Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Enrichment Program
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Students
How many positions are available at each host site?
Each organization identifies the number of internship positions available at their organization. Most chose between 1-2 positions per site. Factors that may influence the number of available positions, include, availability of a mentor, availability of a well defined project, budget constraints, and space.
Are all of the applicants placed at an internship site?
The Summer Enrichment Program matching process is competitive. Applicants have the opportunity to indicate an interest in apply for a position at a particular site. Host sites/ preceptors will then review the applications (personal statements, resumes, etc.) and contact those applicants with whom they would like to interview. Most organizations complete one round of phone interviews and/or on-site interviews before making a final offer. Approximately 30% of the applicants are placed at an internship site.
Please note that some organizations may opt to select a student through their own internal interview processes. SEP host sites will direct you to the Institute website if you have not already completed an application. Please contact the Institute in the event that you have identified an organization that does not have a formal relationship with the Institute. You will need to provide the organizations name and primary contact information. The Institute will follow-up with organizations to help them to better understand the benefits of our program.
Are there any internship opportunities through the Institute for non-US Citizens?
In accordance with the mission of the Institute, all student programs and services require proof ofUS citizenship.
What should students include in the personal statement?
As you know the personal statement is an important tool that will assist the Institute in identifying the best experience for you. It will also help potential employers understand more about your skills and qualifications. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you’re a good match for the SEP program and our host sites/ mentors and sponsors.
The personal statement should be approximately one page (single spaced) and it should focus on your interest and passion for becoming a leader in healthcare, professional skills and qualifications, as well as short term and long-term career goals. Be thoughtful about what you want the reader to learn about you personally and professionally that is not already included on your resume. Keep in mind that many of the reviewers reading your personal statement are CEO, COO and members of the senior management team who may have limited time to review your application.
Do I still qualify if I can’t meet the 10-12 week commitment for the on-site training?
The on-site training/internship is a critical part of the SEP experience. All participants and host sites are required to commit to a minimum of 10 weeks to ensure that interns have a sufficient time to complete a significant project and that mentors have the opportunity to develop a formal relationship with each student. Start and end dates are negotiated between the student and the host site or mentor.
Do I have to be enrolled in healthcare management program?
Students need not be enrolled in a health care management program but must demonstrate a commitment to becoming a leader in health care (hospital administration, public health administration). The SEP program is designed to advance students primarily within a hospital or public health setting. Medical students and dual degree students who have an interest in exploring the field of hospital administration are welcome.
SEP program elements are not well suited for students whose career goals are focused elsewhere, including, teaching, nursing, pharmacy, or other allied medical fields, etc. Please visit our list of resources or the career center to see if there is an alternative program to meet your interest.
If I participate in SEP do I still qualify for the Institute scholarship program?
Yes. Many of the past and current SEP students apply for either one or all of the Institute scholarships. Participating in SEP can only help to further demonstrate your commitment to advancing your skills and establishing yourself as a leader in healthcare.
What is the difference between a preceptor and a mentor?
Preceptors are your supervisors. However, one of the goals of the on-site enrichment experience to provide students with the opportunity to develop mentors that are practicing within the health care profession. SEP will provide tools and materials to help interns progress in their relationships with their preceptors so that SEP preceptors become SEP mentors.
Many students also take advantage of the opportunity to develop mentoring relationships with other leaders throughout the organization who may also become long-term mentors.
How do I identify other mentors within an organization?
Some organizations have formal mentors and others do not. Even for those organizations that do assign a formal mentor interns may find that there are other leaders in the organization that they would like to develop a formal relationship with. Many of these informal leaders/mentors are identified at organizations meetings or through project work. Introduce yourself to your potential mentor. Explain that you are an intern and ask if it is okay to schedule a meeting sometime in the next 1-2 weeks to learn more about their area of the hospital and to meet members of their team. Depending on your comfort level you can also ask to attend one of their team meetings. The key is that once you ask for time you will need to make certain that you are able to follow-up.
Does the Institute's SEP have internship opportunities for undergraduates?
Answer: The Institute's SEP program is for first and second year graduate students. Form more information about health care internship opportunities for undergraduates please contact Health Career Connection (HCC) or visit their website at http://www.healthcareers.org/main/index.htm. Please contact Jagjit Jain (jjain@healthcareers.org) for further information.
General Institute Information
How can I become a member of the Institute affiliate organizations?
Contact and/or membership information is included below for your reference. Please contact each organization separately for any updates on members, conferences, and other professional activities. Feel free to contact the Institute at 312.422.2630 or institute@aha.org if you require additional assistance.
American College of Health Care Executives
http://www.ache.org/joinache.cfm
TheAmericanCollegeof Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE is known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year. ACHE is also known for its journals, the Journal of Healthcare Management andFrontiers of Health Services Management and its magazine, Healthcare Executive, as well as ground-breaking research and career development and public policy programs.
If you are enrolled in a health services administration or related administrative program, you may be eligible for a discount on your dues. Annual dues are $75. After September memberships apply to the next calendar year. Student applications can be found on-line at http://www.ache.org/APPS/StuMem.cfm or to obtain more information about the benefits of ACHE membership or to request a membership application, please contact the Division of Membership at membership1@ache.org or (312) 424-9400.
National Association of Health Services Executives
http://www.nahse.org/eweb/StartPage.aspx
The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a non-profit association of Black health care executives founded in 1968 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of Black health care leaders, and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. Since its inception, NAHSE has sponsored and participated in local and national programs and projects designed to improve quality, access and availability to health services and to expand educational opportunities in the field of Health Services Administration.
Student members currently enrolled in an approved program in those fields mentioned in personal membership and other fields deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. Student members are eligible for Type 1 personal membership upon the successful completion of the graduate program and having had one year’s experience in his or her chosen field. Student dues are between $50-$100 per year.
National Latino Forum for Healthcare Executives
Your membership is the key to developing a strong national voice to promote the development and advancement of Latino healthcare leaders. Join your voice to ours and together we can provide a venue to participate in the national design, direction and delivery of quality healthcare to Latino communities. Student memberships are $25 and require proof of full-time enrollment.
The Alliance of Pan-Asian HealthcareLeaders (APAHL)
The Alliance of Pan-Asian Healthcare Leaders (APAHL) is a newly formed organization whose goal is to increase the presence of Pan-Asian executives in the health care field to enhance the quality of patient care provided for Pan-Asian populations. For more information, please contact BonnieHansonBonnie.Hanson@HCAhealthcare.com and David Elgarico atDavid.Elgarico@HCAhealthcare.com.