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VBD

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  1. I went into a PhD program with no work experience outside of academia, mainly in microbiology labs since 2007. I went straight through my bachelors in biology and then my MPH and took a gap year (working restaurant jobs) and then entered my PhD program. Now, more than half-way through my PhD with a PI who is not that supportive in terms of funding (he doesn’t want me to apply to anything and just focus on research) or in terms of allowing me to do any outside activities which will affect research time, I am reconsidering my life choices. I feel I am at a crossroads. Don’t get me wrong, I love public health and am still interested in infectious diseases. However, I am still harboring a love for community health work (something I did during my MPH) and am trying to figure out how I can combine the two interests. Additionally, when I did a quick search for public health jobs on search engines like indeed.com, most jobs seem to require the MPH and not a PhD. Now here are my questions: 1.) Will completing my PhD close doors to getting positions in public health? I can’t see places being willing to hire someone “overqualified” if they can get someone who has an MPH. 2.) Should I be concerned about my lack of non-academia work experience? If I continue with my PhD, how can I start to build that work experience? 3.) Is this a completely crazy option: Leave the program, count my years in my PhD as years of experience, and find a job utilizing my MPH? 4.) Are there other in-between options I am missing? I’m sure it doesn’t have to be a black and white decision of (A) Stay and suffer through a PhD with no work experience, or (B) Leave and get work experience, but it sure seems that way to me. I believe I lack the experience in the field of public health to see other options. Thanks in advance! Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!
  2. Frozen is the BEST study break!

    1. 123hardasABC

      123hardasABC

      Let it gooo let it gooooooo I'm one with my notes and booooks.

    2. SocialConstruction

      SocialConstruction

      You should go and build a snow man!

  3. Hi all. Apologies if there have already been topics on this, but a quick search pulled up no existing topics for note-taking apps.. I recently got a (Android) tablet (yay Christmas and post-Christmas electronic sales), and am completely green to whole apps thing. I intend to use this tablet as a good way to cut down on all my paper usage for notes and article reading. It would be ideal if the pdf editor allows me to highlight, write notes/markup, edit the pdf and be in a format that is easily transferred to a laptop. As for note taking, I've guiltily used up reams and reams of notebook paper just for one semester. If there's a note-taking app that's good for free-form stylus use (I need it for writing equations and drawing diagrams) and keyboard use that would be great! Fellow grad students, what are the note-taking and PDF editor apps that you use? Relevant Follow-up question: I use dropbox, would that be well paired with such apps? Or is it better to get some file managing app and manage files on my device that way?
  4. I'm a bit different since I did two rounds of applications (two years ago, I only got into one school and ended up declining), so both rounds combined: BU, Columbia, Hopkins, UNC, Emory, UIC, Univ of Washington, Berkeley, Harvard, Yale. I am not as comfortable saying where I ended up, but I will say that I really do love my program :3 Good things come to those who (painfully) wait!
  5. To add in my two cents on the cost of housing and such. Case -- rents are gonna run you around $500-600. Efficiencies will be higher (Watch out for some landlords, there are some in the area who take advantage of the UGs who are renting for the first time). Pitt -- rents would be a little higher. BUT since Pitt allows student to do off-campus housing earlier, there's more competition. Some of my friends at Pitt had to show a statement to their landlord that they do have x income amount, or x amount saved, and can in fact pay the rent on time. OSU -- similarly competitive, but the prices have a wider range. My one friend did have to get a credit check at some places which costs and additional $40. *shrugs* but that's the only time I've heard of that going on in Columbus I don't know about the other places you are applying. Point being is that for moving there's a lot to consider. I had a friend move from the bluegrass area of Ohio to OSU and the cost was a bit higher than she was used to. She worked as a waitress for a few months and with just the move, finding a place, etc. She completely drained her savings (and the emergency-save-for-a-rainy-day-fund of $2200 from her job. I don't know why, but just keep in mind that sometimes crap happens when you move. XD Have you asked those acquaintances you know in the area whether they would be available to help you or are you assuming? I ask because when school time comes, many acquaintances are usually too busy to be able to help and flake on you. Social wise -- my friends at OSU were essentially forced to be socialable, but alcohol is usually involved. Also hope you like talking about football! (Jk -- I have some very home-body friends at OSU, and they are fine without forcibly talking about football) I have MSW friends at OSU, Case, and Pitt and they are usually somewhat tight knit since they share a lot of the same views, but of course, your mileage may vary. In addition to sites like idealist, I would recommend opportunityknocks Also, maybe you can go to your local community service fair. I'm sure there is one in Univ of Akron. Contact someone at your alma mater who was in charge of community service and they can give you a lot of advice on alternative post graduation. Americorp and Peace Corp are extremely competitive, but you would never know if you can even get it if you don't apply! Peace Corp though will require a LOT of independence. You will likely be in a foreign country you've never been to before and have just learned the language, and may even have limited communication with your family. My friends in the peace corp have to walk a good amount of miles before they can reach the village with a working satellite phone (He was in Francophone Africa though).
  6. Guys, it's ok. There's no need to worry about responses yet. When I applied last year, I got my first interview offers in late Dec/early Jan (mainly January). Some schools don't even start reviewing until the new year. My first acceptance was in mid February. Now it's just a waiting game, so I would recommend that you do yourself a favor and get away from the computer/checking your status and so forth. It'll just heighten your anxiety. This stretch of month is the hardest since you FEEL like you should do something, but really there's nothing to do application-wise. Go out and enjoy the holiday season! I'm sure you did your best on the applications, and best of luck to you all!
  7. A few years ago, when I was completing my masters, I had a peer go into labor during our last final of the semester. Her baby girl made her debut at the departmental summer picnic AND my peer got an A in that class. It's doable, and in her words "totally worth it!" Also the baby added some internal motivation for her during the thesis writing. Congrats Mr. Pootawn and Mrs. Pootawn (Also a belated congrats to others in the thread who survived/are currently surviving with children while in grad school)
  8. As anecdotal evidence to MsD's post, My linkedin (which is the first hit when I google my name) got a lot of hits in December/January/February from supervisors/advisors/grad students of one of the labs I wanted to get into. All in all, it was about one hit for each program I applied to. I would also caution that this is a "your mileage may vary" sort of thing, since my programs were tiny so it makes sense that they'd want to make sure I was the type of student they would like. A larger program may not do that. In sum, I would just say you should do your best to keep your online presence professional!
  9. Automatic fellowship rejection email = great start to winter break. HAHAHaha...

