Born and raised in Kolkata, India, Aanya Datta enrolled in GPH after earning a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Community & Public Health. "I started my MPH with a Social & Behavioral Sciences concentration because it blends my undergraduate education perfectly, and allows me to study my research interests through a variety of lenses," says Aanya. Her research interests encompass social determinants of health, life course aging, and the role city/state policy plays in population health. In the future, she aims to pursue a doctoral education in public health to understand and strengthen these systems.
Degree Program/Concentration: MPH Social & Behavioral Sciences
Internship Company: New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging)
Internship Location: Downtown Manhattan
SECURING THE INTERNSHIP
Why an internship at NYC Aging?
My main research interest is how the social determinants of health impact aging, so for my APE I applied to places that would help me further understand and study this connection. My professor at GPH had encouraged me to attend an event, where I connected with someone, spoke about my experiences and learned what NYC Aging does in Research and Development (R&D). She’s now my supervisor, and I love working there!
THE GIG
What are your main responsibilities as an intern?
I'm a College-Aide with the R&D team, in the division of planning and strategic initiatives. Currently, I’m updating the resource guide for caregivers, so they’ll have a list of available resources across the city at their fingertips. I also support research on how NYC Aging's contracted providers are impacted by measures such as New York State’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, and by New York City’s recently-created social care networks. And I’ve participated in meetings with external partners to assist in expanding the agency's healthcare partnerships.
What’s been a surprising or unexpected part of the job?
I've worked in research, and studied public health in the classroom, but this was my first on-the-ground experience in public health; it’s so interesting to see how different disciplines come together to deliver results to the target population.
How has your internship allowed you to use current skills and develop new ones?
In updating the guide I did literature reviews and gathered information on the resources available to New Yorkers. I saw how policies are implemented, and the impacts they have. I honed my skills as a researcher on a host of public health topics, from policy to caregiving to nutrition, and gained the experience of collaborating with multiple teams with multiple perspectives. This internship has shown me first hand the inherently interdisciplinary nature of public health!
What’s been the biggest learning curve for you?
I’m still new to the City; I moved here in 2024 for my MPH and in less than nine months I was working in city government. That field within public health was new to me, and there’s a lot to learn. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisors and co-workers for their patience in teaching me the ins and outs of the system and allowing me to grow in my role.
THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Were there any "perks" or special events you've experienced as an intern?
NYC Aging hosts “Talent is Timeless” events to encourage older adults to bring their gifts to the stage and compete in a talent show of sorts. They perform in solo acts, or in groups that are organized by their Older Adult Centers. It was a special experience to volunteer at the borough finals; it showed the critical role of community programming, and you could see the work the agency does in real time.
How did you connect with other interns and employees?
For a while, I was the only intern on my team, but I worked with some truly amazing people who have been at the agency for years. We connected at lunch, or just went out for a coffee or a walk. I was mentored throughout by people with deep backgrounds in various industries and capacities, who bring diverse perspectives to the table. Getting to know and work closely with them has been the most rewarding aspect of my internship.
How did you take advantage of the location where you worked?
NYC Aging is close to Tribeca and the financial district, so there’s an abundance of food and coffee shops in the neighborhood. I love exploring new places, and I've tried a variety of coffee from around the world!
ADVICE FOR OTHER STUDENTS
What advice do you have for students looking for a similar internship?
Always talk to your professors, even if they’re not from your concentration; they can refer you to colleagues or suggest events that are closely aligned to your goals. I’m in SBS, but it was my public health management professor who suggested I go to an event hosted by NYC Aging. Only a few students attended, so there was time to talk with someone about my interests, who encouraged me to apply for the position. Networking can be intimidating but it worked very well for me; it goes to show you that sometimes the least likely places can give you the most valuable connections.
What resources at NYU GPH did you find most helpful during the application process?
I attended GPH's spring career fair, and picked up ideas in preparing my elevator speech for interviews. I went to office hours for almost ALL my professors, especially those who offered to help students find internships. My academic advisor was very encouraging and helpful, and the GPH APE sessions were all extremely informative during the process.
HIGHLIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
What was your favorite part of the internship?
This was the first role I've had in public health and my supervisor, Meghan Shineman, really encouraged me to take ownership of certain parts of projects and make them my own. I’m incredibly grateful for her mentorship and guidance as I took on more responsibilities. I began working there in the summer and continued through the academic year, and over time I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other agencies on additional projects.
Can you describe a memorable moment or a proud accomplishment from your time there?
I worked on designing and creating the “bingo boards” we distributed at a Healthy Aging Fair that brings together a large number of organizations dedicated to providing services to older adults. At the fair, we used the bingo board to encourage older adults to visit as many booths as possible; it was gratifying to see participants enjoy the game, visit each booth and learn about new organizations and other helpful resources.
How has this experience shaped your future career goals? What's your "dream job" now?
I’ve always wanted to pursue a PhD, to conduct research and further my understanding of public health and the systems that shape it. My internship at NYC Aging confirmed that after graduation my goal will be to work with older adults. I was able to see firsthand the interdisciplinary nature of public health, the impact this has on communities, and the dedication and collaboration it takes to have deliverable results. I still aspire to begin a doctoral program, and I see myself working in public service in the future.