Strategies & Resources to Identify Internships/Field Experiences

Students find internships through many different methods, resources and strategies. It is advisable you use a multi-pronged approach and utilize:

Networking: personal, professional and school-related connections.
Postings: Search for posted opportunities utilizing many different services and websites.
Initiate Contact: research and contact organizations to initiate talks on possible internship collaboration.

How Students Found thier Internships

SPH Career Connection

Postings: Every year the SPH Career Connection posts hundreds of internships.
- View past internship postings under the "Archived Job & Internship Tab" in the Jobs section.
- Set up your search agent early so all internships that match your criteria are emailed to you.
Browse the employer database: Identify organizations that interest you and contact them to inquire about internship opportunities.

Departmental Student Services Representative: Each department has a different system in place to help assist you with locating internships. Check with your departments to see what resources they offer.
Advisors/Faculty: 15%-25% of internships are found through the help of your advisor or departmental faculty. Network and let them know what you are looking for and ask for any contacts.
Field Experience Office (F.Ex.O.): Offers assistance to Health Behavior and Health Education students with domestic and international internship placements.
The Office of Public Health Practice: manages several internship programs and have excellent connections in the State of Michigan

The Career Center in the Student Activities Building also maintains a posting site for jobs and internships.
The International Center’s Study, Work, and Travel Abroad Office The mission of the office is to serve as a one-stop resource for finding overseas educational opportunities. Staff and peer advisors are available to advise you on opportunities that best meet your needs.
- The Big Guide to Living and Working Oversease
The University of Michigan Library System offers several on-line resources that includes internship postings:
- Going Global Country Career and Employment Resources
  Provides world-wide job openings, internship listings, industry profiles and country-specific career information designed to help citizens of one country find employment in another country (including the U.S.).
- ScienceCareers.org
  Covers scientific training, career development, and the science & technology job markets. Provides career resources for scientists and recruiting solutions for employers. Supports the AAAS commitment to furthering careers in science and technology.
- USA Career Guides
  Contains career and employment resources for job-seekers covering the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the USA. Included in this database are: job search resources, employment outlook, professional networking groups, cost of living, major employer listings by industry sector, non-profits and volunteer opportunities.

Speakers/Alumni: Take advantage of alumni events, guest speakers in your classes, panelists from symposiums and go up after the event and introduce yourself and give them your elevator speech. Let them know that you are interested in their work and would like the opportunity to talk with them at a later date to explore any possible internship opportunities. Get their business card or exchange contact information.
LinkedIn is a professional networking site that has a growing community of University of Michigan School of Public Health Users. Take advantage of this networking by signing up and joining appropriate groups. You may be able to connect with alumni from specific organizations that you are interested in.