  10. Definitely recommend contacting professors if you're applying for PhD programs. It's nice to build connections, and you have to make sure the professors have space for you in their research or lab, and related funding issues.
  11. The Lenovo ideapad is the consumer version of the Thinkpad and it's been working fine for my stats program usage. I chose it because it was closer to my price range, if cost if a worry stmaan. I have heard that Lenovo customer service is hit or miss though.. During my undergrad and masters, my Dell and HP failed miserably, so I would NOT recommend those.
  12. I highly recommend visits. If the school offers an admitted student day and you're going to go (because it's in your top three picks/it's free or covered for you to go), I would even recommend asking if you could stay on campus for another day or so to really get a sense of what it's like and even have a chance to talk to professors of interest (that is, if they happen to be free) or current students. I would agree with Juliet that Admitted student days were a lot more helpful than Open houses. Some programs may cover travel expenses and others may not. For example, Columbia helped cover the travel expense but not the accommodations for my visit, but Emory and Yale covered all of it. (Side note, I personally think it's interesting to see other campuses, but that may just be the weird nerd in me...)
  13. After an adventure in the airports (Why Texas, why?), I have arrived! Yay for a new home?

  14. This seems like a fun idea, it sure sounds like the 3 hosts are having fun. Also, you get points for enthusiasm! Sometimes I find myself losing interest (perhaps breaking it up with music in between segments?), but I'll probably stick around for a few more episodes.
  15. I probably find too much excitement in signing a lease and having a place to live when I start in the fall xD

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. ion_exchanger

      ion_exchanger

      Never too much excitement. Going to look at more places on Sunday. I can't wait!

    3. musichistorygeek

      musichistorygeek

      I'm still looking for a place. I'll definitely be more excited about moving when I know where I'll be living.

    4. Soleil ت

      Soleil ت

      Yay, I signed a lease too! It's awesome and exciting! Congrats!

