Internship Spotlight: Q&A with HIV Intern Ella Forrester

Meet Ella Forrester, one of 22 HIV Prevention Interns hired by DPH’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control between January and April 2025. For Ella, the most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to promote health by building strong connections within the community.

What skills or experiences did you gain during your internship?
My internship with the South Carolina Department of Public Health has helped me build skills in community outreach and collaboration. Working with campus and local health organizations to coordinate testing events taught me the importance of partnership in public health efforts. I also gained invaluable skills to promote health initiatives and gained practical experience in engaging diverse communities with prevention resources.

What did you find most valuable about your internship?
I found it most valuable to be directly involved in community-based health initiatives. Seeing how public health interventions come to life through events and outreach activities gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of promoting health awareness. Collaborating with both campus groups and external organizations also broadened my perspective on teamwork in public health settings.

How has this internship shaped your career goals or future plans?
This internship reinforced my commitment to public health and motivated me to pursue a career in health promotion. It was empowering to actively work on HIV prevention efforts and see the positive impact of our outreach. The experience strengthened my collaboration and leadership skills, preparing me for future roles where community engagement is essential.