Health Sector Management Internship
Introduction
One of the goals of the Health Sector Management (HSM) Program is for students to have a compelling real world
educational experience that provides opportunities for professional development, health sector understanding, and
preparation for leadership in the field.
As part of this vision the Health Sector Management Program currently requires a 400 hour, health related internship for
all full time HSM students. In most cases this is a paid internship. Typically the internship is done during the summer
between a student’s 1st and 2nd year, although there is flexibility as to how the internship is completed as long as the 400
hour requirement is met and approved by Andrea Sodano (asodano@bu.edu), the HSM Faculty Director, Internship
Programs.
Process
The process for securing an internship position lies primarily with the student in conjunction with a variety of support
services provided by the School of Management. The Feld Career Center (FCC) maintains an internet job resource data
base of potential internships and provides leads, coaching, resume critiques, mock interviews and a career advisory
network. The FCC Corporate Recruiter aggressively develops opportunities with top-tier companies to give students
internship opportunities in their industry/area of choice.
During the students’ 1st year they initially meet with their graduate counselor at the Feld Career Center to discuss
internship/career interests as a way of helping to plan the internship search. When they have a strong resume and 30
second pitch, a good idea of function and industry, and a list of target companies, they might also meet with Patti Dion,
the Corporate Recruiter at the Feld Career Center. In addition, they should meet with Andrea Sodano, the HSM Faculty
Director, Internship Programs.
On campus presentations are routinely given by companies, both locally and regionally, which provide internship search
contacts. School of Management faculty and prior MBA students also help with leads and coaching. Additionally, the
Health Sector Career Community sponsors a variety of activities that help with the search, including internship launch
presentations, job search intensive activities, networking, and lunch and learn.
Once a student has selected an internship, s/he completes the Internship Form 1 that includes a description of the
internship position, duties and expectations, and proposed project(s). This document can be found at
http://smgworld.bu.edu/gpo/forms/hsm-internship-form-1/ and should be submitted to Kendra English
(kendrae@bu.edu) in the Graduate Program Office (GPO) and Andrea Sodano (asodano@bu.edu), HSMP Faculty
Director, Internship Programs, for final approval. It is also required that the student has a short conversation with
Andrea prior to submission to ensure that the internship meets the program requirements and will provide a superior
experience for the student.
At the completion of the internship, two documents need to be submitted:
1. a site evaluation completed by the student and returned to Andrea Sodano, asodano@bu.edu.
3. a completed Internship Form 2 (http://smgworld.bu.edu/gpo/forms/hsm-internship-form-2/) with email or other
written confirmation of internship completion, from the internship supervisor, to Kendra English (kendrae@bu.edu) in
the Graduate Program Office (GPO) and Andrea Sodano (asodano@bu.edu), HSMP Faculty Director, Internship
Programs.
Please note that the internship site evaluations are not shared directly with the internship site. However, the HSM
Faculty Director, Internship Programs will contact all internship sites for follow-up and planning for the next set of
internships.
Upon conclusion of the internship, HSM students submit a power point presentation and present it to their fellow
students as a way of providing insights into the internship partner companies, the internship process and the student’s
individual experiences. This will occur as part of a reception for the students, their supervisors and the first year
students.
Internship Requirements
The internship must consist of a focused project or projects that further enhance the student’s understanding and
knowledge of the health sector or of a specific facet of the industry. The intern must be employed for at least 400
hours. Self-employment or employment by a student’s previous company or firm is not permissible unless prior
authorization is granted by the HSM Internship Director. Other configurations for completing the 400 hour requirement
may be accepted with prior approval by Andrea Sodano.
Timeline
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
April/May
June
End of internship/Beginning of Fall
Semester (unless internship was
completed at another time than the
summer)
September
Attend 2nd year internship presentations, work with Feld Career Center
Counselor to identify internship interests and opportunities, attend
corporate presentations, meet with Andrea Sodano, and begin to
network.
Review Feld Career Center internship postings, meet with Andrea
Sodano and begin internship interviewing process.
1. Finalize internship and get approval for internship by Andrea Sodano.
2. Required documentation includes the Internship Form 1 which
includes a description of the internship position, duties and expectations,
and proposed project(s)
http://smgworld.bu.edu/gpo/forms/hsm-internship-form-1/
Start internships (unless alternative arrangements have been approved).
1. Submission of:
a. Internship site evaluation
b. Completed Internship Form http://smgworld.bu.edu/gpo/forms/hsminternship-form-2/2.
2. Review of internship process between internship site and HSM
Internship Faculty Director.
Power point presentation to be submitted to Andrea Sodano
(asodano@bu.edu) and presented to the Health Sector Management
community.
Questions regarding the internship requirement or a specific internship opportunity may be directed to Andrea Sodano,
Ph.D., Health Sector Management Program at asodano@bu.edu .