Current student, Sofia Paredes, shared the following about being an Intern at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health…
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As an intern at this organization, I assisted with research coordination and program management for various public health projects. My responsibilities included leading our social media campaign, training new research assistants, and taking on participant engagement tasks. I also managed logistics for an international training program, helped prepare financial reports and expense statements, and supported day-to-day operations to ensure our projects ran smoothly.
How did you find this internship?
I found this internship through networking.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about my internship was the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities and see the direct impact of my work. I especially valued collaborating with a supportive and inspiring team, which made my daily tasks both engaging and rewarding. Planning the international training program in Kenya and building genuine connections with coworkers were definite highlights that made the experience truly memorable.
What did you find challenging?
One of the most challenging aspects of my internship was adapting to full-time remote work, as it sometimes made communication and collaboration more difficult and left me wishing for more in-person interaction. I also faced the unexpected challenge of having to shift my focus when some international projects were discontinued due to funding constraints, which required me to quickly adapt to new roles within domestic projects.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
I would advise anyone looking to make the most of an internship like mine to be proactive and open to taking on new responsibilities, even if they feel challenging at first. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek feedback, as this is an important part of learning and growth. It is also valuable to build relationships within your team by reaching out to coworkers, finding mentors, and participating in any social or professional development opportunities. Remember not to apologize unnecessarily for asking for help or making mistakes; learning is part of the process, and you deserve to take up space as an intern. Lastly, be flexible and adaptable since projects can change unexpectedly, and being able to pivot and learn from new experiences can make your internship even more rewarding.
