Internship Location: Madison WI
Organization Type: Nonprofit/NGO
Policy Areas: Health
While working at the UW Survey Center, I helped collect data for three different studies: Family Health Study(FHS), Midlife in the US(MIDUS), and Wisconsin Longitudinal Study(WLS). Through these studies I learned a lot about the different health and health insurance situations of families throughout Wisconsin, and about the different life experiences of people throughout the country. My classes helped me understand how the data I am collecting is used to shape policy around people’s health needs. During my time, I was surprised to find out just how much the participants of these studies, MIDUS and WLS specifically, enjoy participating as they have been involved for as long as 65 years! The stories I heard from different participants are easily the most valuable knowledge I learned, as it is a reminder of just how important getting the policies right is. I would recommend this internship to other students who want more direct stories from the people that policies are aimed at helping. This internship helped me realize that I want my future career to have some level of direct contact with the public.