Author Archives: Alex Whicker

RSGA Positions Open for First Years

Category : News/Events

Rollins Student Government Association (RSGA) has several open positions that first-year students can apply for this month. We work to empower every student to have a meaningful experience here at RSPH and hope you’ll consider joining us!  

We have four positions available at this time: Corner Store Officer, Treasurer, GSGA Representative, and Senate Representative. In these roles, you’ll gain skills such as: project management, coalition building, spreadsheets, and advocacy. Applications are in your Emory Inbox. There will also be additional opportunities to get involved with RSGA when additional elections are held later in the semester. 

***DEADLINE Tuesday, August 24th at 11:59pm***  

If you are interested in learning more about the positions there will be several optional info sessions with current RSGA leaders, including:  

  • Zoom Info Session:  

    •  

    • August 19, 7:00-8:00 pm ET   

      • Zoom ID: 793 554 8969 

  • RSGA Session: August 17, 10:00-11:00 am   

    • Location: RSPH CNR 8th Floor – Klamon Room   

  • Student Engagement Fair: August 23, 12:00-2:00 pm   

    • Location: TBD   

If you have any questions, please email rsph [dot] sga [at] emory [dot] edu.

Epidemiologist 2, Georgia Department of Health

Category : Alumni

Connect passion with purpose. The Fulton County Board of Health provides a variety of services that help protect residents from health threats, increase access to health services to improve health outcomes, and provide information that assists Fulton County citizens in living healthier lives.   
 
 The agency is seeking three highly qualified candidates for the position of Epidemiologist 2 within the Fulton County Board of Health in the Epidemiology Services. 
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under general supervision, plans develop and conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions limited in scope and/or complexity to determine the causes of diseases and implement methods of disease control. Collects, analyzes, and interprets statistical data and prepares epidemiologic reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in public health or a closely related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field OR Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university AND Three years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field OR Two years of experience at the lower level Epidemiologist 1 (HCP180) or position equivalent.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Performance Aptitudes: 
 Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and/or theorize concerning data involving modification of existing policies, strategies, and/or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions. Requires the ability to do so within the context of existing organizational theories and management principles.
 Human Interaction: Requires the ability to function in a managerial capacity for a division or organizational unit; includes the ability to make decisions on procedural and technical levels.
 Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment and machinery, requiring the monitoring, adjustment, regulation, and/or setting of multiple conditions.
 Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory, and/or design data and information.
 Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform moderately complex algebraic and geometric operations; ability to utilize principles of basic probability and statistical inference.
 Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions; deal with concrete and abstract variables; and analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units.
 Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in critical and/or unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.

To apply click here!

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Category : PROspective

In my freshman year of undergrad I pulled an all-nighter every single week. Sleep, I had decided, was at the bottom of my list of priorities. My idea of studying involved me sitting in front of my computer for hours on end while I scrolled through social media pages and occasionally skimmed notes. As you can imagine, I “studied” all the time. It was common for me to even miss meals to spend more time in the library. Since starting graduate school, however, if there’s an event or task that requires me to get less than 7 hours or sleep I know that it’s just not happening. My life hasn’t gotten any less busy in grad school, I’ve just gotten better at maximizing the time I do have and prioritizing the important things in my life. Like sleeping and eating. So how did I go from the poster child of procrastination to a graduate student who still manages to sleep, work, and socialize?

Due Today? Do today

I know we all joke about our procrastination habits, but I’ve actually learned how to take advantage of mine. I used to have the mindset that I should focus on one thing at a time, starting with whatever was due soonest. While that may be a good strategy for some people, that’s just not how my mind works. Now I often switch between assignments while I’m studying, making it less likely for me to get bored with any one project and ultimately give up for the day. I have also learned NOT to prioritize what is due the soonest. This seems counterintuitive, but it prevents me from wasting time on what may be objectively less important assignments. In the past, if given two days to finish a 1-hour long lab, there’s a good chance I would have taken those entire two days, wasting time on social media while I pretend to work or spending too much time perfecting my answers. I’ve instead learned to take advantage of the time that I’m actually feeling productive to work on less pressing, but more tedious tasks, such as writing longer papers. 

Know Yourself

Taking advantage of the times when you’re feeling productive is also important for being more efficient. Do you tend to get more work done in the morning? Schedule your days so that you can do your studying or working then. Take a few days to observe yourself before you come to any conclusions. I used to think, because I’m a night owl, that sleeping in and working later was the best schedule for me. I started to realize, however, that even though I like staying up late, I became less productive after 5 or 6 PM. The rare days I would wake up early, were the days I got the most done. If you had told me a year ago that waking up before 8 AM would become routine for me, I probably would have laughed. But thanks to this schedule change, I actually have time to relax in the evenings.

