Eric J. Evans recently completed internship with Indiana Minority Health Coalition. IMHC is a statewide consumer advocacy agency that focuses on reducing health disparities and works collaboratively with many partners to increase awareness on chronic diseases, as well other preventive services. In that, they know the value of having college students work as interns. These experiences have proved to be extraordinarily invaluable to each intern.
Please share details of your formal education.
I am a 2010 honors graduate of Kokomo High School located in Kokomo, Indiana. In the fall of 2010, I began my undergraduate degree at Indiana University. I received my bachelor’s of science degree in recreational therapy from The Indiana University School of Public Health. In the summer of 2014, I began my career as a recreational therapist at Northeast Florida State Hospital, located in MacClenny, Florida. Upon return from Florida in August 2014, I was accepted to the master’s of public health program at Indiana University Bloomington. I am currently finishing my MPH and will graduate in May 2016.
What do you aspire to do professionally?
Upon graduation, I aspire to start a career in public health consulting or as a health program analyst within the private sector. My ultimate career goal is to own and operate my own clinic.
Why did you decide to do your internship at the Indiana Minority Health Coalition?
After discussing my interest in policy and public health with Dr. Beth Meyerson, she suggested I look into a policy internship with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition. After researching this organization and understanding the mission of IMHC, I believed it was best that I applied to intern with IMHC.
What was the most valuable lesson learned while working with IMHC?
The most valuable lesson I learned while interning with IMHC is too not limit yourself and everything is possible. There were many times while interning that I was bought out of my comfort zone and I experienced so much professional growth and gained such a board network. This network helped me to acquire other internship opportunities, as well as future connections for jobs and mentorships. I believe that this internship has enhanced the way I look at public health as a whole and will contribute to my success as a public health professional. I will forever be grateful that Indiana Minority Health Coalition gave me the opportunity to serve as one of their Health Policy Interns.
Now, that the internship is complete, what are your next steps?
Now that the internship is complete, I plan on completing my degree and preparing myself to start my career after the completion of graduate school in May 2016.
What advice would you give to college students?
If I could give any advice to college students, I would tell them to take time to experience and gain the most from college. Don’t rush the process. These are the best years of your life and will forever leave an imprint on your heart. Take the time to find the beauty in all things, experiences and people while you have the time in college.
