Organisation: Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
Location: Virginia, USA (Various locations including Richmond, VA)
Programme Type: Paid Internship
Work Type: Part-Time (40 hours per week)
Hourly Pay: $20 per hour
Posted: 30 December 2025
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Programme Overview
The VDH Internship Academy 2026 is a structured, paid internship programme designed for students and recent graduates who are interested in public health and related career fields. Interns gain hands-on experience by working within Virginia Department of Health programmes, local health departments, or central office teams.
The programme emphasizes mentorship, professional development, networking, and real-world project experience, preparing interns for future careers in public service, healthcare, administration, and technology.
Internship Areas
Interns may be placed in one of the following areas:
- Public Health Programmes
- Finance & Accounting
- Human Resources
- Communications & Social Media
- Information Technology & Systems
- Graphic Design & Visual Communication
Placements are available across local health departments and VDH Central Offices, including Richmond, Virginia.
Programme Highlights
- Kick-off Event: 2-day in-person orientation at Richmond Central Office
- Mentorship: Each intern is assigned a dedicated professional mentor
- Weekly Virtual Sessions: Guest speakers, skills training, and interactive learning
- Networking Opportunities: Engagement with experienced VDH professionals
- Closing Ceremony: 2-day in-person wrap-up event in Richmond, VA
- Accommodation & Meals: Provided for kick-off and closing events
Benefits
- Paid internship at $20/hour
- Practical, hands-on work experience
- Professional mentorship and career guidance
- Exposure to public health and government operations
- Networking and career advancement opportunities
Note: Interns do not receive pay for state holidays.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Educational Status:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s, or terminal degree programme, OR
- Graduated within the last 12 months
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (unofficial transcripts accepted)
- Ability to pass a Virginia State Police criminal background check
- Must not be a current VDH full-time employee, wage employee, or contractor
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents online:
- Resume
- Letter of Interest (1–2 pages)
- Font size 11 or higher
- No applicant name or university listed (anonymous review)
- Explain interest in public health or public service
- Highlight relevant skills and experience
- Academic Transcript (unofficial accepted, showing GPA through Fall 2025)
Selection Process
- Anonymous screening of letters using a standardized rubric
- Ranking based on GPA, motivation, field of study, and graduation year
- Virtual interviews (up to 45 minutes) with host sites
- Placement considers geographic and programme preferences
Interview Notifications: Early March 2026
Final Acceptance Decisions: No later than 17 April 2026
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 19 December 2025
- Applications Close: 31 January 2026
- Interview Outcomes: Early March 2026
- Final Decisions: By 17 April 2026
How to Apply
👉 APPLY HERE :