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Internships

Summary
Students looking for hands-on experience in a fast-paced journalism environment are encouraged to apply for The Nation’s Health internship with the American Public Health Association. Interns at The Nation's Health have the opportunity to report stories and assist with many facets of newsgathering, writing and production. APHA internships are unpaid and located in Washington, D.C.
 
Description
Duties can include writing news stories for the monthly print issue of the newspaper or for its web version, developing story ideas and attending press conferences and congressional hearings. Interns are responsible for the newspaper’s weekly online news quiz and contribute to multiple storytelling platforms. Interns receive valuable experience in newspaper production and distribution. Interns also may work within APHA’s Communications Department, assisting with news releases, news tracking and other public relations work, as well as with APHA's social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. All APHA interns also work on the Association’s Get Ready campaign, writing blog posts and working on group projects each semester. 
 
At the end of the internship period, the intern will have produced numerous articles, news quizzes and a solid package of clips.
 
Qualifications
The Nation's Health offers one summer internship, as well as combined journalism/communication internships during the fall and spring semesters, to qualified students. Experience with deadlines, Associated Press/journalism style is a plus, as is prior writing and reporting experience and a willingness to learn. Opportunities for internships are available year-round and last for a three- to four-month period. To assure that the intern maximizes her or his experience, we require that students work a minimum of 28 hours a week. All APHA internships are unpaid, but credit is available. 
 
Applicants who meet the requirements and are interested in being considered for this internship should upload the following information:
• cover letter, indicating your specific area(s) of interest and expertise, what you hope to gain from an APHA internship, why you would like to intern at APHA and your availability and schedule; 
• resume;
• two writing samples, 1-2 pages each (published or from schoolwork); and
• three references (supply names, email addresses and phone numbers of three individuals who know you well enough to discuss your qualifications, e.g., an employer or professor).

Make sure your name is on each page you send. Submit your materials through APHA's online Internship Center.

Application deadlines

Start and end times are negotiable. Though it is best to submit applications by the deadline, please inquire, as some positions may still be open beyond the deadline.

Fall semester
Sept. 1-Dec. 15
Apply by Aug. 1

Winter/Spring
Jan. 17-May 4
Apply by Dec. 16

Summer
May 14-Aug. 17
Apply now!

To learn more, email us at nations.health@apha.org.

APHA also offers a range of other internship opportunities.

In their own words: Testimonials from students who interned at The Nation's Health

A fulfulling, substantial internship

My time at The Nation’s Health was honestly the most fulfilling and substantial internship I have had. Many places like to give you busy work or data entry, but my editors at The Nation’s Health had me writing articles from day one and each week was filled with writing, attending events on Capitol Hill or the National Press Club and learning the finer points of AP Style. The experience I have gained at The Nation’s Health has helped me improve my writing for my future plans to become a public health lawyer. I highly recommend this internship for anyone who wants to improve their writing or learn more about public health.

— Jeffrey, Georgetown University

An experience you can't get anywhere else

My communications internship at APHA was everything I could have asked for and more. I worked closely with The Nation's Health staff and the communications team, getting a taste of both the journalism and public relations worlds in one summer. By working with two different departments, there was always something to do and something new to learn, whether it was attending news conferences on Capitol Hill or writing press releases. The staff was always open to any questions I had and because of them, I have gained skills that I will carry with me throughout my professional career.

I really felt like part of the team, not just another summer intern. Even from my first day at APHA, I could tell that this internship would be an experience you couldn't get anywhere else.

— Valerie, University of Maryland

An insider's view of the hot public health topics

As a reporter for The Nation's Health, I had an insider's view of some of the hottest public health topics on Capitol Hill. There is no better way to learn about issues affecting the health of the nation than to engage with leaders who set the public health agenda across the country.

Working with a small staff meant that someone was always available to answer my questions, point out helpful resources and offer constructive criticism. My news writing skills improved dramatically in just a few months. I learned how to craft an effective story angle and how to ask the key questions in an interview. Staff members made me feel like I was truly part of the team, encouraging me to write about things I found interesting and always willing to hear my thoughts on story ideas and angles.

— Alyssa, University of Pennsylvania

Real-world experience

My internship with The Nation’s Health served as the perfect capstone to my undergraduate education. It gave me real-world experience as a reporter attending news conferences, study releases and briefings in Washington D.C. An internship with The Nation’s Health gives you the opportunity to be published more often than in most any other journalism internship. For a journalism student who wants real experience as a reporter, an internship with The Nation’s Health is the place to go.

— Russell, Brigham Young University

Leave APHA with professional communications skills

My internship at APHA was one of the most beneficial experiences of my college career. Not only did I write for their award-winning newspaper, The Nation’s Health, I also wrote press releases, health advisories and attended news conferences on Capitol Hill! With a good attitude and willingness to learn, I gained professional skills in the field of communications that will last throughout my career. I came to APHA as an intern, however after exposure to the friendly working environment and people, I left feeling more like staff.

— Christie, Syracuse University

EEO/AA/VETS/DISABILITY. APHA is strongly and actively committed to diversity in its workplace.

 

 

 

 

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