By: Eric Evans – 1st Year – Epidemiology
There are many important parts of your education and career. Of course, there are the normal things: homework, studying, sleeping, eating, etc. But one key part of your time here at RSPH will be where you work. It can be overwhelming to try and think of school and a job but the type of work you do builds your resume and opens doors for your future. Here I have included several of the best resources that Rollins has to offer as well as some of the resources that I have personally found useful.
1. RSPH Career Center
Rollins has an amazing team of people solely devoted to helping you reach your career goals. They are very willing to meet with you to go through your options and to talk you through what you can do to improve your odds of finding employment. They frequently hold workshops for resumes, networking, and much more. They also offer many online resources to improve your interviewing skills and resume that are free to you as a Rollins student. They are available for appointments through the next resource I would like to talk about: Handshake.
2. Handshake
This is actually my favorite resource here at Rollins. Employers from around Emory and across the country use this resource to specifically find RSPH students. The job opportunities found here are frequently updated and positions relating to your interests can be found with relative ease. Applications frequently consist of a resume and a cover letter, making applying relatively easy if you sit down and make a cover letter and resume worth reading.
3. Rollins Earn and Learn (REAL)
While here at Rollins you will frequently hear the terms “REAL student” or “REAL job” thrown around. These do not allude to those of us who have transcended our puppet forms but rather to the Rollins Earn and Learn Program. The REAL program is an amazing opportunity for you to find a job that will provide you with the skills necessary for your future career. Rollins pays for half of your salary, providing a strong incentive for local jobs to hire you to work for them. They get cheaper work and you get the best possible start to your career. Groups like CDC, CARE, and the Georgia Department of Health frequently use REAL students because they know they will be the best of the best.
4. In-Person Search
While searching for jobs through a database or similar resources may seem like the easiest option nothing beats good old in-person interaction. Everyone who works at Emory has had first-hand experience in the field. They can give you advice on where to go to look for jobs or may even have opportunities for you. If you want to be a part of someone’s research group, you will need to do your homework. Look up what they have worked on recently in their field of research. After doing the research, go and visit them in person. Show that you have a genuine interest in their work. This will greatly increase their willingness to work with you or to give you suggestions on where you should go to find jobs.
5. Volunteer Positions
While volunteering doesn’t pay, it builds resumes. Volunteer positions often give you the skills and experience you need to get positions that pay. Having volunteer experience on your resume shows you are humble enough to know you have much to learn but driven enough to get out there and work for it.
6. Job Search Websites (i.e. LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.)
While these are not always the best resource, they often give you an idea of what kind of jobs you should be looking for. By viewing these positions, you can learn what kind of skills you will need to get positions in the future. This will help you to know what kind of volunteer or paid positions you should start with now.
RSPH IS the best place to start your career in public health. The resources and opportunities here provide unique experiences that will help you find your future.
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