It’s also useful to keep in mind that what study or work habits work for some people might not work for you. Maybe listening to music helps your roommate focus, but you always have to stop and sing the lyrics. When beginning grad school last year I heard of the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for say 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. I decided to try it and see if it increased my productivity. Quickly I noticed that getting myself to start a task is often the hardest part for me, so I tended to take much longer than 5 minutes during breaks. Now I’ve learned that if I’m on a roll with an assignment, I should keep going and instead take a longer break later on when I need it. Maybe you’re like me, or maybe you’re a Pomodoro evangelist – only you know what works best for you. 

Your time is a finite resource

One of the best ways to be efficient is to simply not attempt a task that you know you don’t have time for. This seems obvious, but it’s one of the hardest tips to follow. In my freshman year of college I remember having a breakdown thinking of all the assignments I would somehow have to finish in a single week, realizing I didn’t have time for all of it. Then suddenly, I realized how much more time I would have if I sacrificed even one night of sleep per week. Sleep became optional to me, and so the all-nighters began. Now, sleep is a given. If I don’t have time to complete every task in a day without sacrificing sleep, then I have no choice but to accept the reality that I simply will not accomplish everything. As a result, having his mindset has forced me to be more efficient with the time I do have, because I understand that it is limited. Your time is a finite resource, and understanding its boundaries will help you frame your mindset appropriately.

 

Ultimately, becoming more productive is a matter of doing what works for you. Following habits that go against your nature will only waste your time and energy. Most importantly though, don’t forget to make time to rest, because no one is productive when they’re burnt out.

 

Featured Image by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

ORISE Policy Analysis Fellowship

Category : Alumni

A fellowship opportunity is available within the Office of Policy, Planning and Partnerships of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

The primary mission for NCEH/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is to protect people’s health from environmental hazards that can be present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the world that sustains us. The Center accomplishes this by investigating the relationship between environmental factors and health, developing guidance, and building partnerships to support healthy decision making.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained and gain experience by:

  • Developing and implementing an annual strategic communication plans in coordination with the Office of the Director, Office of Policy, Planning and Partnerships and Office of Communications
  • Drafting, analyzing, and reviewing internal and public facing materials for NCEH/ATSDR programs, partners, and stakeholders, including website updates, fact sheets, infographics, and newsletters
  • Reviewing and creating materials to communicate findings from scientific research and activities
  • Collaborating with scientists and subject matter experts to identify research products for communication materials
  • Collaborating with key staff on NCEH/ATSDR content and product development
  • Evaluating reports, materials and products created by grantees, NCEH/ATSDR staff, and partners and making recommendations for improvement including identifying additional activities, materials, and products to help facilitate meeting overall program goals
  • Translating scientific materials into a visual format for varied audiences
  • Reviewing program reports and materials to develop annual success stories in written and visual formats (infographic, fact sheet, executive summaries, etc.)
  • Collaborating to create templates based on grantee, NCEH/ATSDR staff, and partner needs
  • Participating in external group meetings and supporting group members’ reporting and communication tasks
  • Participating in various NCEH/ATSDR research activities

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2021 (start date is flexible)

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications:

The qualified candidate should have received a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the end of August 2021. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills 
  • Experience with developing communications materials
  • Ability to conceptualize complex problems and identify possible approaches or solutions and translate into a visual format for presentations and other related materials
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Knowledge of Adobe InDesign
 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Degree: Master’s Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design 
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences 

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE [dot] CDC [dot] NCEH [at] orau [dot] org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline:
8/30/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
 
To apply click here!

TA Position, HLTH 230

Category : Student Opportunities

I am seeking a new teaching assistant for my Health & Humanities class, which is a required course for all Human Health majors in the Center for the Study of Human Health.  This class will be taught once per week (Wed 11:30-12:45) in person in White Hall.  Responsibilities for the position include: (1) grading three quiz-style exams, along with a short mid-semester essay for approximately 40 students, (2) maintaining all grades on Canvas, (3) holding periodic office hours before major assignments.  First-time TAs will also need to keep up with the readings and ideally attend most of our class sessions.  Class attendance becomes much more flexible in future appointments.  Email expressions of interest to chriseagle [at] emory [dot] edu with a brief summary of your background and research interests in Health along with your resume/CV.    

