Category Archives: PROspective

Election Reminders!

Category : PROspective

As you all have (hopefully) heard a million times by now, tomorrow (November 5th) is election day! RSPH classes will not be meeting synchronously, and those who have not yet voted are encouraged to use the day to submit their vote. Polls will be open from 7am-7pm on Tuesday, November 5th.

Here are a few reminders about the importance of civic engagement from Tereza Lewis from the Emory Votes Initiative (a nonpartisan initiative that fosters a civically engaged campus by providing voter information, increasing voter turnout, and empowering our community with credible political resources):

Why is it important for Emory students to register and vote in this upcoming election?

Tereza: Elections and voting are an essential component of a healthy democracy. While it’s not perfect, it certainly provides an important temperature check on what the status of our society is. We can currently see that if voting didn’t matter, there wouldn’t be attempts to stop it or challenge it. Moreover, we don’t only elect candidates but important measures and policies which can have a direct impact on our communities. 

Where can students find more information about the candidates on the ballot to make an informed voting decision?

Tereza: There are endless possibilities for how to find more information on the candidates and measures. The most important step is to know what’s on your ballot. You can find the information on the my voter page closer to the voting period or look up a general version on Ballotpedia.

On candidates and measures, one can use guides.vote, Vote 411, Ballot Ready, USA Gov, and many more.

On candidates, I personally tend to look up information on their campaign websites.

On measures, one can look at the NCSL Ballot Measures Database

For more information, please visit the Emory Votes Initiative webpage or visit the Rollins Election Day Initiative on social media (@emoryredi on X and @emory.redi on Instagram).


LinkedIn for Epidemiologists

Category : PROspective

At some point since starting at Rollins, you have probably heard a faculty member, guest speaker, or classmate mention their LinkedIn profile. Some of you may be longtime LinkedIn users and others may be considering joining the platform for the first time. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, you may be wondering how you can make use of the resources that LinkedIn offers to its users. Here are some dos and don’ts for navigating LinkedIn as an epidemiologist:

DO:

  1. Follow Rollins School of Public Health! The RSPH page routinely posts about upcoming opportunities and articles that can help stay up to date on new research and happenings in the world of public health. You can also use the “Alumni” tab on the page to browse classmates and graduates that have added Rollins to their own profile.
  2. Use LinkedIn to keep up with other public health organizations. Many organizations of interest such as the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the American Cancer Society use LinkedIn to post job opportunities and updates to their programs. By navigating to the “People” tab on an organizations page, you can also browse current/former employees. If you see someone who is doing work that you are interested in, you can connect with or follow them to stay up to date on their research.
  3. Keep up with your classmates. Consider connecting with folks you meet in your classes here at Rollins. The world of public health is small, and you may find that LinkedIn can help you get back in touch with a classmate who is doing work you are interested in after graduation. This can make networking easier!
  4. Update your profile/make posts as you accomplish new things. LinkedIn allows you to showcase almost everything that you are doing at Rollins, from REAL jobs to student organizations to certifications you have obtained. By keeping your profile up to date, you put your best foot forward in the event that a potential employer views your profile. If you already have a resume, you can likely reuse that material to update your LinkedIn.
  5. Browse the “Jobs” tab on your LinkedIn homepage. Based on the experiences you have listed on your profile, LinkedIn may recommend jobs that seem aligned with your skills. This can be a good jumping-off point for a job search. While this can definitely be a good resource, be sure to check the website of the job posting before applying, as LinkedIn job postings may be created automatically and can sometimes leave out important job details or requirements that are featured on the employer’s website. 

