London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

My role as a Research and Development Intern

My role as a Research and Development Intern involved a scoping review where I conducted content mapping on self care for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRHR)-related literature, and developed and presented the key findings of the content mapping to country teams. I progressed to conducting a thematic analysis on the areas of focus based on the existing evidence on self care interventions for promoting and advancing SRHR in the countries of interest. This entailed screening full-text articles and data extraction on a given theme. I then conducted a content analysis of the extracted information, developing and presenting key findings accordingly. In addition to this primary assignment, I assisted in convening internal (within WHO) workshops, meetings and events.

Meeting global health leaders

One of the coolest things about interning at WHO is randomly running into global health leaders and industry players, and engaging with them as colleagues. I had a star-struck moment running into Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the WHO (and LSHTM alumnus!), on a cool Friday evening while catching up with a colleague after work. It felt like an OMG moment, like "I am really meeting Dr Tedros so casually!" He was so welcoming and cool, providing some valuable advice to me in my global health career.

I had a similar experience meeting the Assistant Director General - Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu who has been a role model that inspired my public health journey from his time as the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), especially given his laudable leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. I was elated with his open door policy of getting a chance to chat with him on global and national public health issues. He offered very practical advice and guidance as I navigate life after my master's programme. I also got my copy of his recently launched book autographed - An Imperfect Storm.

Learning from experts

Beyond meeting these big shots, I had a really great time networking with global health professionals, leaders and my fellow interns during my internship. It was really insightful learning about the important work they do to strengthen global health from the HQ while collaboratively working with the country teams. I also found it very humbling how genuinely open and supportive many of them are of me. These moments leave me very reassured in my aspirations towards global public health leadership and advancing equitable health systems.

Overall I found it very valuable to learn from SRHR experts and leaders in the self care team, being supervised by the renowned Dr. Manjulaa Narasimhan, and greatly supported by Carl Massonneau. I had so much fun in Switzerland, taking in the Swiss culture and breathtaking beauty of it's landscape, lakes, mountains and hills, as well as those of neighbouring France. As a nature lover, it was refreshing to take it all in every chance I got!

To sum up...

I must say that the skills I developed during my MSc in Health Policy, Planning & Financing at LSHTM and LSE were super helpful in delivering excellently on my technical responsibilities, especially given my extensive experience working in the SRHR field specifically on programme design, implementation, policy and advocacy.

My internship engagements were very insightful to learning and contributing further in the field of self care interventions that support SRHR in ways that are cost effective and reduce the burden on health systems. This was especially important in resource-constrained settings and overall enabling individuals to be producers of their health and wellbeing, while accessing support from the health facility where and when necessary. This learning and networking experience is highly relevant to my career aspirations of working at the intersection of designing evidence-informed health policies, programmes, sustainable financing and strengthening health systems.

My top tips for those who are interested

I found the LSHTM Careers Services on CV and cover letter writing sessions very helpful in improving my CV and cover letter to meet global industry standards. I remember attending a few sessions in between my lecture breaks on campus during the Autumn term. The team made the process easy to comprehend, especially since you can make reference to the materials later on the LSHTM Careers page and seek personalised support when needed.

I give huge credit to LSHTM Careers Services for my application and for being selected for the highly competitive WHO Global Internship Programme. When I got shortlisted for the interview, I reached out to the team for mock interview support and Joshua was super supportive in providing a mock interview. He patiently highlighted areas where my experience and structured responses during the interview can position me better for the role, while reassuring me that I have all it takes to ace the interview. I was pleasantly surprised when I got my congratulations email from the WHO. Thank you so much, LSHTM Careers Team!

My tip is to ensure you carefully read the job description and align your relevant experience(s) to what is required. Clearly highlight in your CV and cover letter how you are a good fit for the role. Get an external review on your application if possible e.g. using the LSHTM Career Services.

You honestly don't have to know someone high up to pull some strings for you. Like I tell everyone who asks how I got selected for such a highly competitive internship programme; "I just applied and gave it my best shot, then stayed hopeful on the outcome!" So don't self-reject yourself, you only stand a chance if you apply.

• Discover MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing.
• Find out more about LSHTM Careers Services.