Opportunities to lead group projects and interact with many departments within the agency. There was a lot of freedom to work creatively and collaboratively with other students and full time employees. Everyone is happy to help with any and all issues. In general, a great team of people to work with.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have had the opportunity to do laboratory experiments on campus. Due to COVID, the entire internship experience was virtual and I never got to see the facility to meet the people I worked with face to face.
Advice
Make connections with as many people as possible during this internship. There are many opportunities for funding further education and starting a career in government research. Everyone is excited to meet and chat about their experiences, so take advantage of their experiences and mentorship!
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Cyber security
October 2018 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
Learning about the positions offered throughout the cdc and learning the ins and outs of cyber security.
What I wish was different
More interaction with the people I worked with to better understand the position and my job descriptions.
Advice
To be ready to learn how to work and contribute in a work environment it can be intimidating but a wonderful experience and make you a stronger worker in the process.
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Research Intern
May - August 2019 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
I enjoyed being responsible for my own research and having the freedom to do research on topics I am passionate about.
What I wish was different
I would not change anything about my time in Atlanta. There were definitely some rough patches trying to learn the ins and outs of a new city that is so far from home, but I learned so many valuable lessons.
Advice
One piece of advice I would share about this experience is to apply to every internship and job position that interests you. Even if you don't feel like you have the specific qualifications for the position. When you show that you have a willingness to learn you will be surprised at how far can go.
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CDC laboratory intern
June - August 2019 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
I was chosen for a highly selective program supported by CDC’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. The principal focus of this rigorous program is to reduce health disparities by placing students in leadership positions in public health. I got public health educational training at Morehouse College, then conducted hands-on research in CDC’s NCHHSTP with research microbiologist and mentor, Dr. Richard Haaland. He runs clinical trials and studies in collaboration with Emory University. Joining this lab team allowed me to expand upon wet lab techniques. I also gained dry lab experience by formulating and analyzing data, and I met with collaborators and visited clinics.
What I wish was different
I had an extremely positive experience.
Advice
Always try to get the most out of your experience by asking questions and meeting new people. Talk to them to find out about a journey you may have never even considered. Also, give back so that it's a mutually beneficial relationship. Keep in touch with people you meet.
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Intern
June - July 2019 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
I loved being able to interact with different employees at CDC and learn about all the different career options within the field of public health.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been there for longer!!
Advice
Keep searching until you find an opportunity that is perfect for you! And don't take no for an answer :)
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Junior fellow
May - August 2019 • Hyattsville, MD
What I liked
Diverse employees, opportunities to contribute to publications, friendliness and helpfulness of supervisor and other employees
What I wish was different
Bureaucracy and slow pace of project approvals and publication
Advice
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Public Health Associate
October 2017 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
You get to meet about one hundred other people in your fellowship cohort, all of whom are interesting and passionate about public health. The experience is valuable and opens up a lot of doors at CDC and at other health agencies. People leave the program and go on to PhD programs, CDC jobs, and to local or state health departments.
What I wish was different
There is a lot of paperwork and not a lot of room for error in the fellowship.
Advice
Adapt as quickly as possible to federal government policies and work culture.
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Research Intern
May - June 2018 • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What I liked
The opportunity to engage with diverse issues in public health firsthand. I worked alongside American doctors, Ethiopian epidemiologists and policy makers, and fellow Williams students to tackle several questions about the disease landscape in Ethiopia.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Undergraduate Lab Assistant
February 2018 • Fort Collins, CO
What I liked
The experience was very important to strengthen my graduate school application. I also have always wanted to work for the CDC, so this opportunity was very important for me to learn about how to pursue a career there and make connections that may help me in the future.
What I wish was different
I wish I had gotten paid.
Advice
A great opportunity for microbiology students interested in research to see options other than working in academia. Take full advantage of networking opportunities that arise.
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Immunization Deprtment
November 2018 • Decatur, GA
What I liked
I enjoyed the professionals working here they were very information and helpful. Also, The work I am doing here helped me gain valuable skills that I can take with me to my future career.
What I wish was different
Nothing it was a great experience.
Advice
Make sure you Network with others and put yourself out there , you will have many opportunities ahead of you.
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Epidemiology Workforce Intern
June - August 2018 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
Profound opportunity to discover the world of Public Health in action. The CDC brings together epidemiology, policy making, basic and applied research, among so many other fields. The Epidemiology Intelligence Service summer training program was a great way to network with outbreak investigators who have MDs or PhDs from fields of ranging from immunology to statistics.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more of an active role in outbreak investigation or research. I served on the Epidemiology Workforce Branch but with their educational and career support division. While I got to witness the administrative side of how responses are processed, there is just not much room to see much action or be involved in lasting projects. There are many systems already in place, and interns are not expected to contribute as much as in other organizations or companies.
Advice
Recognize the ubiquity of office and administrative life. Even if you intend to have a more active, adventurous career, it's valuable to develop an awareness about structure and bureaucracy in more established institutions like the CDC. Also, the world of Public Health is so diverse; you can have an impact in the field with whatever skills you have.
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Research Fellow
May 2018 • Cincinnati, OH
What I liked
The research!
What I wish was different
Advice
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One person found this helpful
Intern
May - August 2018 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
The people, the research, and the public health aspect.
What I wish was different
I wish they would have offered me a job afterward
Advice
It was amazing and if you are in the Public Health field, definitely try to get an internship at the CDC
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Student worker/internship program
June - July 2017 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to work with the state of the art equipment in the lab.
What I wish was different
I wish the approval process didn't take so long. I wasted precious research time waiting.
Advice
Don't be scared to ask questions.
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Data Analyst
June 2018 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
Data analysis, quantitative role, worked closely with experienced statisticians, epidemiologists, practiced R and datasets
What I wish was different
I had more training in R, more time to familiarize with data
