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PHE 404 Preparing & Finding a New Experience

Table of Contents

WHY THE PHE 404?

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Gain important experiences that make you more attractive to employers and graduate or professional schools.

FIND YOUR FIELD OF STUDY

Try different types of work related to your field of study. Helping you decide what you may or may not want to do with your degree.

DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM

Demonstrate your professionalism and genuine commitment to your field through your hands on experience.

NETWORK PROFESSIONALLY

Unpaid opportunities (often called internships) may lead to paid employment, either at the place you intern or through the connections you make with people working in that field or industry.

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Cultivate professional references within your field that will be important for future jobs and/or graduate or professional school applications.

GET PREPARED

It is never too early to start exploring different sites and opportunities, especially because it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure an opportunity.

We recommend that you start thinking about sites early in your time at PSU. Gather information about potential sites and keep a written record of the site contact information, mission statement, and projects available. Some opportunities, like formal internships, require an application and interview process and can take several quarters to arrange, so planning ahead (at least two terms in advance) is highly recommended.

Remember that you must have approval from PHE 404 Faculty to register for the PHE 404 credits.

Registration is otherwise locked, but PHE 404 never fills, so don’t worry that it shows full in the registration schedule.

You should identify an appropriate site that furthers your career goals and interests, as well as aligns with your undergraduate major. Sites may include governmental, non-governmental, non-profit, for-profit, or university-affiliated settings. It is possible to use your current place of employment for the PHE 404 requirement, but it will need to align with your major and career trajectory.

Students who are pursuing a clinical health profession (Clinical Health Science majors) may use shadowing hours at a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office toward the PHE 404 requirement.

TIPS FOR FINDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

#1. START EARLY

It’s best to START TWO TERMS BEFORE you are planning to begin your experience.

#2. ATTEND A PHE INFO SESSION

Attend a PHE 404 Info Session (which is mandatory to get an experience approved) to learn about the requirements and to get started on your search.

#3. TALK TO YOUR ADVISORS

Talk with your academic advisor or attend a PHE 404 Info Session to learn about different organizations you might consider.

#4. UPDATE YOUR RESUME

Make sure that your resume is current. If you need help, contact the PSU Career Center to get help.

Visit PSU Career Center webpage.

#5. HAVE AN ELEVATOR PITCH

Prep an “elevator pitch” to engage potential sites.

#6. NETWORK WITH FACULTY

Faculty can be an excellent source of networking. Set up an appointment with faculty members working in areas of interest to discuss potential organizations you might consider for your PHE 404.

#7. FOLLOW THE SPH JOBS BOARD

Browse the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health webpage under Jobs & Opportunities for current openings that may meet your PHE 404 requirement.

#8. Remember Volunteer Opportunities

Remember that some sites have “volunteer” opportunities, and these can also be used to fulfill the PHE 404 requirement.

PHE 404 OPPORTUNITIES BOARD

    ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    There is a shared responsibility in selecting, monitoring, and, evaluating experiences that qualify for your PHE 404 requirement. Below is the breakdown of responsibilities of students, PHE 404 Faculty, and site supervisors throughout the PHE 404.

    STUDENTS

    • Attend a PHE 404 Info Session (mandatory)
    • Articulate the kinds of skills or experiences you are looking to develop or enhance
    • Identify your PHE 404 experience
    • Complete the PHE 404 Orientation Quiz in Canvas
    • Fill out the PHE 404 Approval Form
    • Submit, via Canvas, the PHE 404 Summary Report upon completion of your PHE 404 hours
    • Ask your Site Supervisor to complete either the Site Supervisor Evaluation of Student Performance or the Clinical Health Science Observation Hours Verification Form (NOT both)

    PHE 404 FACULTY

    • Facilitate students search for an applicable PHE 404 experience
    • Approve student PHE 404 experiences and PHE 404 registration
    • Assess the student’s PHE 404 Summary Review
    • Review Site Supervisor Evaluation of Student Performance Forms and the Clinical Health Science Observation Hours Verification Forms
    • Discuss internship experience with Site Supervisor, if necessary
    • Be available to debrief students on their PHE 404 experience and to review their evaluation results

    SITE SUPERVISORS

    • Approve the students PHE 404 experience
    • Supervise the student throughout their experience
    • Confer with the PHE 404 Faculty, as necessary
    • Complete either the Site Supervisor Evaluation of Student Performance or the Clinical Health Science Observation Hours Verification Form (NOT both)

    IMPORTANT PHE 404 RESOURCES

    PHE 404 Events Calendar

    Keep up to date on info sessions, open office hours, and other PHE 404 events.

    View Calendar

    PHE 404 Student Checklist

    PHE 404 start-to-finish checklist for students, in chronological order.

    View Checklist

    PHE 404 Canvas Orientation

    All students are required to login to this canvas site and take the PHE 404 Orientation Quiz.

    Enroll

    PHE 404 Opportunities Board

    Find available related opportunities for your PHE 404.

    View Opportunities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Find answers to your frequently asked questions about the PHE 404 requirement.

    Read FAQ's

    Letter To Prospective Worksite Supervisors

    Letter to prospective site supervisors or internship preceptors addressing the PHE 404 requirement.

    Download Letter

    Info Session Slides

    Slide deck for what is the PHE 404 requirement, how to get started, and what you need to get registered for the PHE 404.

    View Slides

    PHE 404 Approval Form

    This is the approval form for the PHE 404 requirement for all undergraduate SPH majors.

    View Form

    Questions?

    Have questions or need to talk to someone directly? Attend PHE 404 Virtual Open Office Hours with PHE 404 Faculty, Jamie Jones. The schedule is on the PHE 404 Events Calendar.