Undergraduate Administrative Internship Program

Program Description

1 of 4

• 2024 LiH Cohort

• 2023 LiH Cohort

• 2022 LiH Cohort

• 2021 LiH Cohort

Overview

Cleveland Clinic’s Leadership in Healthcare Undergraduate Administrative Internship Program (LiH) is a competitive 10-week summer program offered to rising Junior and Senior college students. This program welcomes all academic majors, commonly including Health Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, and Business Management. The LiH internship is suited for students of diverse backgrounds in alignment to Cleveland Clinic’s values of quality & safety, empathy, inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and innovation.

As the healthcare industry grows and serves a wider range of patients from various backgrounds, having leaders who understand and represent these communities is essential. Embodying the organization’s vision of being the best place in the world to receive care, LiH interns bring unique perspectives and experiences that can improve patient outcomes, foster cultural sensitivity, and create more inclusive healthcare environments.

Why choose a career in Healthcare Administration?

Healthcare administration involves managing the operations, strategies, finances, and services of healthcare organizations. Administrators work closely with medical staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure that healthcare organizations run smoothly and are able to provide quality patient-centered care.

A career in healthcare administration offers significant potential for personal growth and professional development. Healthcare is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, and administrators are at the forefront of driving change. Administrators have the opportunity to become agents of change, influencing how healthcare is delivered. This field also provides ample opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and community impact.

Why choose the Cleveland Clinic Leadership in Healthcare Undergraduate Administrative Internship?

1. Cohort Model: Interns benefit from the program’s cohort model, where they will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with other students Interns are assigned to clinical and non-clinical departments across the enterprise
2. Dedicated Leadership and Support: Interns are supported by mentors and a dedicated team to ensure that their experience aligns with their professional goals and interests. In addition, each intern is assigned a sponsor that works with the intern to identify projects that satisfy their interests and enhance their professional development as they navigate the organization over the summer.
3. Professional Growth & Networking Opportunities: LiH interns have a unique opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to careers in healthcare leadership. Through a high-challenge and high-support framework, students are pushed to explore new interests in the field of healthcare administration and develop as future healthcare leaders
4. Hands-On Experience:  Although placements and project work are subject to change each year, all interns will have the opportunity to complete meaningful project work that promotes well-rounded professional development. Please see the “Past Interns” tab for examples of previous intern placements and key projects.
5. Experience Cleveland: Cleveland, Ohio, offers a diverse and enriching experience for both visitors and residents. With over 150 parks, 35 museums, and many top-rated restaurants, the city is celebrated for its vibrant arts and culture scene, providing a unique and engaging environment for all.

Post-graduate opportunities

LiH interns can extend the length of their internship and continue interning at the Cleveland Clinic as they finish out their coursework.  They are encouraged to pursue a graduate degree and apply to the Graduate Administrative Internship and Administrative Fellowship Program.

Application Process

Applications will open on October 31st, 2024, and are due at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31st, 2024. The first round of interviews will take place in mid-January, and the second round of interviews will take place late January.

Important dates:

• Monday, October 28, 2024: Informational Webinar #1 (register here).
• October 31: Application is posted.
• Thursday, November 21, 2024: Informational Webinar #2 (register here).
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Informational Webinar #3 (register here).
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 11:59pm EST: Application Closes.
• Early January: Candidates are notified if they are selected for First Round interviews.
• Mid-January: First Round interviews (virtual).
• Late January: Final Round interviews (virtual).

Who qualifies?

This internship is open to rising Junior and Senior undergraduate students who are passionate about healthcare and leadership development. We encourage applicants who are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in healthcare leadership.

