Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jan 30

To prepare for domestic and international career opportunities in public health, all MSPH in Health Education and Health Communication students participate in a full-time field placement for least six months.
In her HBS Field Placement Journal, recent MSPH graduate, Kanagavalli Mathivathanan, reflects on her field placement experience as an intern with the World Health Organization at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Anticipated graduation date: May 2024
Adviser: Rajiv Rimal, PhD
Field placement organization name: World Health Organization – Headquarters
Field placement role: Graduate Student Intern
Why did you choose your field placement experience?
I am passionate about tobacco control and wanted to expand my experience in global health policy. I chose the World Health Organization for my field placement because of its global leadership in shaping public health strategies, particularly in tobacco control. The organization’s influence provided a unique platform to gain hands-on exposure to global health diplomacy, including how policy decisions are made through high-level discussions with Member States. I was particularly drawn to WHO’s work on tobacco control, which aligns closely with my career goals in international public health.
How did you discover (and land) your field placement?
Networking, persistence, maintaining hope, and fostering positive relationships with my advisors and mentors.
How was your overall experience at WHO?
My internship at WHO was full-time and provided invaluable insights into global health and diplomacy. My primary work involved tobacco control policies, including assisting with communication campaigns. I had the opportunity to network with a wide range of diplomats and WHO officials while gaining an in-depth understanding of WHO’s projects. Beyond work, WHO’s diverse intern community enriched my experience through weekly meetings and lunches, where we shared our projects and cultural backgrounds.
What does a typical day of your field placement look like?
My typical day began with an espresso macchiato and a commute through the United Nations, where walking past the flags of all Member States was an inspiring start. At the office, I worked on developing policy briefs on sustainable tobacco control financing, such as environmental levy taxes and tobacco vendor licensing. I also contributed to developing UNICEF’s digital library content on tobacco and its environmental consequences. My responsibilities included attending meetings with team members, WHO regional and country offices, external partners, and funders such as Bloomberg Philanthropies to advance tobacco control policies across Member States. These experiences provided a comprehensive understanding of WHO’s divisions and operations.
What have you found most rewarding about your field placement?
The most rewarding experience was attending the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024, where I gained exposure to high-level diplomatic discussions on International Health Regulations, the Pandemic Accord, and noncommunicable diseases. Another highlight was the interns’ chat with the Director-General, where I gained invaluable insights from Dr. Tedros’s professional experiences and perspectives on global health.
What advice do you have for current or prospective students as they think about their own field placement opportunities?
- Proactive networking: Identify organizations you are interested in and connect with professionals working there.
- Find your mentor: Seek 2-3 mentors who can guide you and maintain a positive relationship with them. Mentors can be Hopkins professors, alumni, or professional connections.
- Open-mindedness: Stay open to diverse opportunities and avoid limiting yourself to specific organizations or research interests.
- Patience: Be prepared to revise your resume/CV multiple times and seek feedback from others.
- Reflection: Take time to reflect on what strategies have worked in the past and where adjustments are needed.
How has your field placement influenced (or changed) your public health career goals?
My field placement at WHO reinforced my passion for tobacco control policies at the international level, motivating me to continue pursuing a career focused on advancing global health policy and advocacy. It has also expanded my interest in health diplomacy and collaboration with global partners, encouraging me to explore influential positions in public health organizations.
Read more at: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/hbs-field-placement-journals-kanagavalli-mathivathanan