DON’T:

  1. Don’t use LinkedIn as your only resource during a job hunt. When searching for a job, you do not want to close yourself off to any potential opportunities. Some employers do not use LinkedIn, so be sure to explore beyond one website. Like I said above, LinkedIn can be a good starting point during a job search, but it is important to use all of your resources, such as 12Twenty (or the Confounder!). 
  2. Don’t share information you do not feel comfortable having available publicly. While I have included keeping your profile updated in the “Do” section, it is important to remember that it is never required to post something on LinkedIn that you do not want to. Using LinkedIn is entirely optional, and some folks may choose not use it at all. Remember that there are always other ways to network and it is totally fine to say no to posting on/using LinkedIn.
  3. Don’t spend too much time on LinkedIn if it is impacting your mental health! While it can be a great resource for networking, it can also be draining to be constantly comparing yourself to the successes that your colleagues have posted about on LinkedIn. Studies have even found that using LinkedIn can be associated with feelings of impostor syndrome. At the end of the day, everyone’s career moves at a different pace and people only typically post about their successes. It is important to avoid comparing yourself to the deliberately curated profiles that are posted to LinkedIn. If you notice your mental health being impacted by LinkedIn, take some time away from the platform. Remember that it is not the only way to network or find jobs and that your mental health comes first!

8 Books Every Epidemiologist Should Read

Category : PROspective

As we make our way through the heart of midterms, you may be looking for something new to do to de-stress. Luckily, a former Rollins student curated the perfect list of must-read books for every epidemiologist, which you can find here. This collection offers a diverse array of titles that seamlessly blend knowledge and storytelling. Get ready to expand your intellectual horizons with our recommended reads! 



Last Valentine’s day my friends and I arranged a book exchange party similar to your typical white elephant Christmas game. I was expecting (okay, hoping) to have a plethora of fantasy, romance, or mystery novels to choose from, but was surprised when the overwhelming majority of books were nonfiction. Leave it to public health students to turn a romantic holiday into an educational opportunity. Reading the synopses off the back covers of these books, however, made me realize that there were plenty of intriguing stories from the world of public health to choose from, and my education on many of these topics was severely lacking. This led me to investigate epidemiology-related book options besides the requisite The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

I’ll be honest, I rarely do the readings for any of my classes. While I’ve been known to spend an embarrassing amount of time in the YA section of bookstores, I don’t often buy our course textbooks. If you’re like me and prefer a book with a plot than an educational motive, then maybe one of these books will be a good entrance into the world of educational readings. Here’s a list of 8 books to start with as an epidemiologist:

  1. Spillover by David Quammen- If you’re interested in infectious or zoonotic diseases this is the book for you. The book’s author, David Quammen, investigates the causes and impact of spillover, the phenomenon in which a new pathogen is passed to humans from wildlife. He tracks the origins of diseases like ebola or avian flu while following scientists around the globe through remote jungle and high security labs.
  2. The Ghost Map by Steven Berlin Johnson- Read about the father of field epidemiology, John Snow, in this work which tells the story of the 1854 Broad Street cholera outbreak. If you want to learn more about the most intense cholera outbreak in Victorian London and understand the role community played in the evolution of epidemiology, pick up a copy of this book asap.
  3. The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS by Elizabeth Pisani- If you’re looking for a witty take on a serious topic, read this. Pisani details her life as an AIDS epidemiologist and her plight for funding of HIV prevention programs among the most vulnerable communities.
  4. Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington- This book explores the dark history of the exploitation of black Americans by medical physicians and researchers. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of America’s racial health disparities and medical mistrust, Washington tells the stories of black Americans from the era of slavery to the present day in her book, calling out the injustices of America’s medical establishment.
  5. House on Fire by Joseph Finder- If you’re still looking for a fiction novel then this thriller/crime mystery book may satisfy you. This story follows protagonist Nick Heller after he discovers his old friend has died of an opioid overdose. As he works to uncover a pharmaceutical company’s dark secrets in his attempt to hold someone accountable for his friend’s death, he becomes embroiled in a larger conspiracy than he’s bargained for.
  6. Inside the Outbreaks by Mark Pendergast- For future Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) hopefuls this book is a great read. Readers will be taken through the history of the EIS and follow EIS officers around the world in their efforts to eliminate lethal threats to public health, from smallpox to gun violence.
  7. Beating Back the Devil by Maryn Mckenna- Another book following the drama of life in the EIS, this book examines the complexities of a different officer’s work in every chapter. Following the first class of officers to enter the EIS after September 11, Mckenna also details the experience of considering bioterrorism for the first time.
  8. The Next Pandemic by Ali S. Khan- In a chillingly accurate prediction of the current pandemic, this book is a lesson on how to keep ourselves safe from inevitable future pandemics as it narrates disasters like anthrax and Ebola and the ways they may have been prevented. Dr. Khan gives us insight into the human mistakes which led to these emergencies in his firsthand account of life as public health first responder.

