When searching for opportunities to apply data analysis skills in a healthcare setting, junior Riya Malhotra connected with a recruiter from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield on LinkedIn, eventually resulting in a year-long internship.
“I quickly realized how welcoming and supportive this team was and the levels to which they take initiative to strive for better healthcare and insurance policies,” said Malhotra, who is majoring in public health practice, with a minor in general business. “The enthusiasm of my team, paired with CareFirst BCBS’ overarching mission and goals, made this position the most ideal for me, and I am so grateful for it.”
Early in her role as a product management and optimization intern this semester, Malhotra has already gained extensive knowledge of insurance plan development, evaluation and refinement. In her position, Malhotra works with the Commercial Markets Product Team — which works on the company’s coverage for individual and group customers — collaborating with many other teams and divisions on a daily basis.
“Through this collaboration, I have learned how the world of insurance is very intersecting, with a lot of different teams, each with different specialties, coming together to improve insurance plans for clients and overall improving healthcare accessibility,” Malhotra said. “I am excited to continue learning from this team for the rest of the year.”
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield – a not-for-profit BCBS Association Plan – works with the SPH community in many ways, including funding fellowships, attending recruiting events and, on March 12, hosting CareFirst BCBS President and CEO Brian Pieninck, who will speak to the UMD public health community about his career journey and the many career opportunities for public health professionals.
Malhotra's passion for public health began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she witnessed how public health impacted communities and policies on a global scale. Her commitment deepened as she interned in different health care settings such as labs, research spaces and hospital settings. Her internship has helped her advance her career and interest in public health.
The internship complements the skills Malhotra has gained through her multifaceted interests. She is also part of the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council (DUSAC), a team of students across the five majors of public health who help share student voices and perspectives with SPH staff and faculty. Malhotra also enjoys dancing and is part of EntouRAAS, a cultural competitive dance team.
“We are so proud of Riya and all she has accomplished in the SPH,” said SPH Assistant Director for Student Engagement Tia Cunningham. “It’s not always easy for students to navigate the vast landscape of opportunities the SPH has to offer. Riya used the resources around her, asked a lot of questions and identified a path that was right for her. As staff and faculty, we hope all students have the same experience of finding their own right path.”
Malhotra’s path is becoming clearer as her internship continues.
“I would highly recommend this internship to other students who are interested in the health insurance industry, are willing to learn, and are ready to take on real-world challenges,” Malhotra said. “This position provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in product management, data analysis and strategic decision-making — beneficial skills for just about anyone.”