Anne Bonner '25
🏠 Meriden, NH (Originally from Fairfield, CT)
📚 Health Management and Policy
💼 Communications and Marketing Intern @ Dartmouth Health, 📍Lebanon, NH
Finding My Path in Health Management and Policy
The Health Management and Policy program appealed to me because of its smaller class sizes, accessible professors, and the hands-on experiences it offers. Particularly, Professor Bonica has been instrumental in connecting students with internship opportunities.
There’s a large network of UNH Health Management and Policy graduates and that opens the doors to multiple opportunities.
My Experience as a Communications and Marketing Intern
This summer, I'm working as an intern for the communications and marketing team at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH. My responsibilities are diverse and engaging:
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Researching how AI can be utilized in communications and marketing
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Working on search engine optimization using the Yext application
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Assisting with podcast guesting for Dartmouth Health providers
I also got to shadow a video shoot for the Heart and Vascular Center, which is currently a major marketing focus. The shoot featured a provider reflecting on a patient's story. Previously, the team had visited the patient's farm to document his experience with heart and vascular care.
During the shoot, I observed how they captured the doctor's perspective on the patient's journey, including how they diagnosed and treated his condition. It was fascinating to see the entire process, from setup to filming. I even had the opportunity to ask one of the interview questions.
I’ve had some fun too! I get to attend community events, like farmers’ markets, to share information about hospital services. I also had a blast exploring the DHART helicopter.
Lessons in Healthcare Communications
One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship is seeing how the different parts of a large healthcare system work together. I've gained a new appreciation for the effort that goes into creating user-friendly websites and effective marketing strategies in healthcare.
I've learned that while many health systems have similar goals, the challenge lies in making your organization stand out. I've also seen firsthand how strategic communication can increase engagement with articles and raise awareness about important health issues.
Putting UNH Learning into Practice
Health Management and Policy’s emphasis on networking and professional development through courses and extracurricular activities has been especially helpful to me in navigating the corporate environment at Dartmouth Health with confidence. I'm comfortable reaching out to different team members, asking questions, and even pitching ideas.
Advice for Future Interns
For students considering internships, I would encourage them not to worry about being a nuisance. In my experience, people are often happy to have an intern's help and are willing to provide opportunities and communicate clearly.
What Comes After UNH
While I'm still exploring different career paths, I'm particularly interested in communications and marketing within the healthcare sector. My dream is to eventually own my own health and wellness business.