Careers

IDEAL Internship

Shape your future in healthcare leadership. Join the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Academy for Leadership Internship Program at Riverside.

IDEAL Leadership Development Internship Program

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Academy for Leadership

The IDEAL Leadership Development Internship Program at Riverside Health System offers a unique opportunity for college seniors to immerse themselves in the world of healthcare leadership. This 9-month program is tailored to cultivate the next generation of leaders in healthcare by combining practical experience and theoretical learning. Participants engage in a diverse range of activities, including leadership coursework, hands-on projects, and departmental shadowing, all designed to foster a deep understanding of healthcare operations and management. Interns are assigned 2 mentors during the program and interact with the executive leadership team. Emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and equity, the program equips interns with the skills and insights necessary to excel in non-clinical healthcare roles and make a meaningful impact in the industry.

The four-month IDEAL Internship coursework is a transformative journey designed to cultivate leadership excellence among graduating seniors in non-clinical majors. Structured into four comprehensive units, the curriculum encompasses fundamental leadership principles, inclusive dialogue workshops, and immersive sessions on business acumen and projects. Utilizing high-quality content from The Franklin Covey Training Platform and HealthStream Training Platform, interns engage in virtual and in-person classes, gaining insights from industry experts. The coursework not only emphasizes theoretical knowledge but also encourages practical application through implicit bias self-development, inclusive leadership, and critical business acumen training. This immersive learning experience equips interns with the skills and perspectives necessary for success in the dynamic landscape of non-clinical healthcare occupations.

1. Interns are required to attend in-person classes and lectures and some virtual sessions, Training sessions cover diverse topics related to leadership, communication, and inclusive dialogue. This includes:

16-Week In person Classroom Curriculum and online self-study coursework: Delivering a comprehensive live classroom curriculum spanning from September to December, ensuring a robust learning experience for interns. This includes In-Person Speakers: to enhance the classroom and computer-based learning experiences with a 1-hour in-person Speaker Series, providing interns with valuable insights from industry experts. Online self-study coursework: Completed prior to the start of the next class and used for classroom discussion and debrief.
8 weeks – Leadership Training in Business Acumen & Project Work
9 weeks - Job Shadowing Rotations
Graduation Ceremony
Job Placement Review: Interns meet with talent acquisition and people operations to prepare for the interview process, and to evaluate their desire for aligned full-time job opportunities at Riverside. Start dates would be appropriately aligned after graduation and before May 31st.

2. Detailed Curriculum: The educational components of the IDEAL Internship Program are structured into a four-unit curriculum, each designed to foster leadership development and provide comprehensive insights into non-clinical healthcare occupations. The program utilizes high-quality training content from The Franklin Covey Training Platform, supplemented by internally developed content through the HealthStream Training Platform.

I. Unit 1: Leadership 1.0 (Fundamentals of Leadership)
1. Inspire a Culture of Trust: A session focused on cultivating trust within the workplace.
2. Speakers: Presenters include (EVPs and SVPs), and other key leaders providing insights into the organization.
3. Fundamental Beliefs of Trust & Inspire Leaders: Exploration of foundational trust-building principles.
4. Communication Skills Module: Development of effective communication skills.

II. Unit 2: Implicit Bias Self-Development & Awareness
1. BiasSync Baseline Training: Interns complete baseline training before class for discussion.
2. Debrief of BiasSync Baseline Training and Assessment: Facilitated by Ericka and Toiya Sosa/CDO.
3. Mock Interview and Preference Sheet: Zoom-based mock interviews to gather preferences for projects, job shadowing, and leader interactions.

III. Unit 3: Leadership 2.0 (Inclusive Leadership)
1. Guide to Inclusive & Constructive Dialogue Workshop: Facilitation Skills Series Parts 1-4 conducted by Virginia Center for Inclusive Concepts
2. Inclusive Leadership Part 1 and 2: Sessions facilitated by Hampton University Representative & Norfolk State University Representative.
3. Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Ignite Everyone’s Intelligence: Insightful session with Jesse Goodrich/SVP HR.
4. Respecting Diversity: Residents, Staff, and Families: Addressing diversity-related topics with Diana Jarrett/CNO LLH.

IV. Unit 4: Leadership 3.0 (8 weeks - Business Acumen & Project)
1. Cap I Training: Trainer Robert Maynard guides interns through the first phase of their capstone project.
2. Building Business Acumen: Insights provided by a representative from Christopher Newport University.
3. Cap II Training: Continued guidance from Trainer Robert Maynard.
4. Project Planning/Research: Virtual and in-person sessions for planning and research.
5. Executive Presentation: Interns present their projects to the Executive Leadership Team.
6. Job Placement Review: The first job placement review is conducted by Michael Ryan.

V. Rotations (9 weeks - Job Shadowing):
1. March to early May
2. Interns engage in rotations across various departments including administration, finance, information technology, marketing/communications, security, and human resources.

VI. Graduation Ceremony:
1. May: The program concludes with a graduation ceremony attended by the Executive Leadership Team, mentors, rotation supervisors, and family members of the interns.
2. Job Placement Review: The second job placement review is conducted by Michael Ryan.

This comprehensive curriculum aims to provide interns with a well-rounded understanding of leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, preparing them for successful careers in non-clinical healthcare occupations.


1. The program includes a project phase where interns engage in project planning and research. IDEAL interns engage in thorough and impactful research, leading to well-founded project proposals and presentations that contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion within Riverside Health.

