At the School of Public Health-Bloomington, students are supported every step of the way during their internship or practicum experience. A dedicated team of professionals ensures that students are well-prepared, guided, and mentored throughout the process—from planning to completion.
Site Supervisors and Preceptors provide hands-on mentorship and supervision at the internship site. They offer training, guidance, and constructive feedback, helping students apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health settings and build essential professional competencies.
Locate general information to help you prepare for and succeed in your internship. Information in your internship course always supersedes the information provided below.
Credit internships are structured internships that require a student to complete a course for college credit. Coursework for credit internship courses includes:
Students do not attend a weekly class as part of their internship. Students register for the corresponding internship course in advance and engage in the internship outside of a classroom environment. Assignments and reflections are administered through Canvas and online forms allowing students to intern from any geographical area.
The internship is graded on a satisfactory or fail basis (S or F). This notation does not impact your overall GPA. However, it is important to meet all the internship requirements set by your faculty internship coordinator to pass the course successfully.
All enrolled credits will be assessed for tuition and fees. Tuition is based on in-state or out-of-state costs depending on the student, and the academic term the credit is enrolled.Use this calculator to estimate your tuition costs. Contact Student Central with any questions regarding tuition and fees.
No, the internship and course must run concurrently.
The internship must align with your academic major and be approved by your faculty internship coordinator. If you complete your internship during the summer, it can take place in a geographical location of your choosing. Internships during the academic year can be done in Bloomington, nearby communities, or remotely.
You should participate in work and projects that foster skill and competency development. Before the internship begins, consider your professional development goals and discuss them with both your faculty internship coordinator and your internship supervisor.
If you are an international student with F-1 status, please refer to the information on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility as it pertains to your internship application process.
Yes, you can receive payment for your internship work while earning academic credit.
Before applying for and accepting an internship, consider expenses such as housing, cost of living, and transportation. Make a detailed budget to ensure you can manage these costs. Hutton Honor College Internship Grants help fund nonacademic work related to students' professional goals.
The Career Development and Alumni Relations team offers individual coaching to develop search strategies, hone application materials, and prepare for interviews.
It's customary to submit a resume and cover letter to express your interest in an internship. You should be prepared for a formal interview or an informal conversation with the employer. Additionally, some organizations may request references.
Early in your academic journey, your School of Public Health academic advisor will discuss options for completing your internship. If you choose to complete the internship during the summer after finishing coursework, you can still participate in the spring commencement ceremony. However, your degree will be conferred upon completion of the internship.
Once you've secured an internship offer, follow the instructions provided by your faculty internship coordinator to seek approval. Upon receiving approval and completing the required paperwork, proceed to enroll in the corresponding internship course.
Prioritize tracking your internship hours and regularly checking Canvas for announcements and assignment due dates each week. Visit the internship course webpage for more details and maintain open communication with your faculty internship coordinator.
Your faculty internship coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that your internship's learning objectives are met. They serve as a valuable resource for both you and your site supervisor throughout the internship experience. You can expect regular scheduled conversations and frequent feedback on your reflections submitted in the internship course.
The site supervisor or preceptor establishes clear expectations and goals for the internship, ensuring you understand your duties and objectives. They provide the necessary training and resources to help you acquire the skills needed to perform your tasks competently. Through regular interactions, they assess your progress and offer constructive feedback to help you improve and grow professionally.
Assess the nature of the conflict and try to resolve it with your site supervisor/preceptor professionally. If the conflict persists, seek advice from your faculty internship coordinator. They can provide additional support and mediate if necessary.
Take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, attend meetings, and participate in employer events. Show genuine interest in getting to know people. Show curiosity about others' roles, experiences, and career paths. Asking thoughtful questions can help you learn more and make meaningful connections.
Balancing an internship with other commitments, such as classes or part-time jobs, requires careful planning and time management. Creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and setting realistic goals are all effective strategies.
Yes, an internship can often lead to a job offer or further opportunities with the company. To increase the likelihood of this happening, demonstrate consistent professionalism, deliver high-quality work, build trusting working relationships, and express continued interest.
Yes, it is appropriate to ask for feedback or career advice from your internship colleagues. Doing so can be highly beneficial for your professional development. To do this effectively, request a specific time to meet, be specific rather than general in your request, be open to constructive feedback, and convey appreciation.
Asking for a letter of recommendation or reference from your internship supervisor should be approached professionally and respectfully and is typically done at the conclusion of the internship. Allow them enough lead time and briefly explain how the letter will be used in your upcoming job search. If they agree, follow up by thanking them for their support of your future endeavors.
Leveraging your internship for future opportunities involves reflecting on the valuable lessons learned, skills acquired, and connections made during this high-impact experience. Begin by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase these insights. Build a portfolio that highlights your achievements, details of projects you contributed to, skills honed, and any positive feedback or evaluations you received. This proactive approach will help demonstrate your value to potential employers.
