Name: Taylor West
Major: Public Policy
Current Class Level: Doctoral Student
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD)
Title of position: Health Equity Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I am writing a policy analysis for the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) on a mental health policy in Maryland with a health equity focus on one of the 5 Social Determinants of Health.
Day to day responsibilities look like attending meetings related to health policy grants, researching mental health policies in Maryland, and writing the different components of the policy analysis which will be my end product. I love researching mental health policy because it's very personal. Having the opportunity to identify gaps in the literature for my specific problem will be the basis for this policy analysis and potentially my dissertation topic!
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I attended Alternative Spring Break (ASB 2023) where I met the health equity director for Baltimore City that was on one of the panels we attended. I emailed him my interests and he offered to have me as an intern.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.).
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I have enjoyed the freedom to explore policy analysis metrics (political feasibility, timeliness, cost, and effectiveness) through a health equity lens within Maryland and Baltimore City.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact by identifying gaps in mental health policy that need to be filled.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would say reach out if you are interested and be optimistic. Also, I would say network as much as possible.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." --Steve Jobs
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