Hopefully one of these books piques your interest, and gives you something a little more relaxing to do this winter break than working on your thesis or scouring 12Twenty for jobs and APE opportunities. If finals has you down, what better way to find motivation for next semester than a set of books reminding you why you’re needed in epidemiology?

Featured Image by Ergita Sela on Unsplash

This post was originally published on December 12, 2021 by Alex Whicker. 

 


Election Information: the Inside Scoop from Emory Votes Initiative

Category : PROspective

As this years election is fast approaching, many of us have questions about navigating the voting process. With misinformation running rampant on social media and what seems like a countless number of registration deadlines to remember, voting can quickly become overwhelming. This past week, I was able to connect with Tereza Lewis from the Emory Votes Initiative (a nonpartisan initiative that fosters a civically engaged campus by providing voter information, increasing voter turnout, and empowering our community with credible political resources) in search of some clarity about what we as voters need to be thinking about as we aim to fulfill our civic duty as voters. Keep reading for her responses to some of the most pressing election related questions!

Why is it important for Emory students to register and vote in this upcoming election?

Tereza: Elections and voting are an essential component of a healthy democracy. While it’s not perfect, it certainly provides an important temperature check on what the status of our society is. We can currently see that if voting didn’t matter, there wouldn’t be attempts to stop it or challenge it. Moreover, we don’t only elect candidates but important measures and policies which can have a direct impact on our communities. 

What are some important dates/deadlines to keep in mind as the election approaches?

Tereza: The first one approaching is registration deadline on October 7! As it takes several weeks in GA to get one’s registration on the voters list, I advise everybody who have not registered yet and plan to vote in GA, to do so ASAP. 

Tereza also provided me a flyer with a full list of important dates, summarized here:

  • Mon. Aug 19 – First day to request an absentee ballot
  • Mon. Oct 7 – Deadline for voter registration/change of address
  • Tue. Oct 15 – Early voting begins
  • Fri. Oct 25 – Last day to request an absentee ballot
  • Fri. Nov 1 – Early voting ends
  • Tue. Nov 5 – Election Day! Polls open 7am-7pm (no RSPH classes meeting synchronously)

**Please note that the above dates/deadlines apply to voters in Georgia, and students voting in another state should confirm with local government to ensure all deadlines are met, as they may vary.**

Where can students find more information about the candidates on the ballot to make an informed voting decision?

Tereza: There are endless possibilities for how to find more information on the candidates and measures. The most important step is to know what’s on your ballot. You can find the information on the my voter page closer to the voting period or look up a general version on Ballotpedia.

On candidates and measures, one can use guides.vote, Vote 411, Ballot Ready, USA Gov, and many more.

On candidates, I personally tend to look up information on their campaign websites.

On measures, one can look at the NCSL Ballot Measures Database

How can Georgia residents register to vote?

Tereza: For GA residents, the process is easier as they can register online. After they register, they can check their voter status.

How can students with out-of-state residency register to vote?

Tereza: Out-of-state students need to physically fill out a voter registration form that they can print out or pick up from Woodruff Library or Center for Civic And Community Engagement office.

Steps: 

1) Fill it out. Print clearly! Write your name in #1 and your GA address in #2:

  • Clifton campus: 1762 Clifton Rd. Ste 1650, MSC ###, Atlanta, GA 30322. Your county is DeKalb.
  • Clairmont campus: 1946 Starvine Way, MSC ###, Decatur, GA 30033. Your county is DeKalb.

Your MSC number is found on your MyHousing portal. If you live off-campus, provide your street address and county. Include your birthdate (#4) and last 4 digits of your SSN (#5). For #6, read the text carefully. Then (if applicable) check the boxes, date and sign with ink.

2) Include a copy of your ID. This can be a U.S. passport or driver’s license/ID from any state. If you live off-campus, it’s also a good idea to include proof of GA residence: utility bill, bank statement, paystub, etc.

