VDH INTERNSHIP ACADEMY FAQ

Q: What are the other interns like?
A: Curious, driven, and probably just as excited (and slightly nervous) as you. We made a video so you can meet some of Cohort 3—check it out and see who you might vibe with.

Q: How do I start my application?
A: First, skim the eligibility and requirements on the VDH Internship Academy webpage. Then click the link and dive in. It’s not rocket science, but you do need to follow directions. Incomplete or off-the-rails applications won’t make the cut.

Q: Will I get a confirmation when I submit my application?
A: Yep! A confirmation email will land in your inbox (the primary one you listed on your app). If it doesn’t show up, check your spam folder—it’s probably hiding.

Q: I forgot something in my application, can I go back and fix it?
A: You sure can! You’ll get a special code (like a VIP pass to your own application). Save it somewhere safe. When you're ready to update, click “Returning” in the top corner and enter your code. Just a heads-up: after January 31, 2026, your editing powers vanish—no exceptions, no time machines.

Q: Can I submit my application outside the online portal?
A: Nope. We love creativity, but we get too many applications to manage anything outside the portal. Keep it digital.

Q: Where does the internship happen?
A: You get to choose! Internships are hosted at either a Central Office (mostly in downtown Richmond) or one of 35 local health districts across Virginia. Want to know where those are? We’ve got a map for that.

Q: Does VDH help with housing?
A: Sadly, no. You’re on your own for housing. We suggest staying with friends, family, or checking out university dorms that rent to interns. You don’t have to be a student there—just be ready to budget.

Q: What’s the pay?
A: $20/hour. That’s right—an Andrew Jackson for every hour you work. If you go full-time for 10 weeks, that’s $8,000 (before taxes, of course). Not bad for a summer gig that builds your resume.

Q: Am I officially a VDH employee?
A: You sure are! You’ll be a wage employee of the Virginia Department of Health. That means your resume gets a serious upgrade.

Q: When does the internship start and end?
A: It kicks off in late May and wraps up the last week of July. Ten weeks of public health goodness.

Q: What are the work hours?
A: Expect a full-time schedule—around 40 hours/week, typically 8am–5pm. Occasionally, there might be weekend events or odd hours, but your mentor will make sure you stay within the 40-hour limit.

Q: How long is the internship?
A: Ten weeks. Always ending the week that includes the final Thursday in July. Mark your calendar.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Business casual is the norm. If you’re out in the field, it might vary. For Kick-Off and Closing Ceremonies, you will get a chance to rep your school with pride—go full mascot mode (within reason).

Q: Can I take time off?
A: Life happens. If you need time off, keep it to one week max. Talk to your mentor early so your project doesn’t miss a beat.

Q: Will I work on a specific project?
A: Absolutely. You’ll collaborate with your mentor to design a project that aligns with your interests and VDH’s mission. Want proof? Check out past intern posters on the Academy webpage.

Q: How will I know where I’m placed?
A: If you’re a top applicant, you’ll be invited to a 20-minute video chat with a host site. You’ll talk location, interests, and project ideas. It’s matchmaking, but for public health.

Q: Will I hear back even if I’m not selected?
A: Yes! We don’t ghost. You’ll get updates from internships@vdh.virginia.gov after applications close in January. Add us to your safe senders list so we don’t end up in your junk folder.

Q: When will I know if I’m selected?
A: We start matching in early March and aim to wrap up by the first week of April. It depends on how many applications we get, so hang tight.

Q: What if I don’t love my project once I get to VDH? Can I switch?
A: We get it—sometimes expectations and reality don’t match. But here’s the deal: projects are matched based on agency needs and your interests (yes, we actually read your application). Host sites might offer some wiggle room, but they’re not required to change things up. Real-world public health isn’t always glamorous, but it is eye-opening. You might discover a new passion—or confirm what you don’t want to do. Either way, it’s a win. Stay open, stay curious.

Q: What kind of experiences will I get at VDH?
A: Buckle up—it’s a mix of hands-on learning, fast-paced days, and meeting a whole bunch of smart, passionate people. You’ll dive into your program area, attend orientation, and join a full-day in-person meeting at Central Office (yes, you’ll meet the Health Commissioner). Weekly intern huddles, a closing Poster Symposium, and plenty of chances to flex your skills are all part of the package.
Pro tip: Your experience depends on you. Show up, lean in, and make it count.
Want proof? Check out the 93 projects from past cohorts on our Academy webpage.

Q: How will I know if I’ve been accepted?
A: You’ll know. Just keep an eye on your inbox and respond quickly when we reach out. No carrier pigeons—just email, and we move fast we start reaching out in February and finish all notifications by the end of April.

Q: So many people apply… is it even worth it?
A: Short answer: YES. Every intern who made it in once thought they wouldn’t. The only way to be considered is to apply. Still skeptical? Watch the “Why Apply?” video on our Academy webpage and hear it straight from past interns.

Q: I live way outside Richmond—can I get help with travel costs for Academy events in Richmond?
A: Yep! When you’re heading from an assigned location, VDH will reimburse your travel expenses according to our official policy. No teleportation budget yet, but we’ve got you covered the old-fashioned way.