Internships

The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services provides opportunities for students to learn about public health and public health careers, and to expose students and new graduates to public health practices.

An internship will provide students with opportunities to:

• Shadow a public health professional, such as one of our public health inspectors, to learn about everyday duties and the work of public health professionals.
• Carry out an independent project demonstrating the application of knowledge and skills to current public health practice.
• Apply classroom learning and gain hands-on experience in a public health work environment.
• Develop contacts within the field of public health and access future employment opportunities.
• Develop goals for personal and professional growth with the understanding that professional development is a continuous process.
• Work with a preceptor who can serve as a role model and mentor.

Note: All internships/job shadowing opportunities are unpaid unless otherwise noted.

Eligibility

Internships are available to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students at colleges and universities, with first consideration given to those in programs in public health, health promotion, allied health, medicine, and related fields in Connecticut schools. Interns must be enrolled in a degree program.

Placements & Academic Requirements

DHHS will typically place students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semester/term, although immediate opportunities may become available that do not align with the beginning of semesters.

Since the academic requirements of participating institutions of higher education may vary, each student should consult with his or her college advisor or Internship Director/Coordinator, and arrange for specific academic requirements and credits to be awarded for participation in the program.

If selected, students should work out specific hours directly with the DHHS preceptor.

General Application / Deadline

Those interested in applying may submit an application with a cover letter, resume, Reference Form, and Verification of Enrollment (e.g., transcript) (as a Word or PDF doc.) via the email of the Internships Division

View the Public Health Intern Application / Reference Form (PDF).

Students are encouraged to review DHHS's webpage for information about programs and services that are offered and to help identify public health areas of interest.

Acknowledgement of each application will be provided upon submission. Preceptors will contact you directly if your qualifications and interests match a project.

Semester Application Deadline

• Spring - December 1st
• Summer -  May 1st
• Fall - August 1

Selection & Placement

All student applications will be reviewed by the Director of Health. Applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview. Appointments will be made in accordance to the academic term being considered.

Student Intern Responsibilities

• Review DHHS Intern Checklist, Code of Conduct, and Program Policies. Ask your preceptor to explain any policy that remains unclear. Adhere to DHHS policies throughout the entirety of the internship.
• Complete and return the Application and Orientation Acknowledgement Form and Health Clearance Form to your DHHS Preceptor.
• If receiving academic credit, verify with your preceptor that you have received approval for the project from your Advisor.
• Exhibit exemplary behavior with regard to attendance, punctuality, attire, preparedness, receptiveness, enthusiasm, and discretion. Notify the preceptor by phone regarding tardiness, absence, or change of schedule. Complete assignments and project as directed by the preceptor. Address any conflicts, problems, or questions with the preceptor in a respectable and timely manner.