Internships and Field Experiences

These experiences are typically university-based, academic type internships. They often serve to fulfill internship requirements such as a practicum, capstone project, or field experience. Students seeking these opportunities often come with their own educational goals and requirements, compared to the Summer Internship Program, which is a more structured cohort opportunity for less experienced interns. The goal of these opportunities is to engage future professionals who are interested in working to improve health and quality of life for Oregonians with disabilities and their families across the lifespan.

Depending upon the time commitment, students can expect to gain experience in one or many different projects.

Additionally, internships offer the opportunity to:

  • Receive mentorship and build confidence
  • Network with OHSU partners and professionals
  • Learn new skills to enhance professional development
  • Explore interests and possible career paths
  • Prepare for future educational pursuits

Past internship examples

Health administration intern:

This position, open annually as part of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities or LEND program, works closely with the UCEDD on program implementation, research and evaluation projects, and policy advocacy. The LEND program is focused on training emerging health care professionals for leadership roles, collaboration with other agencies, and participation in health care policy development.

Transition fair intern:

This individual assisted with the planning, development, coordination, and evaluation of the 2018 Annual Transition Fair. The Transition Fair is a community event for parents, adolescents and young adults with disabilities, health care professionals, and other professionals to help youth with disabilities transition from pediatric to adult health care.

Community education intern at Multnomah County:

This individual worked on the Sexual Health Equity for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (SHEIDD) project. Their role was to help facilitate educational trainings, support community engagement and partnership building, and assist with evaluation and continuous improvement activities.

We invite you to contact us at ucedd@ohsu.edu for more information and potential openings.