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Public Health Internship ExperienceNicole HobbsWhat was your Public Health degree option?I am majoring in Public Health: Health Promotion and Behavior with a minor in Environmental Safety and Health. Where did you complete your internship for your Public Health degree?For my ESH minor I interned with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Tacoma, WA as part of their Surface Water program in their Environmental Health Division. Did you split your internship over the course of two terms or complete it in one 10-week term? Did you do more than one internship?I completed my ESH minor internship in one summer term. I am currently splitting my health promotion internship between winter and spring term. How would you describe your internship experience? What was a typical day at your internship like?I really enjoyed my experience with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD). At the time that I joined the health department, they were preparing for a government shutdown because the WA State legislature could not agree on a budget. It was a stressful time at the department as many workers were uncertain of the funding for their programs. I quickly learned how politics is intertwined with local health programs. Aside from that, my work was routine throughout the week. Once a week I collected water samples from county lakes and delivered them to a lab to be tested for coliform bacteria. During the week I also visited lakes to look for, and collect samples of, toxic algae. Once collected, I would look at the samples under the microscope and try to identify the species. Different days either consisted of doing research on environmental topics for small office projects or digging clams on the beach to test them for paralytic shellfish poison. Several times over the internship, I went out with my team to conduct shoreline walks, where we sample water outlets to test for coliform bacteria and sources of pollution. During my internship I also had the opportunity to job shadow a TPCHD food inspector, a community health nurse, an environmental health director for Joint Base Lewis McChord, and the director of Lakewood Parks and Recreation. What were the highlights of your internship? What did you enjoy the most? What was most challenging about the internship experience? (These don’t have to include the work or projects you were assigned, this can be more general concepts!)My favorite part of the internship was learning about environmental health and health politics from my team. My team was small so I had the chance to work closely with everyone. I had the opportunity to go to a training at an EPA lab with representatives from many other health agencies and learn about cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) from one of the country’s leading experts in the field. Additionally, I learned about how politics are woven in the health department and the challenges that come with those relationships. What is your current job?I am currently a part-time intern with the Marion County WIC program. How did your internship prepare you for your current position? My internship strengthened many skills for me, including attention to detail, patience, and health communication. I learned the role of local public health agencies in the larger state and federal public health system and the difficulties with health messaging in communities. What advice do you have for students who have yet to complete their internship?My advice for students is to really keep an open mind about internships. No matter where you go or what agency you work with, you will learn something. Take advantage of the opportunity by asking a lot of questions, shadowing other areas or employees (if possible), and think about what aspects of your internship you like or dislike. The internship is a trial-run for a full-time job. You may hate it, you may love it, you may be indifferent. No matter what, you will learn! ? ................
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