The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Student Internship is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action and learn the current affairs of the Louisiana Department of Health.

The Intern will engage in various work assignments, projects and activities of varying complexity, structured to enable the Intern to gain LDH public policy knowledge, including:

• Providing entry-to-intermediate level professional services, under supervision of LDH management staff in various sections of LDH
• Participating in projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise
• Participating in the planning and implementation of departmental policies and initiatives
• Receiving guidance, training and mentoring from LDH management staff
• Performing miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Requirements for Participation:

• Internships are open to students attending a Louisiana college or University and/or Louisiana residents enrolled in out-of-state accredited higher education institutions.
• Internship requirements include:
  • Undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year
  • Graduate students who have completed at least one year of their degree program (e.g., MPA, JD, MSW, etc.)
  • In addition to graduate and undergraduate students, students who have completed at least one academic year at a two-year college and are at least 21 years of age may apply for the  Internship Program
• Applicants must:
  • Be in good academic standing with an overall GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
  • Demonstrate leadership and commitment to public service, volunteerism and civic engagement
  • Practice ethical standards, including professional discretion
  • Demonstrate strong commitment to personal growth, good government and nonpartisanship
• Interns are expected to participate in all Intern activities throughout the duration of the program. This includes between 20-40 hours of paid (up to $20 hourly for undergraduate students and $25 hourly for graduate students) work within assigned LDH agencies per week, and other opportunities that may arise.
• Failure to adhere to the above requirements may result in removal from the internship.

Benefits to participating Interns:

• Hourly salary (up to $20 hourly for undergraduate  students and $25 hourly for graduate students)
• Experience with LDH public policy and current affairs
• Opportunities for flexible scheduling and remote work

Application and Interview Procedures:The Application portal will be open March 1, 2023  through  April 7, 2023. 

Qualified applicants must provide the following documents through the portal:

• Complete, unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required for Finalist Candidates)
• Resume including education and employment history
• Letter of professional recommendation from a professor or supervisor
• Letter of personal recommendation - not from a family member
• 500 word essay focusing on a specific policy issue, LDH Business Plan Initiative or agency within the Department of Health.
  • Your essay should outline the significance of your choice and how, based upon your education and experience, you could enhance or further the goals of that specific office or policy issue. Your essay may either focus on a current issue or suggest a new policy. To the best extent possible, interns will be placed within their area of focus.

Applicants should submit the required documents through the Civil Service job portal at the following link: Click here 

Internship Timeline