There is always room for an internship

As a graduate student in the Master of Health Administration program and a full-time employee at Novant Health, Nate Coburn knows how to balance competing priorities.

“Working as a data analyst at Novant Health for the past four years, my primary focus has been identifying at-risk maternal and infant populations and developing interventions to improve outcomes,” said Coburn.

Over the summer, he added an internship to his already busy schedule with March of Dimes (Charlotte location), a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of mothers and babies. He worked with the director of Maternal and Infant Health for the Carolina Region.

“My primary responsibility was to perform analyses on maternal and infant health outcomes throughout the state, identifying problem areas and potential solutions,” said Coburn. “I also met with state and federal legislators to advocate for several maternal and infant health policies making their way through the legislative process.”

UNC Charlotte made the difference for Coburn, providing the skills, confidence and classmates he needed to succeed.

“I have learned so much from my time at UNC Charlotte that has made me more effective in my current role and better prepared to take on bigger challenges in future roles,” said Coburn. “The friendships I’ve made with my classmates have helped me through the first year. Working full-time and going to classes isn’t easy, but it’s undoubtedly easier when you can look forward to seeing your buddies afterward.”

Coburn’s advice for current and future 49ers looking for internship experiences is to start your search early and be flexible with how you gain experience.

“Reach out to the cohort above you for help; they’ll be happy to give you suggestions,” said Coburn. “If you’re having trouble and a paid position isn’t a necessity, often asking to volunteer with organizations for the summer will get you in the door.”