I am a senior at ODU whose major is Public Health. This internship is my final requirement until I earn my Bachelor’s degree. I am still figuring out what my specific public health career will be, but I am considering fields related to health administration and health policy. My aspirations are to help make health-promoting organizations more inclusive and to help people become happier versions of themselves. This internship will be my first time officially working in the field of public health and will give me a perspective on what it would be like to have a semi-administrative position in the health field.

Internship Site:

Chesapeake City Hall (Municipal Center) 306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

The city of Chesapeake was officially founded in 1963 via the merger of the city of South Norfolk and Norfolk County. Chesapeake prides itself on being “the city that CARES” and aims to provide optimal conditions for its citizens to live, work, and play. Its official vision statement is as follows:

Chesapeake will be economically strong, culturally diverse, and environmentally responsible, with a quality of life that defines our city as an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play. As the City continues to grow, it will be a progressive and well-connected community of treasured rural areas, vibrant residential neighborhoods, and thriving commercial and industrial centers. Moving forward, we will build on our strengths to create an unparalleled city that meets our full potential. 

The graphic below illustrates the 3 strategic anchors of the city’s vision, surrounded by the 5 desired outcomes for Chesapeake and its people. Chesapeake is committed to the prosperity of its communities, and these principles ultimately guide the reason for my employment there.

My internship position is with the Wellness division of Chesapeake’s Human Resources department. My responsibilities will include creating health-related flyers to post around the building, helping out at local health-related events, and encouraging a culture of wellness in my organization and throughout the city. I will help to promote evidence-based public health and also advocate for marginalized groups who may be left out of traditional messaging. I will use Chesapeake’s vision statement and the philosophy of public health to guide my actions.

My Supervisor

My supervisor (preceptor) for this position is Tiffany D. Griffin, Senior Human Resources Generalist within the Benefits and Wellness division. She will assign my projects, oversee the work that I produce, and take me to various health-related events around the city.

Original Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FMwyh5NGYqm9Be79e2zxQla4ss8oii-3jKpFWFkHf-8/edit?usp=sharing

Updated Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gx7RwWaezrCax-1BUciGj7_ZOJmCRJDbWSiIctWM5BY/edit?usp=sharing