As pre-health advisors, one of the most popular questions we get asked around this time is, "What should I do over the summer?" While there's no one right answer to this question, there's also no wrong answer either. There are a variety of opportunities students can take advantage of during the summer, including research, internships, study abroad, volunteering, clinical experiences, part time jobs, and more.
As always, we encourage you to think about what you want to do. What is something you'll be excited to do over the summer? What do you want to learn? In what area do you want to gain more experience? Once you've answered these questions, you can start to narrow down the types of opportunities you want to explore.
Below you'll find a list of resources to help you explore summer opportunities. Remember, deadlines for these programs typically begin at the start of the spring semester, so early application submission is encouraged.
Resources for Exploring Summer Opportunities
1.) The PHMO Blog
You're already here! This blog is updated frequently with opportunities around the country that we hear about for pre-health students. You can subscribe to this blog over on the right sidebar to get a notification when something new is posted, or search specifically for opportunities tagged for Summer. Summer opportunities are posted throughout the Spring semester, so check back often!
You're already here! This blog is updated frequently with opportunities around the country that we hear about for pre-health students. You can subscribe to this blog over on the right sidebar to get a notification when something new is posted, or search specifically for opportunities tagged for Summer. Summer opportunities are posted throughout the Spring semester, so check back often!
2.) National Summer Programs Databases
- NAAHP Summer Opportunities Database (All Pre-Health)
- AAMC Summer Enrichment and Pipeline Programs (Pre-Med)
- NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (All Pre-Health)
- NIH Summer Internship Program (All Pre-Health)
- Explore Health Careers: Enrichment Programs (All Pre-Health)
- CDC Short Term Internships (Pre-Public Health)
3.) Your local pre-health advising office
Thinking about going home over the summer? Check to see if any nearby universities have a pre-health advising office. Like Emory, many pre-health offices have blogs or newsletters they send out with local opportunities for pre-health students. A quick Google search can get you to the office's website, and then look around for anything that says "Register" or a link to sign up for a list-serve. Many colleges will allow you to register without a school affiliated email address.
The pre-health websites themselves can also be a wealth of information. Look for key words like "Prepare" or "Gaining Experience" - this is usually where you can find lists of popular local volunteer locations, job opportunities, or research positions. You may have to dig a little bit, but this is a great way to get the most relevant local information for pre-health students.
Below are examples of resources at pre-health offices around the country:
Thinking about going home over the summer? Check to see if any nearby universities have a pre-health advising office. Like Emory, many pre-health offices have blogs or newsletters they send out with local opportunities for pre-health students. A quick Google search can get you to the office's website, and then look around for anything that says "Register" or a link to sign up for a list-serve. Many colleges will allow you to register without a school affiliated email address.
The pre-health websites themselves can also be a wealth of information. Look for key words like "Prepare" or "Gaining Experience" - this is usually where you can find lists of popular local volunteer locations, job opportunities, or research positions. You may have to dig a little bit, but this is a great way to get the most relevant local information for pre-health students.
Below are examples of resources at pre-health offices around the country:
- Northwestern (Chicago area students)
- Columbia and NYU (New York area students)
- University of Florida (Florida students)
- Princeton (Philly/New Jersey area students)
- SMU (Dallas area students)
- USC (Los Angeles area students)
- UC Davis (Northern California area students)
- University of Washington (Seattle area students)
4.) Emory Offices
From Emory College Online, MD-SEE, study abroad, summer classes, global internships, and Summer Undergraduate Research, Emory has many summer programs to choose from! Make sure to check out the Emory Summer Expo, from January 23-26, to learn about all of the opportunities available!
From Emory College Online, MD-SEE, study abroad, summer classes, global internships, and Summer Undergraduate Research, Emory has many summer programs to choose from! Make sure to check out the Emory Summer Expo, from January 23-26, to learn about all of the opportunities available!
We hope this helps you in your search for a meaningful summer opportunity! As always, contact your PHMO advisor if you'd like to discuss your plans!