3) How to submit your application:

  • Scan your completed form and ID (both sides) into a PDF. Email to voterreg [at] dekalbcountyga [dot] gov. If you do not live on campus, make sure you know your county, it might be different from DeKalb County. If you live outside of DeKalb County, refer to your county elections website

After the registration is complete, one can look up their status here

**Note that the above steps apply to out of state students registering to vote in Georgia, and students voting in another state should confirm with local government to ensure all deadlines and steps are met, as they may vary.**

For more information, please visit the Emory Votes Initiative webpage or visit the Rollins Election Day Initiative on social media (@emoryredi on X and @emory.redi on Instagram).


A Survival Guide to Your First Semester at RSPH

Category : PROspective

This post was originally published in August 2023, and is being reposted for incoming students on August 26, 2024.

Welcome to the new semester! To help you prepare, dive into the following survival guide.

Written by Franchesca “Fran” Amor Aguilar and Dannelle “Dede” Charles

We, your former EPI student representatives (Fran & Dede), are excited to welcome both new and returning students to Rollins as you embark on your journey to obtaining an MPH/MSPH. Whether you’re just starting at RSPH or coming back for your second year, here are some tips that will help you come out of this semester triumphant, or at least like Destiny’s Child’s song, a survivor.

Stay on Track with all your Assignments. Now, we know what you’re thinking, “Of course, I’m keeping track of all of my assignments.”, With all the required core courses, you will be taking during your first semester, it is important that you have at least some methods to keep track on assignments and due dates. Here’s an example that one of your student reps created for the spring semester. You can also transfer this Excel sheet into your Outlook calendar to receive reminders when they are due. It’s not foolproof since due dates can change throughout the semester, but it is a start.

Don’t Be Afraid to ask Questions. Students come to Rollins with a range of experiences in public health. For some students, what is taught in your courses might be a refresher; for others, it is completely new. Regardless, the courses in our program are catered to every student; and your professors don’t expect you to know everything. Yes, it can be a bit nerve-racking to ask a question in a lecture hall filled with almost 200 people, but more than likely, another person is probably scared to ask the same question you have. There is no such thing as a stupid question, you’re only discouraging yourself. 

Collaborate with your Peers on Assignments. Most of your courses are designed for you to work with your peers, including your labs and homework assignments. Although working with your peers is highly advised, we condemn copying off your peer’s work because that is an honor code violation. Instead, we encourage you to take the time to complete the assignment individually and then review your answers with your peers. You can get clarity on areas you are still not understanding and/or reassure yourself about your answers.

Take Time to Practice Self-Care. Purchasing an iced matcha latte at Dancing Goats as a “little treat” does not count as self-care. We mean taking the time out of your day to do something for your mental and physical well-being. This includes exercising, meditating, journaling, etc. There are going to be times in your first semester when you find yourself overwhelmed with juggling the course load, work, and maintaining a social life, but finding that time for yourself, whether it be 10 minutes or an hour every day, will make a difference in how you navigate it all.

Extra Tips & Tricks

  • You can download your class schedule onto your Outlook and Apple calendar from OPUS! 
  • Check out all the different organizations at Rollins and at Emory University. As a graduate student, you have access to all buildings and events hosted by Emory!
  • Bring Tupperware to campus — there are so many events with FREE food, so take advantage!
  • Utilize all the resources available at Rollins. Don’t know where to find them? Start here!

Franchesca “Fran” Amor Aguilar

Updated August 2023

Fran is a second-year MPH Candidate in Epidemiology also in the Infectious Disease certificate. Fran is originally from Honolulu, Hawai’i, and her primary research interests are infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine epidemiology, outbreak response, and health inequities. Prior to attending Rollins, Fran attended Gettysburg College, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in East Asian Studies on the Chinese track. She is the co-president of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Association (APIDA), a member of the First-Gen at Rollins advisory board, a Rollins Student Ambassador, and is one of the RSGA Department of Epidemiology student representatives.

