BYU | BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
College of Health & Human Performance

Public Health Education Internship

Guidelines for Internship Supervisors


Mission of Brigham Young University’s Health Science Internship

 

To provide students with an opportunity to enhance their professional growth through the integration of classroom theory with planned, supervised, and practical work experience related to community/public health education. 

 

What is An Academic Internship?

An internship is an academic, curriculum-based, practical work experience in Public Health Education that enhances student learning.

 

Skills Student Interns Have!

  1.  Computer application skills relevant to health education.
  2.  Basic epidemiology knowledge & understanding.
  3.  Written and oral communication skills.
  4.  Program planning and evaluation skills.
  5.  Knowledge of the media and basic media skills.

 

How Interns are Placed?

 

  1. Potential interns are placed in one of two ways: a) they may contact you; or b) the Department Intern Coordinator may refer them.
  2. Student interns must have approval from the intern coordinator prior to starting their internship. 
  3. We expect you to be comfortable and satisfied with the interns we refer therefore, we want you to interview the prospective intern to determine if they meet your needs. 

 

Examples of Potential Growth Opportunities for the Intern

 

  1. Event coordination – needs assessment, program planning, community organization, evaluation, etc. 
  2. Community events – presentations, act as a program representative at meetings, etc.
  3.  Work with the media – write press releases, press kits, PSAs, organize a press event, etc.
  4.  Develop educational materials that fit the needs of your organization.
  5.  Research – i.e. assist with grant writing, background information, report preparation, etc.
  6.  Developing outreach skills, including coalition formation and coalition function, etc.

What you can expect from a BYU Student Intern

 

  1. Commitment to a certain number of hours to be completed by a specified date. 
  2. Dependability.
  3.  Ability to function at the same level as a new employee (without experience). 
  4. BYU intern is expected to represent your agency as well as BYU in a professional manner.  

Supervisors guide to make the internships a win/win situation

 

  1. Provide appropriate and meaningful public health projects.

 

  1. Provide clear instructions and then allow the intern to innovate. 

 

  1. Provide regular supervision and suggestions.

 

  1. Make yourself available for questions or guidance.

 

  1. Treat the intern as a professional and as part of your staff. Invite him/her to participate in your staff meetings, seek their input, build up their confidence, let them know your dress standards, don’t accept inferior work but guide them so that they succeed.

 

  1. Remember that when the intern succeeds so does your program.

 

Types of Feedback that can Help the Intern Progress

  1. Help the intern learn and apply professional decorum. Set standards, timelines, expectations that you would have if they were a full-time employee (i.e. dependability, schedule, project deadlines, etc.).
  2. Be open and honest with your critiques and supervision, but be sensitive to the intern’s needs. 
  3. Interview the interns on a regular basis (at least twice during their internship) to monitor their progress. 

Grading and Performance Issues of the Interns


  1. If problems arise with the intern, contact the BYU Student Intern Coordinator (Calvert F. Cazier at 422-1889) and let him help you solve the problem. 

  2. Please evaluate the student’s progress at the mid-point of their internship as well as at the end. As part of the final evaluation, please meet with the intern to assess the overall accomplishments he/she experienced.
  3. Based on the intern’s job performance, a letter of recommendation would be appreciated.