2016-2017 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Career Planner

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Career Planner Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
The route to securing an internship/fellowship can be confusing and filled with pitfalls. However, it is often a journey
worth taking because your future employment may depend upon the quality of your internship/fellowship experience.
There are many considerations to explore when applying for an internship/fellowship; some of those considerations are
covered below.
THE APPLICATION
The application is the first element that most organizations look at when you apply for a fellowship/internship. Therefore,
you should give careful consideration to the application and always fill it out properly.
Deadlines
Consider the deadline date and send the application well in advance – Why? If individuals are reviewing applications as
they arrive, your application will get more consideration early in the process as opposed to closer to the deadline when
everyone else is sending their application. Remember, the most popular internships/fellowships have deadlines in the fall
and winter months (Sept. through March)
Follow Instructions
Most applications have explicit instructions to follow. These instructions may sometimes seem arbitrary to you, but to the
organization these instructions are crucial. They are expecting to receive applications in a certain way, with the proper
information included. Some organizations throw away applications that are not in accordance with their application
instructions.
Common Mistakes Include:
 Sending more or less references/recommendations than asked for
 Attaching a CV or resume in lieu of filling out the application
 Not having transcripts sent directly from your previous school(s)
 Not placing recommendations in sealed envelopes
 Not including standardized test scores
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Most organizations will generally ask for a Personal Statement (sometimes called a Goal Statement, etc). The statement is
a way for the organization to review your interests and to determine your motivation for applying for the
fellowship/internship. Also, the personal statement is the organization’s first look at your writing skills and it should be
written with clarity using excellent grammar and spelling.
Be Concise and Clear
A personal/goal statement should be clear and easy to read. The organization should be able to view a synopsis of your
background and a summary of where you wish to be in the future. A personal/goal statement is not the time to tell your life
story, but to highlight relevant career and academic interests and how the fellowship/internship opportunity aligns with your
interests.
Highlight Your Skills…Don’t Tell Them What They Can Do For You
A personal/goal statement should convey to the organization what you bring to the table. Don’t spend a great deal of time
writing about what the fellowship/internship will do for you, but show how you can make a contribution to the
organization and/or the field of study. The personal/goal statement is your opportunity to sell your skills and abilities –
take advantage of the opportunity.
Remember to:
 Include your future goals and relevant
research interests
 Answer the question: ‘Why should you be
accepted to the fellowship/internship
program?’
 Highlight only your relevant skills and
accomplishments
 Follow instructions with regards to the length
of the personal/goal statement
Remember NOT to:
 Include personal discriminating information
(such as marital status, sexual orientation,
etc), unless the requirements specifically
asked for it
 Use long sentences
 Overuse technical jargon
 Brag or fabricate
 Make mistakes with grammar and/or spelling