Dannelle “Dede” Charles

Updated August 2023

Dede is a second-year MPH Candidate in Epidemiology also in the Maternal and Child Health certificate. Dede is from Orlando, Florida, and her primary research interests are Black infant and maternal morbidity/mortality, maternal substance use, and Black & Indigenous/Latine reproductive health. Prior to attending Rollins, Dede attended the University of South Florida, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. She is one of the RSGA Department of Epidemiology student representatives.


A Retrospective for PROspective: 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting at RSPH

Category : PROspective

Hi, my name is Chisom and I am a second-year Global Epidemiology Student here at RSPH. To my incoming first-years: Welcome to the Family! The decision you made to enroll here at Rollins will certainly reward you in the future. 

As a second-year student, I don’t have to reach back too far in my memories to remember what it was like to be in your shoes. This time last year, I had all of the usual anxieties and butterflies regarding relocating to a new city, making new friends, and embarking on a new educational journey. I mean, we’ve all been there before; being a young college freshman walking onto campus for the first time. But something about starting graduate school just hit different. 

Now, while I admittedly still have a great deal to learn during my time here at Rollins, I’d like to think that I still have some knowledge that I can impart upon incoming first-years. Specifically, what I wish I knew prior to starting classes last fall. Here are the TOP 3 Things That I Wish I Knew Before Starting at RSPH: 

1. Read your emails, download Corq, and sign up for events as soon as you are able to. 

As an introvert, myself, I agonized over the idea of forcing myself to get out and socialize. However, we all know that at a new school, in a brand new city, it can be pretty isolating to stay in one’s comfort zone and keep to yourself. So I highly encourage you all to read the emails that come in from your department as well as downloading the Corq app in order to keep up with events that are happening throughout the week. There are so many clubs and organizations that put on mixers in order to bring like-minded folks together so take advantage! I met some of my closest friends here at Rollins through these events. Just make sure, and I can’t stress this enough, that you are proactive in registering for events, especially when there is an attendance limit. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to network and meet new people just because you procrastinated getting a ticket. I’ve been there, it stings a little. 

2. Keep an open mind about your research interests. 

I know everyone means well, but I sometimes worry that immediately asking what our research interests are so early in our public health career can inadvertently cause us to pigeonhole our potential. I think it is super important to use your time here at Rollins to, yes, delve deeper into the fields that intrigue you, but to also remain open to all that is out there. Public Health is such an incredibly broad field. There are disciplines out there that you don’t know that you don’t know about. I came in with an interest in infectious diseases transmission in youth populations. However, through my coursework, I became incredibly interested and passionate about correctional healthcare and infectious disease transmission among MSM (men who have sex with men) in these settings. I can honestly say this was not on my radar prior to starting at Rollins and now, I have a real passion for it. Get out there, keep an open mind, and be a sponge to new information; you never know what might stick! 

3. Send that email. 

Listen, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and lose 100% of the races you don’t run. Send. That. Email. The faculty at Rollins, in my humble opinion, are some of the most helpful and accessible guides out there. You have some of the leading voices in the field at your fingertips, so you better use those fingertips to start drafting up some emails. Ask them for access to journal articles, advice on your thesis, assistance with acquiring an APE, etc. Do not let the possibility of not getting a reply hinder you from reaching out. It will always be worth it in the end. 

Now, I know I provided 3 things that I wish I knew but I can assure you, there are many more. Please know that if you are ever curious, need any advice, or have any lingering questions during your time here, feel free to reach out to me. I am always down to help out a fellow eagle! 

This post was originally published in August 2022, and is being reposted on August 26, 2024.


Messaging matters: comments, criticisms, and suggestions in a professional setting

Category : PROspective

This post was originally published in September 2022.

A new academic year brings a host of new interactions – with classmates, instructors, mentors, and employers. Most often, these interactions go smoothly, but there are certainly times when there’s room for improvement. Learning to provide valuable feedback in a professional setting is an important skill to develop. Whether your feedback is anonymous or not, it’s important to remember that there is another human being on the receiving end. Begin by giving that person the benefit of the doubt, and assuming that they are acting with the best intentions. When you have the opportunity to provide feedback in writing (e.g., via email, through course evaluations, or a survey), consider waiting to hit send until you’ve had some time to reflect on what you’ve written – particularly if you drafted your message in a heated moment!

