The Why and Where of Internships

Participating in a healthcare internship has many benefits. First, it provides exposure to various healthcare professions and real-life experience of what they do daily. Also, an internship demonstrates your commitment to a career in healthcare, which can help you obtain a job or admission to the healthcare school of your choice. Finally, it allows you to learn how to operate in the healthcare environment and gives you a head-start on developing good habits that you will use throughout your career. Let’s look into where to find internships and how to apply.

Here are some steps you can take to find and secure an internship in the medical field:

1. Identify Your Interests

• Specialties:   Think about whether you’re interested in specific fields like surgery, pediatrics, anesthesiology, etc., or want to look for general knowledge.

• Settings:   Consider whether you prefer a hospital, clinic, research lab, or other healthcare settings.

    2.   Research Opportunities  

• Hospitals and Clinics: Contact local hospitals, clinics, or medical practices to inquire about internship or volunteer opportunities.

• Research Institutions: Look into research internships at universities or medical schools. These can provide valuable lab experience.

• Medical Associations: Check with local or national medical associations. They sometimes offer internship programs for high school students.

• Online Resources:  

  • Indeed: https://www.indeed.com

  • Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com

  • or specific healthcare job boards to find internships

    3.   Network  

• School Counselors:   Talk to your school’s career counselor or science teachers for guidance or connections to internship opportunities.

• Family and Friends:   Ask if anyone in your network works in healthcare and can help you find an opportunity.

• Social Media:   Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the medical field and inquire about internships.

• Join organizations like HOSA to learn more about opportunities in your area.

    4.   Prepare Your Application  

• Resume:   Create a resume highlighting your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

• Cover Letter:   Write a compelling cover letter explaining your interest in medicine and why you want to intern at that specific place.

• References:   Ask teachers or mentors who know you well to serve as references.

    5.   Apply  

• Direct Applications:   Apply directly to the institutions or programs you're interested in. Be sure to follow their specific application instructions.

• Follow-up:   After applying, follow up with an email or phone call to show your enthusiasm and inquire about the status of your application.

    6.   Consider Volunteering  

• If internships are hard to find, consider volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities. This can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

    7.   Prepare for the Interview  

• If you get called for an interview, prepare by researching the organization, practicing common interview questions, and being ready to discuss your interests and goals.

    8.   Be Persistent and Flexible  

• The medical field is competitive, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t immediately land an internship. Be open to different roles and settings, as any experience in healthcare can be valuable.

These steps will help you find and secure an internship that can provide valuable experience and help you in your future medical career.