Jessica Divens - Office of Health Equity Internship
SHARON, Pa. — Jessica Divens, a biobehavioral health major, is spending the spring 2025 semester as a remote intern at the Office of Health Equity (OHE), within the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Harrisburg, Pa.
In this Q&A, Jessica shares her duties and responsibilities at the OHE, and discusses how this unique internship experience is preparing her for future career goals.
Begin Q&A:
Q: How did you learn about the internship at the Office of Health Equity?
A: I found this internship through the fall career fair at Penn State Shenango. After talking with a representative of the state, I found this opportunity on the website for the Commonwealth of PA. I would encourage all students to attend these career fairs because I never would have been able to find this type of position if I did not attend. There were many available opportunities that I was able to apply for.
Q: What is your role at the OHE, and what projects are you tasked with as part of your internship?
A: During my internship, I have been involved in developing evaluation and research plans to identify health disparities and public health issues, while also working on strategies to address them. I’ve applied a variety of communication methods and techniques and attended, observed, and summarized meetings with stakeholders. Additionally, I’ve assisted in reviewing and formatting publications and health policies in development, as well as completing special projects as assigned.
Q: What classroom experiences at Shenango have prepared you for your roles at this internship?
A: At Shenango, I have been very fortunate to be able to work closely with professors on research projects. These experiences have allowed me to be able to learn how to facilitate and develop professional working dynamics in research roles. I have also learned a wealth of knowledge from professionals in the fields that I want to pursue. Though Shenango is a small campus, it allows students to have these kinds of opportunities that prepare them for future roles and positions.
Q: What are the key lessons you’ve learned so far during your internship?
A: During my internship at the Office of Health Equity, I’ve learned several key lessons, including the critical role of social determinants of health in shaping outcomes, the importance of data in advocating for health equity, and the need for collaboration across sectors to create sustainable change. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of cultural competency, the complexity of health inequities, and the policy development process, as well as the importance of advocacy in addressing systemic disparities. These lessons have highlighted the multifaceted approach required to achieve health equity.
Q: How can you apply your real-world experiences to your remaining classes at Shenango?
A: In many of my classes, we discuss how many different people are affected due inequitable health opportunities, how that may be affected, and what we can do about it. This real-world experience has shown be that the topics and concerns that are mentioned in class are an unfortunate reality. I hope to apply this new understanding to my classes in a way of that what I am learning is applicable to a future career.
Q: What career(s) are you interested in after graduation, and has your internship experience helped you towards reaching those goals?
A: I am still unsure of what career I want to pursue, but this internship has offered valuable experience of working in public health. A large part of my degree focuses on addressing health disparities through the implementation of public health practices. Through this time, I have been able to observe how these policies that I am learning about in my classes are being utilized in the real world as well are being able to see the real impact that it has on the public. This internship has allowed me to be in a position where I may be able to gain an understanding if this is the type of career I was to continue seeking.
