It is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a APEx/PE opportunity.
You should identify an appropriate Applied Practice Experience (APEx)/Practice Experience (PE) site in light of your career goals, your skills and knowledge, and the competencies you wish to demonstrate. Sites may include governmental, non-governmental, non-profit, for-profit, or in some cases, university affiliated settings. You may complete your APEx/PE with your current employer; however, the project/work for the Practice Experience must map to competencies to be eligible for consideration.
There are some restrictions on the type of work eligible for the APEx/PE. For example, you cannot provide direct services to patients or clients. Talk with your program’s APEx/PE coordinator to get guidance on what is an appropriate APEx/PE.
Tips For Finding an APEx/PE Opportunity
START EARLY
Start two terms before you are planning to begin your APEx/PE.
TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR
Talk with your academic advisor about different organizations you might consider and to create a strategic plan for identifying APEx/PE opportunities.
UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Make an appointment with career advising to update your CV/resume and prep an “elevator pitch” to engage potential APEx/PE sites.
NETWORK WITH FACULTY
Faculty can be an excellent source for networking. Set up an appointment with faculty members working in areas of interest to discuss potential organizations you might consider for your APEx/PE.
ATTEND APEx/PE PRESENTATIONS
Attend the APEx/PE Presentations that are scheduled during final’s week every term to learn from your peers and gain ideas about the range of possible topics and placements.
VISIT JOB BOARDS
Pay attention to the grad listservs and browse the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health webpage under Jobs & Opportunities.
MEET WITH YOUR APEx/PE COORDINATOR
Meet with your APEx/PE coordinator. While it is your responsibility to find and secure a placement, your APEx/PE coordinator can help provide guidance and may have suggestions for locating an appropriate APEx/PE opportunity.