College students have limited exposure to the numerous rewarding opportunities in public health and health care, as well as how to pursue them. In addition, the field has high barriers to entry, lacks well-defined career and educational paths (including entry-level positions), which makes it difficult for even motivated students to acquire needed education, experience and job opportunities.

HCC’s approach includes:

• Exposure to career possibilities, role models and how health organizations operate
• Practical experience to learn by doing and apply knowledge
• Mentoring
• Networking among peers, HCC’s team and HCC’s partners, alumni and professional network

Through this approach HCC interns are empowered to make better informed decisions about their health career and graduate education choices. It also opens doors for them to launch their health careers. Interns have major “a ha‘s” as they discover what they do and don’t want to do. They also learn how to get from where they are to where to be and have stronger connections and support to help them succeed.

HCC provides support to alumni through staff and our alumni network so that individuals can obtain the support and connections they need as they progress to the next stages in their careers.