Gain experience and build connections with Public Health Corps
Mary fell in love with public health after taking an introductory course while attending Michigan Technological University. She started out studying biomedical engineering but ended up graduating with a major in exercise science and a minor in public health. What really drew her to public health was the idea of creating policies that will help the wider community. “I love that with public health you can help the wider population and make a positive impact on an entire community,” she says.
After graduating this past May, Mary found Minnesota Public Health Corps (PHC) when looking for entry-level public health positions. “It ended up checking all of my boxes,” Mary says. “The yearlong commitment aligned perfectly with my plans to attend graduate school next fall for a master’s in public health.”
As a Public Health Project Coordinator at the Association of Minnesota Counties, Mary is working at the state level and supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota. Her main projects include helping counties implement funding for the opioid settlement and researching the THC law that recently passed in Minnesota. “I’m really enjoying both of these projects because I’m meeting a lot of different people, and it’s given me a broad picture of what public health can look like.”
Mary says that Public Health Corps has been great in helping her really understand the scope of public health and the different roles within the field. “It is a wonderful transitional opportunity for people like me or anyone looking to learn more about what public health has to offer.” Although Mary is only three months into her service year, she already has a much better idea of what she wants to do in the future and attributes that to PHC.
Across Minnesota, 22 Public Health Project Coordinators are needed to help meet emerging public health needs. If you or someone you know are interested in launching a career in public health, please visit ampact.us/public-health to learn more and apply. Members can choose part-time (25 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week). The next cohort will begin their service in January 2023 and applicants need to apply by December 14, 2022.
About Minnesota Public Health Corps
Minnesota Public Health Corps is a new AmeriCorps program that offers members the opportunity to make an impact and launch their careers in public health. Public Health Project Coordinators serve part-time or full-time at Minnesota government agencies and nonprofits. While working to increase public health capacity and ensure systems are responsive to community needs, Public Health Coordinators also receive specialized training, mentoring and career development support.
Apply by December 14 to begin serving in January 2023.