This week’s featured article provides some additional advice about how to provide valuable feedback in the workplace. Here are the highlights (click through for the specifics!)

  1. Focus on the issue
  2. Be sincere
  3. Avoid the sandwich method
  4. Be specific
  5. Allow a response
  6. Recommend a solution
  7. Provide a summary

I encourage you to reference these guidelines as you’re sharing your ideas for improvement. Taking these steps will help these interactions to go much more smoothly, and you’re also more likely to achieve the result you were hoping for.


6 Barbies for the Kid in Every Epidemiologist

Category : PROspective

The world has been buzzing this weekend with news about the new Barbie movie. You may have made plans to see the movie with your friends or family, weighed in on the Barbie/Oppenheimer debate (or participated in “Barbenheimer”?), or decided that it just isn’t for you. As epidemiologists, we understand the importance of raising awareness about public health work being done in the world, and in an exciting twist, Mattel has honored several women in public health with the creation of their own Barbie dolls. These women were all selected in 2021 as role models in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, and have been honored as real-life Barbies. While the original Barbie may not be the healthiest or most inclusive role model, these women’s work and impact is definitely something to celebrate.

1. Sarah Gilbert – Vaccinologist

As the Said Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, Sarah Gilbert has been at the forefront of vaccine development for various emerging pathogens, including influenza, Nipah, MERS, Lassa, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. However, her most groundbreaking work came in 2020 when she initiated the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine project. Collaborating with Oxford colleagues, she led the development of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against COVID-19, which has since been used worldwide.

2. Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz – Physician, Professor, and Healthcare Advocate

Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz is not only an Internal Medicine physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine but also a dedicated wellness advocate and health/lifestyle blogger. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a crucial role as a frontline worker in both hospital and clinic settings. Dr. Cruz is known for her use of telehealth to expand access to essential health services, especially among the Asian American community, for which she has been an ardent voice and advocate.

3. Amy O’Sullivan, ER Nurse

Amy O’Sullivan is a proud ER nurse with nearly three decades of experience, 19 of which were spent at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Her dedication to patient care and the community was particularly evident during the early months of the pandemic when New York City was severely affected. In recognition of her essential work on the frontlines, Amy was featured on the cover of Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

4. Dr. Chika Oriuwa – Psychiatry Resident and Mental Health Advocate

Dr. Chika Oriuwa, a Resident in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, is passionate about advocating for children’s mental health and addressing racial disparities in healthcare. As the only black person in her medical school class and the first black woman chosen as sole valedictorian, she actively promotes diversity in medicine and medical education reform. Dr. Oriuwa is not only a dedicated medical professional but also a spoken word poet, writer, and public speaker, using her platforms to raise awareness about mental health and combat misinformation.

5. Dr. Jaqueline Goes – Pathologist and COVID-19 Researcher

Dr. Jaqueline Goes is a Brazilian scientist, professor, and researcher with expertise in biotechnology and pathology. She gained widespread recognition for leading the genetic sequencing of the coronavirus in Brazil during the early stages of the pandemic. Being a young black woman from humble origins, Dr. Goes has remained dedicated to promoting trust in science, combating misinformation related to COVID-19, and encouraging vaccine uptake.

6. Dr. Kirby White, General Practitioner and PPE Advocate

Dr. Kirby White is a Specialist General Practitioner based in rural Australia. She co-founded “Gowns for Doctors,” an initiative that provided protective gowns to front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to ensuring proper PPE supplies for healthcare professionals garnered her the title of 2021 Victorian Australian of the Year – Local Hero. Dr. White’s commitment to rural healthcare and her efforts in medical research have made her a vital figure in her local community.


As epidemiologists, we can draw inspiration from these real-life Barbies who have exemplified dedication, resilience, and innovation in their fields. Their work in vaccine development, healthcare advocacy, mental health, and public health education during the pandemic has had a profound impact on communities worldwide. You can learn more about each of these important women here.


