Internships Pave the Way for a Brighter Tomorrow

This summer, I was honored to be selected for a summer internship at the CDC Foundation. I joined 15 diverse undergraduate and graduate students from around the country, each with unique skills and perspectives, to support the Foundation’s mission while gaining individual experience in public health.

It was great to see the diversity of our group of interns, which was an asset to the teams we supported. Though all of us came from an array of academic backgrounds and fields of interest, we shared a common passion for improving the public’s health and being part of a purpose-driven organization.

Each intern was assigned to a department that aligned with our interests and skill sets, allowing us to make a meaningful contribution while learning from professionals and colleagues in the field. As a news media major, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Communications Department, working on both internal and external projects. The mentorship I received was invaluable, providing me with insights that went beyond textbooks and classroom lectures.

Every day was a learning experience. The culture at the Foundation celebrates teamwork and it was motivating to work with colleagues who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. I appreciated the guidance and mentorship I received, which allowed me to grow as a writer, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues one-on-one or during weekly team meetings to better understand how the Foundation operates.

As interns, the CDC Foundation provided us an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether we continue in public health, move into research or pursue other related fields, the skills and knowledge we acquired through our internships at the CDC Foundation will undoubtedly shape our future careers, and contribute to our success. I am excited to continue learning, growing and making a difference in public health.