Note: Please visit DPH Paid Internship Program for program details, timeline, and application deadline. You will have a chance to share which project(s) you are interested when you submit the application online.
Project: Data Modernization Initiative Information Management, Information Analyst
Organization: Commissioner’s Office
The Information Analyst student will support the Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) Business Analyst in the ongoing work of this multi-year initiative. The primary function of this role will be to support the DMI discovery process with various DPH teams. This support will include:
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(a) participating in subject matter expert interviews,
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(b) documenting business requirements and current state processes,
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(c) consolidating and organizing contextual and technical information, and
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(d) translating complex systems and workflows into easily understandable diagrams, tools, and resources.
All activities will directly inform and guide DMI work planning and project implementation. The student will help the business analyst in creating templates and standardized processes for the project discovery process, from collecting technical and functional requirements through translating the collected information into actionable steps for project implementation. The Information Analyst will be a strong supporter in the early stages of the data modernization initiative – supporting the kick-off of DMI Phase 2 through the successful translation of information into strategic action.
The student would gain critical knowledge and experience on how public health departments organize and manage our public health data for analysis and informing public health programming. The student will be exposed to data-related processes across the DPH – gaining insight into how state health departments are structured, what responsibilities are held within DPH, and how these organizational structures and public health responsibilities are translated to technology and data systems (along with the difficulties and limitations of current-state solutions!). The student would gain experience acting as a bridge between technical and business teams; able to communicate seamlessly with both parties in their ‘language’. The student would gain an understanding of what is involved in forming a team and structure that builds and implements public health data solutions.
Skills Required: A critical required skill is the ability to juggle a large volume of information, documents, and collaborations in an organized, structured manner. Experience documenting /diagramming /designing technical processes and systems preferred. Familiarity with terminology related to data systems and data science required. Strong attention to detail is required along with the ability to contextualize details and observations within the larger picture. Familiarity with public health or state government structure also preferred. Experience with MS Teams or SharePoint would be a bonus but not required.
Technology Required: Laptop with MS Office
Work Arrangement: Remote / Hybrid
Hours Per Week: 15
Preferred Eligibility: Upper-class Bachelors, Masters, and or Doctoral students
Preferred Academic Experience: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems (Engineering/Management/Development), Engineering/Informatics with an interest in health or public sector), Any creative “build your own adventure” educational paths that demonstrate interest in data/technology and health (I.e., Public Health with Data Science focus, Pre-Med with an interest in Systems Improvement, having a technical undergrad pursuing social science masters, etc.)
For more information, please check out Program FAQs. You can also contact us by email dphinternship@mass.gov.