HLTH 230 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class explores the role of the Humanities (mainly Literature and Philosophy) in broadening our perspectives on health, illness, and embodiment.  We will examine how literary narratives and metaphor can shape our lived experience of health and illness.  We will also study various philosophical accounts of embodiment, along with recent Humanistic critiques of the expanding medicalization of human experience. 

GH 521 TA

Category : Student Opportunities

Do you have experience as a program or project manager?  If so, please consider this call for Teaching Assistants for GH 521, Global Health Program Management, for the fall semester 2021.  The course is designed for 2nd year students in the Community Health and Development (CHD) concentration in the Hubert Department of Global Health.   

Qualifications

  • 2nd year or accelerated MPH student
  • >= 2 years experience in project or program management with preference given to those with experience in NGO or public sector organizations in LMICs
  • Knowledge of at least one aspect of program management including financial management, human resource management, supply chain/logistics management, marketing.

If interested please send your resume/cv to Dr. Deborah McFarland, dmcfarl [at] emory [dot] edu by August 16, 2021.  Thank you.

Part-time Communications Intern, The Task Force for Global Health

Category : Student Opportunities

The Task Force for Global Health’s TEPHINET program is hiring a part-time (20 hours per week) Communications Intern for the fall 2021 semester (September through December).
 
We are seeking creative, detail-oriented, self-motivated students with experience supporting organizational communications, marketing, and events, as well as an interest in public health.
 
Prospective applicants can view the job posting and apply via Emory Careers at this link.
 
Interested candidates should apply by Monday, August 16. They may reach out to Tina Rezvani with questions at trezvani [at] taskforce [dot] org.

Director of Global Research Operations, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Category : Alumni

The Department of Epidemiology, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, studies the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in humans, a fundamental science of public health. In addition to pursuing ground-breaking global research initiatives, we educate and prepare future medical leaders and practitioners as part of our mission to ignite positive changes in the quality of health across the world.

The HaSET (“happiness” in Amharic) Maternal and Child Health Research Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital invites applications for a Director of Global Research Operations to lead Dr. Grace Chan’s global maternal and child health research program. Dr. Chan’s current program, HaSET works closely with partners in Ethiopia and Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health to generate evidence to improve maternal and child health programs and policies. The program’s success recently secured additional funding to expand research operations for several nested studies. See https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/haset/ for more information.

The Director of Global Research Operations will provide full-time research and administrative management for a team of over 150 staff spanning four institutions in the US and Ethiopia: the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston Children’s Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The Director will be responsible for overseeing all of HaSET’s global operations by working closely with Dr. Grace Chan on strategic planning for HaSET; leading the program expansion with additional studies; and overseeing core organizational elements including research operations, financial planning, human resources management, research administration and compliance, and resource management. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Research Program Operations:

  • Manage the portfolio of a large  maternal and child health research program in Ethiopia with multiple funding streams and subsidies
  • Strategically plan and develop current and new research studies and initiatives
  • Work directly with Country PIs, HaSET Country Director, and research team to develop, implement, and manage HaSET’s operational infrastructure, coordinated and harmonized across four institutions, research offices, and field site
  • Oversee the allocation of staff, funds, and resources to new initiatives based on need
  • Oversee implementation of study protocols, develop and execute project work plans, protocols, and objectives, analyzing and tracking progress to meet quality targets and deadlines
  • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new research projects, create administrative policies and procedures tailored to new studies to ensure programmatic success
  • Create workflows, assign roles and responsibilities to staff, and ensure all necessary resources are allocated to ensure operational success
  • Identify obstacles and challenges to operational success, propose solutions, and implement problem-solving actions as needed
  • Develop and manage complex relationships with international subcontractors, stakeholders, and partner academic institutions and government entities
  • Serve as the primary contact for the PI at an executive level, including financials management, compliance, legal, human resources, and shipments internally and at partnering institutions, etc.
  • Oversee administrative activities of projects, including file system organization, procurement, reimbursements, inventory management, communications, meeting management, and travel arrangements
  • Oversee program communication efforts to develop and produce all program materials including HR recruitment, program websites, and newsletters
  • Lead HaSET weekly leadership and management calls

Research Administration:

  • Ensure all regulatory compliance is up to date and research protocols are strictly followed
  • Oversee IRB applications, track submissions and modifications, and ensure research is conducted following ethical standards
  • Coordinate overall grant related administrative work. Direct grant proposal processes, prepare and draft research proposals, develop administrative and financial components of the application, draft progress reports, present scientific reports to external stakeholders, and facilitate progress meetings
  • Research and identify grants and other external funding opportunities
  • Strategize, develop, and implement key management policies and operating practices, including Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), subcontracts, material transfer agreements, and data access agreements

Duties and responsibilities will be continued in the “Additional Information” section. 