2. The IDEAL Intern Projects represent a transformative phase where interns collaboratively delve into meaningful initiatives at Riverside Health. Tasked with identifying opportunities for advancing DEI in areas such as health equity and language access to name a few, interns undergo extensive research, interviews, and data analysis. Guided by a robust curriculum, interns leverage the acquired knowledge from Cap I & II training to propose SMART improvement plans. These projects culminate in detailed Project Proposals, addressing specific areas of focus with a blueprint for implementation. Interns present their findings in the Corporate Board Room to executive leaders, showcasing their work in a professional setting.


1. During the shadowing period, interns gain hands-on experience in specific departments.

2. The IDEAL Intern Shadowing Phase is a pivotal component that bridges theoretical learning with practical application. Interns embark on a comprehensive job shadowing experience across various departments, including administration, finance, information technology, marketing /communications, security, and human resources. Guided by a structured orientation conducted by People Operations and the IDEAL Program Facilitator. Interns delve into performance excellence, problem-solving basics, and case studies. The shadowing experience offers a hands-on understanding of the day-to-day operations within Riverside Health, fostering a holistic perspective on non-clinical healthcare occupations. This immersive phase is designed to enhance interns' practical skills, preparing them for successful careers while contributing to the overall excellence of Riverside Health.

1. The IDEAL Internship's Research and Analysis components are at the core of shaping future leaders in non-clinical healthcare occupations. Interns engage in a dynamic process that involves evaluating existing initiatives, identifying growth opportunities within Riverside Health (RHS), and conducting in-depth research on specific health disparities affecting the community. Through literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, interns gain valuable insights to inform their projects. The culmination of this phase results in well-informed Project Proposals, offering strategic solutions with SMART improvement plans. This research-driven approach equips interns with the skills to address complex challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within RHS.

2. Research during the IDEAL Project Phase involves the following detailed components:
Research Tasks for IDEAL Projects:

  • Evaluate Current Initiatives:
    1. Interns are tasked with researching, conducting interviews, and engaging in fact-finding to understand the existing initiatives within Riverside Health (RHS) related to their project focus.
    2. The evaluation includes assessing ongoing efforts or future plans that align with the identified area of focus.
  • Opportunity Identification:
    1. Through a combination of literature reviews, interviews, and data analysis, interns identify opportunities for improvement within RHS.
    2. This phase involves a comprehensive exploration of available resources, policies, and practices to pinpoint areas where the health system can enhance its services.
  • Data Collection and Analysis:
    1. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, interns collect essential data to understand the root causes of opportunities identified.
    2. Analysis of existing health data within the Riverside Healthcare System is a key component, providing a foundation for informed decision-making.
  • Health Disparity Research:
    1. Interns conduct research to identify specific health disparities affecting the Riverside community.
    2. This involves examining demographic data, health outcomes, and other relevant information to gain insights into disparities that may influence their project focus.
  • Stakeholder Identification:
    1. Identification of key stakeholders within the Riverside Health and the broader community is crucial.
    2. Interns gather information from leaders, staff, and community representatives to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the context in which their project will be implemented.

1. Applicants must be rising college seniors.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
3. Interest in non-clinical healthcare occupations is essential.

Detailed Description: The IDEAL Internship seeks candidates committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in non-clinical healthcare occupations. Applicants should meet the following prerequisites:

  • Rising College Seniors: Candidates must be on track to become a rising college senior. Minimum 3.0 GPA: A strong academic foundation with a minimum GPA of 3.0 demonstrates dedication to academic excellence.
  • Interest in Non-Clinical Healthcare Occupations: Ideal candidates express a keen interest in pursuing non-clinical healthcare occupations post-graduation, such as roles in administration, finance, information technology, marketing /communications, security, or human resources.
  • Eager to Learn and Collaborate: Successful applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for learning, collaboration, and a genuine desire to contribute to the vibrant healthcare community.
  • Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential; candidates should possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office is required for successful participation in program activities.
  • Ability to Multitask: Given the dynamic nature of the internship, candidates should showcase strong multitasking abilities.
  • Project and Time Management Skills: Effective project and time management skills are crucial for successfully navigating the coursework and project phases.

1. Applications open each February-April of the potential intern's Junior year.

Click here to apply.


Benefits include exposure to high-level leaders, mentorship, personal and professional development, engagement with diverse departments, and the potential for full-time job placement upon program completion. The program aims to instill confidence and develop skills such as oral presentation, communication, inclusive leadership, and cultural awareness. Each intern is provided with an agency laptop and an IDEAL internship binder for organizing materials throughout the program and for future reference. Interns are employed part-time during their internship.

1:1 and group Program Facilitator Support

1. Mutual Growth and Learning:
Foster an environment where mutual growth and learning thrive among program coordinators and interns alike.

2. Resourceful Support:
Serve as a valuable resource, providing unwavering support to interns enrolled in the IDEAL Program.

3. Balancing Work, Senior Year, and Life:
Assist and support interns in effectively planning, balancing, and prioritizing their commitments, including the internship, senior year responsibilities, and personal life.

4. Confidence Building in Presenting and Public Speaking:
Cultivate an atmosphere that encourages interns to build confidence and seize opportunities in presenting and public speaking.

5. Leadership Skills Enhancement:
Enhance the leadership skills of interns through targeted guidance and experiential learning opportunities.

6. Facilitate Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:
Provide structured opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth, fostering both individual and group development.

7. Interactive and Educational Experience:
Design and implement an internship experience that is not only interactive but also rich in educational content throughout the 16-week program.

8. Supporting Personal Goals:
Actively assist interns in reaching their personally established goals for the IDEAL Program, aligning individual aspirations with program objectives.