Society for Public Health Education Summary
Society for Public Health Education
10 G Street NE Suite 605
Washington DC 20002
Phone: (202) 408-9804
Fax: (202) 408-9815
www.sophe.org
Vision and Leadership for Health Promotion
Society for Public Health Education
Internship Description
The Society for Public Health Education is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) health education
professional association represented by a diverse membership of nearly 4,000 health education
professionals and students throughout the United States and 25 international countries. The
organization promotes healthy behaviors, healthy communities, and healthy environments
through its membership, its network of local chapters, and its numerous partnerships with other
organizations. SOPHE members work in elementary/secondary schools, universities, voluntary
organizations, health care settings, worksites, and local/state/federal government agencies.
Society for Public Health Internship Program
SOPHE’s diverse constituency includes
:
• Students and Faculty of Academic Institutions
• Government Employees
• Advocacy organizations
• School Health Advocates
SOPHE’s Mission and Goals
At SOPHE we: provide global leadership to the profession of health education and health
promotion and promote the health of society. Our vision is to a healthy world through health
education.
• We do this by providing training to health professionals and students at Annual Meetings.
• We do this by providing professional development and continuing education to improve
the quality of health education/health promotion service delivery.
• Facilitate and support practitioners, facilities, and community-based organizations in
addressing critical health issues in a timely and efficient manner.
SOPHE is committed to:
•
Responding to the needs of its members
•
Delivering quality products and services
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Demonstrating integrity, accountability and transparency
•
Promoting teamwork and collaboration
•
Embracing diversity
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•
The SOPHE Internship Program offers participants an opportunity to gain valuable
experience in a non-profit 501(c)(3) health education organization serving over 4,000
members globally.
•
Internship candidates provide essential administrative support, but other responsibilities vary
depending on time of year.
•
Many internship candidates are studying public health, health policy, health promotion or
health education, but the program can provide outstanding background for students from a
number of different fields of study including: hospitality, marketing, and communications.
Consideration for students without a public health background will be handled on a case by
case basis.
•
SOPHE invites anyone to apply, although most internship candidates are either currently in
college or graduate school, or recent graduates.
ACADEMIC CREDIT
•
Academic credit for the Program is at the discretion of your college, or university.
•
SOPHE will assist you in providing appropriate information as your school requests.
•
Make all arrangements for earning credit before you begin the Program.
SOPHE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
•
Program applicants must be currently enrolled or recent graduates of an educational
institution, such as a college, university or continuing education program.
•
Display an interest in a career related to health, health promotion and education, health policy
or
•
Possess strong verbal, written, communication and analytical skills.
•
Exhibits strong computer skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Word applications.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Please complete all sections of the application. Failure to provide complete answers may affect
the review and consideration of your application.
Your application must include all of the following in order to be considered:
• Cover letter
• Current resume
• Personal Statement/Writing Sample
• Name and contact information for two individual who can provide a reference for you
The application and all requested materials must be submitted together. Failure to meet
any of the above-mentioned requirements may delay, or even prevent, the review of your
application. Please keep a photocopy of your completed application for your files. Given the
volume of incoming applications, we will not be able to return any of the materials we receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Society for Public Health Internship Program
How long is a SOPHE Internship?
A SOPHE Internship is a
pproximately 12-14 week. Interns can choose between the Winter Session (January-April), the Summer Session (May- August), or the Fall Session (September-December). Internships can be a combination of Sessions dependent upon the needs of the student and organization.Are the Internships Full-time:
To maximize learning opportunities, full-time is preferred. This is handled case by case. If you are unable to commit to full time, please still apply and include a written statement why part time is needed. A modest stipend (up to $1500) is provided to interns, dependent on length of commitment.
What will some of my duties include?
S
OPHE interns can expect to work on a variety of projects pertinent to SOPHE’s mission but similar to other non-profit voluntary organizations. Among these areadvocacy, program planning, communications planning/outreach, research, conference planning,fundraising, chapter development, administrative responsibilities/data entry.Upon interviewing, ascope of work and activity is tailored to each intern’s expertise and pertinent to SOPHE’s needs. SOPHEinterns will have the opportunity to develop a project in conjunction with SOPHE staff that they willcreate and complete during their internship. Activities may include: Policy and Media Advocacy Program Planning & Communications Health Education Research SOPHE Professional Meetings
What are examples of past intern projects:
Students have been able to participate in the following activities:
• Conducting seminal research on MPH programs in community health education, including web-based survey and obtaining IRB review; preparation of article for publication.
• Development of tool kit, communications plan and evaluation, and liaison w/ other groups for National Health Education Week; preparation and presentation of Poster at SOPHE Annual Meeting.
• Assisting with research to develop a database of employers for a study of the impact of health education credentialing; development and presentation of a Poster at SOPHE Annual Meeting.
• Development of SOPHE resolution on handgun violence and establishment of SOPHE partnership to various organizations; presentation to SOPHE Board; development of resolution implementation plan.
• Interviewing SOPHE past presidents and development of 50th Anniversary booklet w/
past president reflections.
What are the perks I can expect if I become a SOPHE intern?
SOPHE interns may have the opportunity to attend health related hearings and briefings, as well as, have valuable opportunities to interact and networks with other leaders and members in the SOPHE, health education, and public health communities. SOPHE interns gain valuable work experience in a professional office environment, building relationships with professionals who can potentially serve as references and provide letters of recommendations for future endeavors. In addition, SOPHE interns see how non-profit membership organizations are operated, governed, and managed. They will get firsthand experience planning professional continuing education, assisting with coalition/chapter development and support, planning and implementing advocacy efforts and other activities related to the advanced competencies of health education professionals.
What are the qualifications for the SOPHE internship position?
Qualified applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s or a graduate
degree in public health, health education, community health, health promotion, preventive medicine, or a related discipline, and have completed two or more years of coursework with a 3.0 GPA or above. Course work in health education/behavioral theory, multicultural communications, program planning, advocacy and policy/environmental approaches to improving health and other health education competencies is preferred. Knowledge/interest preferred in tobacco prevention and control; physical activity; women’s health; environmental health and environmental justice; diabetes; obesity and nutrition; heart disease and stroke; cancer; school health; tobacco; and eliminating health disparities.
How would you describe the ideal candidate for the SOPHE internship position?
The ideal candidate will be to work with minimal supervision; have excellent oral, written, and
interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail; reliable and prompt; able to commit to a regular schedule; able to deal tactfully with a variety of personalities; and able to work in a team environment. He or she should demonstrate strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities. All candidates should be well versed in Microsoft® Office programs including Word, Excel and Access. Internet research and database management experience preferable. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, self-starter.
How do I apply?
To apply, you must submit a resume, cover letter addressing your experience in health education and health promotion, a personal statement/writing sample (including why you are interested in an internship experience with SOPHE and what your personal objectives for such an experience might be), and your application to: SOPHE, 10 G Street, NE, Suite 605, Washington, DC 20002. Fax: 202/408-9815. Or e-mail Nicolette Warren at: nwarren@sophe.org.
Desired Internship Dates Application Due Date
January – April: October 1 May – August: February 1 September – December: June 1