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of 2 years from date of hire, with the possibility of extension. Travel of up to 40% will be required once the University’s normal operations resume.

PLEASE NOTE: A writing sample and a case study exercise will be requested of shortlisted candidates.

PLEASE NOTE: The primary work location for this position is Boston, Massachusetts. Until our return to campus, which is still to-be-determined but anticipated to begin as soon as August/September 2021 (or later into the fall), this interview process and position will be conducted virtually – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and remote work. The remote nature of this position is only temporary. Local, on-campus work will be required as a condition of continued employment once the School and this role return to an operational status that supports it.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • 7+ years of related experience required
  • Prior supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

  • Master’s Degree (MPH or equivalent)
  • Experience working with research in Africa 
  • Experience working in an academic, global health, and/or research environment
  • Experience working in low and middle income countries (LMICs), specifically 2+ years of long-term field experience in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is a plus
  • Experience working with maternal and child health observational research
  • Advanced knowledge of financial and operational regulations concerning sponsored and international research
  • Experience with both Google Suite and Microsoft office products
  • Experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) management
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including cross-cultural communication
  • Excellent problem-solving, supervisory, and organizational skills
  • Handles and prioritizes multiple program activities and balance conflicting priorities
  • Capacity to handle confidential information discretely and appropriately
  • Maintain the highest degree of professionalism and diplomacy at all times with diverse constituents across institutions and countries

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

  • Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
  • Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
  • Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Additional Information

Duties and Responsibilities continued: 

Financial Management: 

  • Lead financial operations for the PI’s global research portfolio, including developing complex annual budgets, conducting specialized financial analysis and modeling in partnership with Grants Managers, leading monthly calls with Grants Managers, and ensuring compliance with funding terms and conditions as well as institution policies
  • Monitor budgets and spending across four institutions; identify, analyze, and resolve complex discrepancies; and revise budget and spending plans as appropriate
  • Manage international subrecipients, including subaward development, amendments, monitoring, and payment processes
  • Identify obstacles and challenges to resource management and propose solutions as needed
  • Negotiate with vendors and facilitate contracts and subawards on behalf of projects

Personnel Management:

  • Responsible for effective staff management, including recruitment and onboarding; training and development; workflow and performance management; and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
  • Supervise and build the operational capacity of a diverse team of over 150 staff (program managers, coordinators, supervisors, research assistants, data collectors, administrative staff, and trainees) in Boston and Ethiopia, provide staff mentoring and training
  • Directly supervise up to four full-time employees and indirectly manage up to four reports in Ethiopia. Provide management support to other managers on the team
  • Perform other duties as assigned

To learn more and apply click here!

Certificate Program in Climate and Health

Category : Student Opportunities

The Certificate in Climate and Health is designed to prepare students to make strong contributions to climate change research, policy, and/or practice. Through coursework and an Integrative Learning Experience (thesis or capstone), students will develop the skills and expertise to be competitive for challenging climate-related careers and/or to pursue a doctoral degree in the field. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue a climate-related Applied Practical Experience (practicum).

This is a self-guided certificate program available to degree seeking masters students in the Rollins School of Public Health. Students are encouraged to talk with their academic advisor about the feasibility of fitting the certificate requirements into their program.

Course Requirements

  • Two cornerstone courses -EH/GH 582: Global Climate Change: Health Impacts and Response; EH 586: Advanced Seminar in Climate Change and Health
  • Two climate-related elective courses (4 credits)

Thesis and Capstone Requirements

  • Thesis and Capstone Requirements: Students must complete a climate-related thesis or capstone.

Applied Practice Experience

  • Climate-related Applied Practice Experience is strongly encouraged but not required.

Eligibility

  • Degree-seeking 1st and 2nd year masters students at RSPH

Learn more here!

Complete this form to tell us you’re interested.

Questions? Contact Ariadne Swichtenberg: ariadne [dot] s [at] emory [dot] edu

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My MPH

Category : PROspective

By Tony Mufarreh, Class of 2021 RSGA Epidemiology Representative

As the class of 2023 arrives on campus for the first time, there are a few principles you should be living by to help maximize your experince in grad school. Graduate school is unlike any other kind of education. It’s difficult, eye opening, and most likely directly related to your desired career path. For me, it opened doors I didn’t even know existed and gave me a more complete understanding of the field of health. That being said, grad school requires a unique set of skills in order to be successful. As a recent graduate of the Rollins School of Public Health, these are the pieces of advice I wish I had on day one at Rollins.