The Art of Negotiation

Category : PROspective

Whether you’re looking for a paid APE or are applying for jobs after graduation, knowing how to negotiate pay and benefits is a skill we all need. It’s important for us to know our worth and have the confidence to ask for it. But putting yourself in a position to be rejected can feel risky, especially if you have no safety net. If this is your first time dealing with negotiations it can be intimidating. Here are some tips that may help you navigate this tricky business:

  1. Research salary trends in your field. Knowing how much other people are getting paid for your experience can give you something to compare your offer to.
  2. Know who you’re negotiating with. Someone from HR might better know the constraints of what they’re able to offer you. our future boss might be more willing to go to bat for your requests because they’ll be most directly affected by hiring you.
  3. Give them a reason to offer more. If you have certain skills which you believe makes you a more competitive candidate, don’t be shy about them. Lay out exactly why you’re worth what you’re asking.
  4. Be likable. This should go without saying, but if the people hiring you like you, they’ll be more likely to fight for you. It can be difficult to remain likable while you’re negotiating, which is why it’s important to be careful about the way you communicate. Always be polite and respectful, no matter who you’re dealing with.
  5. It’s not all about money. In some cases, a job can’t offer you the amount you’re requesting. But that doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. There are other aspects of the job that might make it worth it to you. If you can’t negotiate higher pay, maybe you can ask for other benefits such as more vacation days, hours, different responsibilities, or other perks. Don’t forget to find out about opportunities for growth and promotions. Just because they can’t offer more money now, doesn’t mean there won’t be that opportunity down the line.

While it can be stressful to enter negotiations with a potential employer, remember that the worst they can say to you is no! Turning down a request for more money, more vacation days, or a hybrid work style doesn’t mean they don’t still want you. It’s up to you to decide how important your requests are. We may not all have the luxury of waiting for our “dream job,” but if you feel strongly about what you’re not getting, it’s okay to turn the offer down. More likely than not, you’re going to be the only one advocating for yourself, don’t be afraid to go after what you want! If you’re having trouble figuring out how to approach this situation, remember you can always reach out to the Office of Career Development for advice, as a current student or alumni.

Featured Image by Benjamin Child on Unsplash


Don’t Go It Alone

Category : PROspective

Looking both outside (budding flowers and rain showers) and at my inbox (thesis analysis challenges and graduation reminders), it’s clear that spring is here! It’s the time of semester when classes, capstones, and theses are all starting to wrap-up. While the dates on the calendar are clear, the path to the finish line might remain a little blurry.

As you approach the final stretch of Spring 2023, I encourage you to take some time to check-in with your classmates and lean on each other. Everyone has their own struggles, and it can often be helpful to share them with someone going through a similar journey. Here’s a quote from the PROspective archives that I hope will help you in this final stretch:

Don’t compare your “behind the scenes” to everyone else’s “highlight reel”. I don’t remember where I first heard this phrase, but it really resonates with me. Until we all get comfortable sharing our setbacks, we have to realize that we mostly only see the very best of what happens to those around us. Remember that you only have a sneak peek into someone else’s life, and you are likely unaware of many of the setbacks that they face.

You are studying alongside outstanding students who have and will continue to change public health for years to come – and you belong here. It can be easy to compare your progress to someone else’s and feel like you’re falling short of where you “should” be. By checking in with each other, you can help break the habit of making biased comparisons to your colleagues.

While your challenges may be different, you may be able to provide insight that can only come from someone who is not so intimately wrapped up in the details of a particular project. Maybe what you need is someone to help you find that one spot in the EPI 550 notes that holds the key to your coding troubles. Meanwhile, your classmate could use a fresh perspective on how to best structure this one section of their final report that isn’t coming out quite right. These exchanges can help you refocus and set you back on the right path.

You may feel like you just need to put your head down and keep plugging away until the semester ends. Perhaps there are some of you for whom this really is the best strategy. For those who feel like that would be counterproductive, please take this as your sign to pause – connect with your classmates – and know that it will all come to a close in due time.

Of course, if you need additional support, please reach out to me and/or your ADAP and we will get you connected with the right resources.

This post was originally published in April 2022.

Featured Image by Hannah Busing on Unsplash


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