVHD should submit an application accompanied by a cover letter, resume, and verification of enrollment (i.e. transcript) as a online application. 

Semester Application Deadlines

Spring	December 1st
Summer	May 1st
Fall	August 1st

Applicants will be notified within two weeks after the Application deadline if they have been selected for an interview. After completion of candidate interviews, invitations to participate in the Internship Program may be extended.

Required Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Verification of Enrollment (i.e. academic transcript)
• 2 completed public health internship references forms or letters of reference

HVHD embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or physical ability.