Student Opportunities
The University of Iowa College of Public Health is committed to the continued development and support of the public health workforce in Iowa.
By integrating students into public health practice, organizations and agencies benefit from the engagement of skilled, enthusiastic students to assist with carrying out goals and objectives, while students build upon their education and training, more effectively preparing them to enter the workforce and contribute to the strength and sustainability of Iowa’s public health infrastructure. Projects may be short-term or long-term, vary in complexity, and involve one or more students. This partnership will have benefits for both the students and the organizations.
For public health organizations
Benefits for public health organizations:
- Work with students on-site, virtually, or a combination, enabling organizations from across the state an equal opportunity to partner with students
- Provide feedback to the College of Public Health on skills and knowledge students need prior to entering the workforce
- Utilize students to assist with large-scale campaigns, assessments, or activities
- Mobilize a team of student volunteers to respond to emergent situations more effectively
- Enlist a team to assist with large events or projects
- Receive assistance on new technology, initiatives, and communication channels, including social media with the supplemental skillsets of a new generation of public health professionals.
- Network with potential future job applicants
For students
Benefits for students:
- Opportunities to observe how public health theory translates to real-world applications
- Practical experience, preparing them for future day-to-day responsibilities
- Insight into the multitude of career opportunities available in the diverse public health-related organizations throughout Iowa
- Connections to potential employers
Case Competition
Solve a global public health problem while competing for cash with an interdisciplinary team of students.
Ways for students to get experience
There is no shortage of ways for College of Public Health students to get hands-on experience before graduating.
Undergraduate Experiential Learning
Public health majors at the University of Iowa apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world public health experiences.
Student Strike Force
The UI Public Health Strike Force provides support to health organizations and non-profits by deploying public health students to assist with public health related projects.
MPH Applied Practice Experience
A 200-hour field experience that allows Master of Public Health students to demonstrate professional competency in a public health practice setting.
Student Project Examples
- Implement New Programs
- Design Communication Materials
- Plan & Promote Community Events
- Implement Social Media Campaigns
- Develop Tools & Resources
- Collect, Analyze & Report Data
- Compile Accreditation Documentation
- Revise Emergency Preparedness Plans
- Disease Investigation & Contact Tracing
- Audit School Immunization Records
- Map Private Wells
- Facilitate Focus Groups
- Review, Compare, & Develop Policies
- Community Health Improvement Plan Work
- Conduct Needs Assessments
- Community Health
- Maternal Health
- Food Systems
- Health Equity
- MAPP
- Implement Inventory Management System
- Create Policy Position Statements
- Conduct Health Equity Projects
- Translate Communication Materials