Internship Location: Crandon, WI
Organization Type: Local Government
Policy Areas: Health policy
During my internship with the Forest County Public Health Department this summer, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of impactful projects. My role involved creating wellness walk signs, developing a pamphlet on reducing inflammation through diet, and contributing to a community branding effort. One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was seeing how public health initiatives are implemented and evaluated at the local level. I was able to apply my knowledge from La Follette by integrating research and data into practical tools that serve the community. The experience highlighted the importance of collaboration and adaptability. I was surprised by how deeply local public health efforts are intertwined with community engagement and education. For instance, developing the wellness walk signs required not only understanding physical activity but also how to make it accessible and motivating for the community. The skills I’ve been learning at La Follette, such as data analysis, project management, and public communication, were instrumental in shaping my contributions. These skills allowed me to effectively communicate complex health information in a user-friendly manner and manage multiple projects simultaneously. I would highly recommend this internship to future students. It offers a hands-on experience in public health that bridges academic knowledge with real-world application. This internship has significantly influenced my career perspective, reinforcing my interest in public health and community engagement, and has provided a clearer understanding of the impact of effective public health policies and programs.