An experiential component, also called Directed Study and most often referred to as an Internship, is a required as part of the PSM in Health Care Genetics Program curriculum. Students, in collaboration with the major advisor, will arrange field experiences at sites that provide opportunities to participate in research and/or delivery of health care genetic services. Interactive learning experiences will facilitate interdisciplinary and critical thinking for development of career aspirations.
Internships are a 3-way cooperative venture among an employer (Internship Site Supervisor), a faculty member (UConn instructor/faculty advisor- Supervised Internship Instructor), and a student. Students may opt to complete the research or capstone on the Storrs or Farmington campus, or with a professional outside the UConn System in an organization such as a clinic, hospital, laboratory, community center, or at a research and development company. The purpose of the internship/capstone semester is for students to
- Connect and apply academic learning to real-world environments
- Improve interdisciplinary critical thinking skills
- Develop professionalism, communication and team-building skills
- Identify, assess, and/or address specific issues in health care genetics
Internships are typically 3-months and full-time in duration. Health Care Genetics Program students currently employed in a health care genetics or related discipline are not required to find an alternate site for an internship. Working students collaborate to find a suitable work-related or external project to fit within one or two semesters.
Students will provide evidence of successful completion of learning objectives of the internship through formal written reports, platform presentations, and/or scientific publications as outlined in a learning agreement. Students work with their instructor/advisor/advisory committee and internship site supervisor to select a topic that demonstrates an ability to define, analyze, evaluate, and identify strategic solutions that address a major issue, problem, or opportunity within the field of health care genetics. Students will outline the issue, identify possible risks, evaluate potential solutions, recommend a course of action, and outline next steps for implementing the resolution.
You can read about internships of former students on our Alumni page, but remember, we are always willing to identify and negotiate new ones specific to your interests!