Degree Program: MPH – Public Health Policy
Field Experience Placement Site: Wauwatosa Health Department
Semester/Year: Summer 2023
Project title: Exploration of short-term rental policy and ordinance change for the City of Wauwatosa
Products:
Policy Brief
Short-term Rentals Presentation
Short-term Rentals Brochure
Short-term Rentals Flyer
What did you like most about your Field Experience?
I would say that what I liked most about the Field Experience was the opportunity to contribute to a local organization, while also gaining real-world skills and experiences. It gave me an approximation of what to expect after graduation.
Why was your project important to the organization?
My project was important for a few reasons. First, the end product was needed to provide the leadership of the City of Wauwatosa with an estimate of what enacting a short-term rental license and regulatory program would entail. I also created guidelines based on best practices throughout the state for the physical inspection that will occur before licensing. Finally, the project was also timely in the sense that the Department wanted to have this program ready for implementation before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July.
How did your field experience prepare you for a career in public health?
The field experience prepared me for a career in public health in numerous ways. The experience gave me invaluable lessons in the inner workings of a local public health department. My preceptor was very helpful and continues to be a valuable resource, both for networking and for their public health knowledge. The process also taught me firsthand knowledge of crafting policy in real world settings, and how fluid that process has to be to be effective.