The Nation's Health

Journalism students looking for hands-on experience in a fast-paced journalism environment are encouraged to apply for a journalism internship with The Nation's Health, APHA's award-winning monthly public newspaper.

Internship Description

Interns at The Nation's Health have the opportunity to assist with many facets of news gathering, writing and production. Interns serve as reporters on the newspaper, gathering facts, following leads, conducting interviews and writing stories. The newspaper is run by journalism-trained staff with real-world experience who will work with you to improve your writing and reporting skills.

Duties can include:

• Writing news stories for the monthly print issue of the newspaper or for its Web version.
• Pitching stories and developing story ideas.
• Photography and scanning photos.
• Fact checking and copyediting.
• Tracking news, attending press conferences and news events.

Eligibility

The Nation's Health offers one internship per semester to a qualified journalism student. Experience with deadlines, Associated Press/journalism style is required. Some prior writing and reporting experience necessary.

Availability

Opportunities for internships are available year-round and last for a three- to four-month period. To assure that the intern maximizes her or his experience, we prefer to have students a minimum of four days a week.

In their own words: Testimonials from journalism students who interned at The Nation's Health

An insider's view of the hot public health topics

As a reporter for The Nation's Health, I had an insider's view of some of the hottest public health topics on Capitol Hill. There is no better way to learn about issues affecting the health of the nation than to engage with leaders who set the public health agenda across the country.

Working with a small staff meant that someone was always available to answer my questions, point out helpful resources and offer constructive criticism. My newswriting skills improved dramatically in just a few months. I learned how to craft an effective story angle and how to ask the key questions in an interview. Staff members made me feel like I was truly part of the team, encouraging me to write about things I found interesting and always willing to hear my thoughts on story ideas and angles. 

I am now considering careers in public health, health journalism and health law, but I  will always look back on my summer at The Nation's Health and APHA as a key period that provided a solid foundation for my professional goals.

-- Alyssa (University of Pennsylvania)

Real-world experience

- - Russell (Brigham Young University)

Leave APHA with professional communications skills

My internship at APHA was one of the most beneficial experiences of my college career.  Not only did I write for their award-winning newspaper, The Nation’s Health, I also wrote press releases, health advisories and attended news conferences on Capitol Hill!  With a good attitude and willingness to learn, I gained professional skills in the field of communications that will last throughout my career. I came to APHA as an intern, however after exposure to the friendly working environment and people, I left feeling more like staff.  

- Christie, (journalism student, Syracuse University)

Endless opportunities to improve your editorial and reporting skills

"I had an incredible time working with the editorial staff of The Nation's Health. From the first day I started work there I felt integrated as a part of the staff. I attended events at the National Press Club, House and Senate committee hearings and events on the National Mall. I was able to meet and interview the U.S. surgeon general, Mia Hamm and Rosalyn Carter.

The internship is fast-paced and very rewarding. I published a total of 10 bylined articles in the three months I worked at the paper, one of which was on the front page. I was given the freedom to explore my health interests and I covered a variety of topics, including obesity, nutrition labeling, mental health, sports injuries and gun control, which will build my portfolio. There were endless opportunities to improve my editorial skills, writing style and news judgment, and I always felt very comfortable asking for help or advice. Through interviews, research, fact-checking and writing, I really feel I have a grasp of what it takes to be a health journalist.

I was extraordinarily impressed with how helpful and open the entire APHA staff was. They are all very passionate about what they are doing. APHA is very active in the public health arena and I am fortunate to have been associated with such an organization."

- Emily, (American University journalism student)

Become a part of the media in D.C. as a journalism intern

"From my first day, I was attending press conferences and other media events all over town. I got to attend events at places I never thought I'd get to go to: The White House, the Senate and House of Representative buildings at the Capitol, the Department of Health and Human Services, just to name a few. And I was sent to cover these events as if I was a reporter, not just an intern.

In fact, I never really felt like an intern. I was given the opportunity to do the work that everyone else at the paper was doing. I covered stories on my own and wrote the articles myself. I was including in brainstorming for story ideas. I helped to edit the articles that went into the paper. I was able to participate in every aspect of the newspaper that I wanted to experience.

The best part about working at The Nation's Health was the staff. They were supportive in letting me go out and do things on my own, but I always knew that they would be more than happy to answer any question or help me with any problem that I might have. Best of all, they treated me like I was their equal, not just an intern whom they could make do all the work they didn't want to do.

After interning at The Nation's Health for nearly seven months and having more than 30 articles published, I had to move on. My experience at The Nation's Health gave me insight into how the media works, which helps me when I'm trying to pitch stories to the media. Plus, it showed me that work really can be fun."

- Jenny (journalism student, University of Maryland)

Write bylined articles for a national newspaper

"My time interning for The Nation's Health was a very rewarding experience. Not only did I get the chance to learn a lot of things about health reporting, but I was also given the chance to cover interesting events. My work at The Nation's Health included stories on health insurance, seat belt use, obesity and tuberculosis. My story on breastfeeding was published on the front page. The editors were very kind and willing to answer my questions so that I was able to get the most out of my internship experience."

- Jessica (journalism student, University of Maryland) Summer 2002