Health Policy Internships in Washington, D.C.: Launching Your Career

Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, offers unparalleled opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking to immerse themselves in the world of health policy. Internships in this vibrant city provide practical skills, valuable networking experiences, and exposure to influential institutions and individuals shaping the future of healthcare. This article explores various health policy internship opportunities in Washington, D.C., highlighting the skills and experiences you can gain, and providing guidance on how to secure a coveted position.

Immersive Short-Term Programs: A Quick Start

For those seeking a concentrated experience, short-term programs like the one offered by The Washington Center (TWC) provide an excellent introduction to health policy. These programs, typically lasting less than a week, offer practical skills in policy formulation, implementation, and assessment, focusing on real-world applications. Participants build professional networks, visit key institutions in D.C., and connect with elected officials, policy leaders, and other experts.

TWC's short-term programs take learners beyond the classroom and put them front-and-center with individuals and institutions of influence. In less than one week, learners build skills and professional networks that can fuel career growth, connect with individuals like elected officials, policy leaders and other experts, and explore the wide variety of jobs and professional roles available in a field like health policy.

Participants in TWC programs can expect to:

Gain practical skills in policy formulation, implementation, and assessment.
Build a network of professionals and peers.
Visit institutions in D.C.
Experience D.C. like a local while living in TWC’s furnished intern housing.

TWC also offers reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. TWC's housing is ADA accessible, and wheelchair accessible apartments are available to participants who need them.

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Application Essentials for Short-Term Programs

To apply for programs like TWC's Health Policy Immersion Program, you'll typically need to submit the following:

Statement of Interest: A 100-250 word statement outlining your suitability for the program and your goals for the experience.
One-page Resumé: A current resume highlighting your educational background, internships, volunteer work, on-campus leadership positions, honors, or awards.
Transcript: An official copy of your transcript from your current college/university, including your name, school’s name, cumulative GPA, and current courses (if enrolled).

Long-Term Internships: Deeper Engagement

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, longer-term internships with organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) offer valuable opportunities to contribute to impactful policy initiatives.

American Public Health Association (APHA)

APHA internships provide hands-on experience and insight into the integration of science, policy, and practice in public health. Public health policy interns work primarily with staff in the Center for Public Health Policy (Center). The Center aims to influence public policy at all levels of government and within the private sector and serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Interns at APHA can expect to:

Build and strengthen professional skills in research, analysis, writing, organization, and interpersonal communications.
Conduct research and analysis to develop factsheets, issue briefs, and other educational resources.
Work on a variety of issue areas, including public health infrastructure, health reform, obesity prevention, health equity, and workforce.

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for unpaid APHA internships. The internships at APHA are extremely beneficial to those seeking to acquire practical work experience. Candidates should be working toward a bachelor's, graduate, or postgraduate degree, and all majors are welcome.

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Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC)

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) offers a unique internship experience focused on finding collaborative solutions to complex policy challenges. BPC takes views from both parties and comes together to find solutions. The program is tailored to meet the goals of each intern in their professional and personal development. Interns that work with BPC’s various teams will have the opportunity to see bipartisanship in action. The program is conducive to the intern’s goals and provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Interns at BPC can expect to:

Provide administrative support.
Assist with events and meetings.
Conduct research.
Assist with the development and writing of reports, white papers, and proposals.
Work with a specific BPC project or functional area.

BPC offers both semester (fall and spring) and summer internships. During the fall and spring semesters, internships are in person, part-time, and paid, with interns receiving a stipend. BPC has a robust in person summer program. Interns work full time and will receive a stipend for ten weeks of work.

Eligibility Requirements for BPC Internships:

Applicants must be rising juniors or above, or graduate students, or recent graduates.
Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or be a recent graduate.

BPC Internship Structure:

Fall and spring internship hours are flexible, but interns average 18-20 hours/per week.
BPC is in the office three times a week from Tuesday - Thursday and has the option to work from home on Monday and Friday.
Each semester, each of the listed project and functional areas has internship(s) available.

BPC Internship Opportunities:

BPC Action Intern: Assists with legislative and communications efforts, supporting staff across various policy areas, including Economic Policy, Energy, Health, Human Capital, Housing, Technology, and Governance.
BPC Energy Team Intern: Works directly with BPC’s Energy Project team on analysis and research, event planning, monitoring news and congressional activity, communications activities, writing support, and administrative support.
External Relations Intern: Works closely with members of the communications and development teams to assist with projects that strengthen BPC’s visibility, credibility, and sustainability.
Governance Program Intern: Supports efforts to strengthen voting processes, build trust in government, and support bipartisan leadership.
Health Policy Program Intern: Works on a variety of policy areas across the Health team’s portfolio, assigned based on the intern’s policy interests and the team’s current project needs.

Application Tips for BPC Internships

Submit an application for every internship you are interested in.
Do not send multiple submissions to the same internship.
Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

General Advice for Securing a Health Policy Internship

Tailor Your Application: Carefully review the requirements and focus of each internship and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your interest in health policy and your ability to contribute to the organization.
Network: Attend informational sessions, career fairs, and networking events to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can provide valuable insights into different organizations and internship opportunities, and can help you make a lasting impression on potential employers.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize skills such as research, analysis, writing, communication, and data analysis. Highlight any experience you have with policy analysis, advocacy, or community outreach.
Demonstrate Passion: Convey your genuine interest in health policy and your commitment to improving public health. Share your personal experiences and motivations for pursuing a career in this field.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume, cover letter, and other application materials are free of errors in grammar and spelling. A polished and professional application demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

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