1) What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with? The people that I hang out with are optimistic, consistent, trustworthy, goal-oriented, and resourceful.
2) What do you do?
I am currently working full-time on my Doctor of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology. I am also working as a Clinical Data Manager for a Contract Research Organization (CRO), in support of a government agency.
3) Why do you do what you do?
In terms of my education, in order to affect positive global health changes, I am pursuing this level of education to further solidify my foundational knowledge of public health principles. Global health issues are multi-dimensional. In addition to experience, it is my belief that an advanced level of education is paramount to effectively address issues that affect the world that we live in. In terms of my current profession, I do what I do to aid in the prevention of diseases.
4) Is this where you thought you would end up?
Regarding my education, it wasn’t until I was nearing the completion of my Master of Public Health degree that I began to more strongly consider obtaining a terminal degree in public health. After graduation with my master’s degree, there was somewhat of a “void” and a desire to simply learn more. So, I decided to further my studies and here I am … very close to earning my Doctor of Public Health degree. With regards to my current position, I never thought that I would end up being a Clinical Data Manager – I actually love what I do! I get an opportunity to affect positive public health objectives.
5) What values are you committed to?
I am committed to integrity, respect, duty, personal courage, and leadership.
6) How many hours do you work in a typical week?
With work and school combined, I work 50-60 hours per week.
7) What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
The skills that are required in my position are patience, efficiency, resilience, perseverance, and team work.
8) Are there any negatives to your job?
The processes of clinical data management are quite extensive. But, the bigger picture is my motivation.
9) What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
The background of most senior levels are years of experience and adaptability to change.
10) What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: Entry-level SBCC practitioners)
As someone who has recently begun a public health career, I wish I knew a public health mentor.
11) What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
The best professional advice that I’ve ever received was to always know where to get information.
12) If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would not do anything differently if I could do it all over again. Every experience always teaches something valuable and can be potentially applied anywhere.
13) What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
What should keep enthusiasts up at night is whether the efforts that are being put forth are geared towards helping others.
14) Are there any professional associations or societies that you have taken up membership with?
I am a current member of the Society for International Development. I am also former members of the American Public Health Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
15) What mistakes have you made?
Thankfully, I have made a lot of “good” mistakes. My mistakes have provided life-long wisdom.
16) What one thing do you still struggle with?
I am overcoming the struggle of balancing too much at one time. Doing a few things at a time is more productive than doing several at a time.
17) What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
The traits that impress me the most are the ability to lead a multifunctional team and the courage to motivate positive outcomes and behaviors.
18) What are the top 7 technical skills that entry-level SBCC enthusiasts should strive to hone?
Technology, software, research, intuitiveness, interpersonal, flexibility, and adaptability are what SBCC enthusiasts should strive for.
19) Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
For the most part, transparency and integrity are attributes which are essential for success.
20) What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
The employee and employer must have a mutual exchange of sort.
21) What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
My most rewarding accomplishment was to lead a health fair event and to lead a ceremony in a national event.
22) What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
Unknown strains of infectious diseases could affect career opportunities in public health.
23) Can you recommend a "must-read" book that will help us broaden our skills as working professionals or inspire us to reach our highest potential?
“Who moved my cheese?” by Spencer Johnson is a “must-read” book for working professionals.
24) As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
I would write a book on global efforts to completely eliminate the stigma associated with a positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus diagnosis.
25) Which other SBCC maven would you recommend for this interview?
I would recommend AIDS United. I follow them on Twitter @AIDS_United and receive great communications.
26) What's the most valuable question we should ask the next SBCC maven who is interviewed on this blog?
How they feel their communications have impacted others?
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