1. Don’t compare

One thing that I was unprepared to encounter, but which became one of my favorite aspects of grad school, is that people come from all walks of life. Some, like me, were fresh out of an undergraduate program, some worked for a year in a related field, and others have had entire careers under their belts.

Each student is therefore here for a unique reason. For me, I wanted a larger breadth and understanding of the field of public health to integrate as a future healthcare provider, therefore I structured my schedule with a variety of topical courses such as nutritional and obesity epidemiology. Others may spend their time deep in practical learning experiences, working year-round with a local public health agency to advance their careers. Others still are looking towards advanced degrees such as PhD or DrPH, so they find themselves in focused methodology courses.

We are all at a different stage in our careers and headed different directions, so it is nearly impossible and, more importantly, unproductive to compare one student’s journey to another. Something I wish I had been told from day one is to focus on your goals, spend your time where you deem fit, and you will be successful in your area. Learning this lesson early made a world of difference in my experience at Rollins.

2. Network(ish)

Networking has a few different connotations, but it is most often focused on ones professional presentation and a set of calculated strategies to build complex webs of colleagues. However, the reality is that ‘networking’ is not that different from making casual friends. 

We’ve all probably heard how important networking is to finding a decent job or breaking into your field of interest. Starting graduate school, I was nervous about how to go about this. Something I didn’t realize is that networking isn’t that different from building any other relationship, and a friendship with a classmate can be just as valuable as a connection at a job. Your classmates can easily become co-authors on a research paper, partners on social justice and public health initiatives, or even just colleagues in the workforce. Many of my fellow graduates now work in the same divisions at companies — I’ve even collaborated with other students on my Applied Practice Experience (APE).

This also applies to professors and faculty. It won’t be long until you are working side-by-side in the real world, so it’s in your best interest to get to know them! Some of my favorite interactions with faculty were one-on-ones in their office (or virtually) chatting about their projects, their career paths, and even my aspirations in life.

The advice I would give to incoming first years who might be a little intimidated by networking at first is to treat networking as a synonym for making friends. Do this and you will find your network expanding exponentially with meaningful relationships. 

3. Not your “thing”? Do it anyway

The umbrella of public health covers a plethora of fields: epidemiology, behavioral sciences, health policy, and environmental health just to name a few. It’s common for people to have their niche field or interest even before starting school. For example, chronic disease was my forte and the beginning of the program, and at that time, I was uninterested in exploring other fields.

As it turns out, this was a limiting attitude. The universe works in strange ways and often the best opportunities come your way when you least expect them. Infectious disease was definitely not my first choice, but when the COVID-19 pandemic first struck in the middle of my second semester, all hands were called to assist in testing sites, research, and attacking misinformation. Mixing my interest with chronic disease, I found myself on a research study regarding Long-COVID and its risks — and this eventually became my practicum experience.

Going into graduate school, one of the best tips I can give you is to keep an open mind when it comes to work opportunities. They may not come from traditional means or even your initial field of interest but may open more doors for you that you never even knew existed.

4. Keep everything

Information you learn in graduate school is different than anything you’ve previously studied. The difficulty may be slightly higher, but its relevance to your career is, too.

For this reason, I highly suggest you keep (and organize!) everything. Your lecture notes, handouts, homework assignments, textbooks, recommended readings — basically anything you receive in a course or lunch seminar, you should maintain a copy of. Right before we graduated, our cohort created a shared drive of notes and key documents from our core courses, and some continue to reference these in their new jobs. Personally, I use these for various summer projects for easy review!

While it may feel early to be preparing for your eventual career in public health, thinking about these things now will save you later. Everything you learn fom day one on is going to be relevant. Keep everything you can to reference in the future; you never know when you’re going to need to review biostatistics 101 (and you will, trust me).

 

Those are my 4 tips for being successful at Rollins: Don’t compare, Network(ish), Not your thing? Do it anyway, and Keep everything. Grad school is an amazing experience, full of intellectually challenging coursework, relevant work opportunities, and friendships that will last a lifetime. You will learn so much while you’re here and look back on your time as, for most of you, the beginning of the rest of your life.

Best of luck, if you want to network (i.e. make friends), you can reach me at mufant15 [at] gmail [dot] com.

 

Anthony (Tony) Mufarreh, MPH (EPI 2021) is currently a first year MD student at Central Michigan School of Medicine. During his time at Rollins, Tony served as Rollins Student Government Association (RSGA) Epidemiology Representative.

 

Featured Image by Braden Collum on Unsplash

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Epidemiology Department Rollins School of Public Health