I'm an undergrad studying Environmental Health. I really, really want to obtain an MPH degree.
Undergrad experience: 3.45 GPA; one internship with WA Dept. of Ecology collecting water samples; one internship with WA Dept. of Health collecting oyster samples and helping out with shellfish illness projects; 1.5 years working at school in an Ag Safety & Health program, but only as an office assistant; president of Student Env. Health Association; student member of WA State Env. Health Association
I'm not 100% sure HOW I would specialize within an MPH beyond wanting to get an MPH in Environmental Health, and what my EXACT career goals are, like what specific kind of job I'd want. I do know I want to work in the field, of course, it's my passion.
I'm receiving conflicting advice from different people. I would like to apply ASAP and get into schools for next fall, right after I graduate. But some people think it'd be more advantageous for me to get real world working experience. Am I even a competitive applicant right now?
What would you recommend?