  16. Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I cleared the measles requirement by simply scanning in my list of immunizations (Choice A) -- no need for the physician's signature. They were pretty quick about it too. If you still have questions, you should call the HHPCC Measles Requirement Line, they got back to me within 24 hours.
  17. I've been a deadbeat credit card user for approximately 6 years, and haven't ever had an issue with paying the bills off each month. However, my card is from my local regional bank that has little presence on the West Coast. For convenience's sake I will most likely open up a new bank account with a bank that has more presence in my new regional area (debit card/ATM withdrawals, and other conveniences). I've been tossing around the idea of similarly opening a credit card line with the new bank, depending of course on benefits with the card, or perhaps getting a credit card that is not tied to banks. I've heard of some credit card companies that offer cards with deals like cash back bonuses, and other perks. (Don't worry, I won't close my old credit card account, since I know that dents my credit score. Yes, I know getting a new credit card similarly lowers my credit score) Any one have any suggestions on credit card companies that helps out us poor grad students( and grad student-to-be's)? Thanks in advance! Sorry if this fits better in the subforum, The Bank. Mods, feel free to move if it fits better there.
  18. Hey, I just wanted to update you guys. Thanks for the suggestions (and explanations -- to DanieleWrites and mpheels), everyone. We got a car shipment planned soon and for cheaper than expected. We also did set up a dummy email account for communications purpose and it worked out well. In case others, like Ak48, are interested, some of the companies mentioned lead me down a google rabbit hole of a car transport review site. In addition to searching individual companies, we were able to search by shipment route: http://www.transportreviews.com/directory/infobyroute.asp and found a company that works for my friend. Good luck to others trying to ship cars!
  19. Agreed, it could be a good road trip. However, I suppose I'll have to make some clarifications. This move is for a friend who is moving up to that area for a short 3 month internship. (Notice I never used the words, "my car" in the previous post ) Since it's such a short stay, my friend is hesitant to sell the car (plus probably other personal sentiment reasons?) and deal with that hassle. Furthermore, most of the classmates of the friend are starting on THEIR internships required as part of the program, so no one's really available to execute iowaguy's good plan. Apparently road-tripping it was considered, but for personal logistics reasons (and probably car-related reason -- the car might not make the mountainous route well). So thanks for the suggestions, but it's just not possible for them at this time. Still would appreciate suggestions on car shipping companies though
  20. Hello! I'm trying to figure out how best to ship a car across the country on an affordable price. Specifically, I am trying to figure out how to move a midsized sedan car from the L.A. region to a suburb of Seattle, WA. Are there any companies fellow forum members recommend? Is there any difference in the quality of customer service if it is arranged through a broker vs. the transport company itself? If the car is shipped in an "open" option rather than an "enclosed" is there /that/ great a difference in preventing damage to the car? Someone once told me that contacting locally-based brokers/affiliates of national companies may guarantee a lower price and better customer service than a national company directly. Has someone actually tried this? Thanks in advance. When doing a regular google search, some companies come up, and I've been trying to get free quotes from google'd companies, but some ask for a lot of info, like full name, phone number, email, etc before I can even get a quote. So it's been a bit frustrating to say the least. I appreciate any answers.
  21. I'd say off campus is better. Inf fact you may find your self in a Chicago neighborhood that is populated by grad students, so I doubt you'll be sequestered in your apartment for the duration of your degree. Any one I know who did stay in a graduate housing during their masters hated it and felt alienated. (Not to mention, it was probably more expensive). For example, Northwestern Students tend to Lincoln Park, U of Chicago Students tend to Hyde Park. I believe. Find a off-campus housing that is near a public transportation line that can take you to (or within close walking distance) of the school. Ask current grad students, or the grad student coordinator for help. Oftentimes, the school may even have their own website, so it may even be less of a headache than on campus housing.
  22. Work experience and being older is actually NOT a drawback for a DrPH applicant. Some programs even look for only applicant with many years of relevant work experience. I think what they said, re: funding is just that. They'd love to have you, but funding issues. If you can (ie. if your current job/family matters allow it) I think you have a strong chance next year. Never lose hope! Also, Congrats Drglasner on the surprise acceptance. Sometimes the best things in life are what you don't expect Follow that gut feeling of "it feels right"
  23. Alright! New student email set up. I don't know why I am that excited at this...

    1. student12345

      student12345

      Jelly! I want my new e-mail...

  24. Well, you need to give us some more. What are your future goals? What do you want to do? What will you be doing at the two programs, specifically? Do the two programs have the student outcomes you want?, etc.
  25. First acceptance, I was out celebrating my mother's birthday, then I came back home, checked my email, and immediately ran to tell her. She said, "Best birthday present ever!" And we hugged Second acceptance, I was checking my inbox all day still. Then I left my computer and cell phone to get some work done, within that hour I had gotten an email and a phone call to boot detailing my acceptance and funding. I guess it's like that "a watched pot never boils" saying XD
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