Everything Counts: A Public Health Student’s Unconventional Path from Internship to Employment

Finding the perfect internship during your senior year in college can feel like a “high-stakes puzzle”. With graduation around the corner, the pressure to find the right internship that applies classroom theory to real-world impact looms in the background. We’re happy to share that one public health major not only found the perfect internship but also gained employment through diligence, tenacity, and the belief that there are all the opportunities out there, you just have to go for it.

Janaue McKague is a public health major who will be graduating this upcoming Spring 2026. If you’re worried that your past work experience doesn’t “fit” Public Health, Janae’s story is proof that everything counts. Janae wasn’t just a student; she brought her background as a National Board Certified Health Coach, an office manager, and a Certified Community Health Worker to the table. When she saw a job posting at MODA that required a bachelor’s degree, she didn’t let her “student” status stop her. She took a chance, applied, and found that her unique blend of skills was exactly what the team needed.

The culminating project of Janae’s internship was her work on a new menopause program, set to launch in 2026. This wasn’t just a clinical exercise—it was a lesson in empathy and data-driven storytelling. Janae was able to look at population data to identify needs and used member surveys to shape the curriculum, to create a space where members feel their experiences are validated. By building databases and dashboards, Janae helped create a “narrative” that health coaches can use to provide direct, meaningful access to care for members.

“It feels really nice to work towards something where you feel like you have a purpose and you’re making a difference. It helps you show up for work every day when you feel like this matters.” says Janae McKague.

If you are passionate about advocacy and social determinants of health, Janae highly recommends keeping an eye on MODA Health. They frequently post positions for social wellness advocates and health coordinators.