Applications should consist of: 

1. Resume (1-page).
2. Cover Letter.
   1. In the cover letter, applicants should indicate their interest in Cleveland Clinic, the field of healthcare administration, and specific goals for their summer internship.
3. Short Essay Responses (300 words or less):
   1. According to the ACHE policy position, “Despite two decades of success in attracting diverse students to graduate programs in health administration—where around 44% of students are from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds—a significant leadership gap persists. For example, in 2019, 89% of hospital CEOs were white, compared to 60% of the U.S. population. Projections from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the country will reach a majority-minority balance by 2045, yet this increasing diversity is not reflected in healthcare administration leadership. This disparity raises important questions about how leadership diversity impacts health equity, patient outcomes, and organizational culture.” How do you think this lack of representation affects the healthcare community, including patients, healthcare providers, and the overall delivery of care? In your response, consider how leadership diversity influences health equity, patient outcomes, and organizational culture.
   2. There are many pathways to making an impact in healthcare. Why are you specifically drawn to the administrative and leadership aspects of healthcare, and how do you envision making a difference in this role?
   3. How has your personal background or identity shaped your perspective on healthcare?

Contact us

For questions about the program or application process, please email us at AdminFellows@ccf.org.

Program Structure

Each intern is assigned a sponsor that works with the intern to identify projects that satisfy their interests and enhance their professional development as they navigate the organization over the summer.

Past Interns

	Andrew C. Cornell University  Major: Global and Public Health Sciences & Health Equity  Placement: International Operations Preceptor: Bill Baddour, Senior Director  Key project: Financial assessment for Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at Cleveland Clinic Las Vegas
	Azza E. University of Pennsylvania  Major: Public Health & Health Care Management  Placement: Medical Specialties Institute  Preceptor: Amelia Brown, Executive Director  Key project: Creation of team-based action plan for MSI leadership rounding
	Ela M. Emory University  Major: Human Health and Psychology  Placement: Office of Diversity and Inclusion  Preceptor: Jacqui Robertson, Chief of Diversity & Inclusion  Key project: Best practices guide for multicultural care to advance communication with diverse linguistic groups
	Estefania D. Cornell University  Major: Biology & Society  Placement: Regional Operations  Preceptor: Renee Kolonick, Vice President  Key project: Comprehensive exam room utilization assessment at Main Campus
	Jamil R.  University of Dayton  Major: Health Sciences  Placement: Hillcrest Hospital  Preceptor: Nick Anstine, Senior Director of Hospital Operations  Key project: Data-driven assessment of linen usage and distribution at Mentor Hospital
	Kaci H.  Cornell University  Major: Human Development, accelerated MHA program  Placement: Regional Operations  Preceptor: Chris Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer  Key project: Renovation of Lutheran Hospital’s Connect Today page
	Macey D.  Vassar College & Columbia University  Major: Public Health (accelerated dual degree)  Placement: Supply Chain  Preceptor: Erica Maltese, Administrative Director  Key project: Contract translation and creation for clinical commodities as part of the goods procurement cycle
	Rhea J.  University of Tennessee  Major: Public Health  Placement: Supply Chain & Integrative Food Services  Preceptor: Erica Maltese, Administrative Director  Key project: Capital assessment of space and equipment across east and west Ohio submarkets
	Sara C.  The Ohio State University  Major: Public Health & Sociology  Placement: Talent Acquisition  Preceptor: Kiersten Kanaley, Vice President  Key project: Content design and production for the Caregiver Video Studio
	Tyler B. University of Michigan  Major: Industrial and Operations Engineering Placement: Buildings + Design  Preceptor: Christine Foley, Administrative Director  Key project: OKR Reporting dashboard innovation

Testimonials

“I have opened up and made new lasting friendships.” - Andrew C.

“I feel motivated each day to come in and face a new challenge.” - Jamil R.

“I have learned to be more independent, think strategically, and practice discernment. Being on my own and taking public transportation in a city that I’ve never been to really forced me to be more alert and wiser about my decisions.” - Kaci H.

“I lived alone for the first time this summer and I was able to gain a sense of independence and confidence in myself!” - Rhea J.

“I learned how to balance responsibilities and worked on achieving a work life balance.” - Sara C.

“I have grown in terms of my professionalism and knowing how to conduct myself in these spaces. I have grown to be more independent and become more comfortable with change.” - Azza E.