Jumpstart Your Healthcare Administration Career with an Internship
As a college student interested in pursuing a career in healthcare administration, gaining practical experience through an internship can be a valuable step on your career path. But where can you find healthcare administration internships, and how can you make sure you stand out as a candidate?
Where to find Internships in Healthcare Administration as a Student
Online Job Boards
One of the first places to look for healthcare administration internships is online job boards and career websites. These can be excellent resources for finding paid and unpaid internships with various organizations.
Here is a list of job board sites that list internships for healthcare administrators:
It's worth noting that many job boards allow you to search for internships specifically, so you can filter your search results only to show available internships.
Additionally, you can search for specific healthcare organizations or industries to find internships that align with your interests.
The School Career Center
You can also check for opportunities with your school's career center or internship office. They may have resources or connections that can help you find internships in healthcare administration.
Go Directly to the Organization
Another option is contacting healthcare organizations directly to inquire about internships.
For example, as an undergraduate student, I reached out to our local hospital, St. Mary Medical Center (down the street from our house), and asked about internships or volunteering. Then I was referred to the hospital's auxiliary department, where I was admitted as a volunteer and offered an official job.
Government and Non-profit Agencies
It's also worth considering internships with government agencies or non-profit organizations, as these organizations often have internship programs.
There are several ways that students can find internships with government agencies or non-profit organizations:
Search online job boards and career websites:
Many government agencies and non-profit organizations list internships on job boards and career websites. You can try searching for keywords like "government internship" or "non-profit internship" to find relevant opportunities.
Check with your school's career center or internship office:
Your school's career center or internship office may connect with government agencies or non-profit organizations and can help you find internships.
Research-specific organizations:
If you have a particular government agency or non-profit organization in mind, visit their website and look for information on internships or student opportunities. You can also reach out to them directly to inquire about internships.
Attend job fairs or networking events:
Government agencies and non-profit organizations often participate in job fairs and networking events, where you can meet representatives and learn about internship opportunities.
Use your network:
Remember to underestimate the power of your personal and professional network. Reach out to friends, family, and professionals in your field to see if they know of any internship opportunities with government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Combining these strategies can increase your chances of finding an internship with a government agency or non-profit organization.
It's also a good idea to be proactive and take the initiative to apply for internships even if they are not explicitly advertised, as many organizations are open to receiving unsolicited applications from students.
Skills Internships Look for
When it comes to what healthcare administration internships might be looking for in a candidate, relevant coursework or experience in healthcare administration or a related field is often a plus.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also essential qualities for successful healthcare administrators.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or other relevant software is also a requirement.
Additionally, having a professional and proactive attitude can make you stand out as a candidate.
How to Prepare for an Internship
To prepare for a healthcare administration internship, gathering relevant coursework or projects from your studies is a good idea.
Include those in your portfolio if you have completed any internships or volunteer work in the healthcare field.
If you have any relevant industry certifications or licenses, be sure to mention those as well.
Finally, proofread and polish your portfolio before presenting it to potential internship employers.
In conclusion, there are many ways for college students to find and prepare for healthcare administration internships. By searching online, checking with your school's career resources, and reaching out to potential employers directly, you can find valuable opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. By highlighting your relevant coursework and experience, demonstrating strong communication skills, and presenting a professional attitude, you can make a strong impression as a candidate for healthcare administration internships.