Students who are enrolled in advanced degree programs and are looking to gain more real-world experience before starting their careers can benefit from fellowship programs. In addition to introducing future degree holders to what their chosen profession may entail, students will have a chance to network with industry experts and prospective employers.
The first annual 10-week fellowship program at the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health has come to an end, and students who completed credit hours have been prepared for several careers. These job options include roles in family planning, health systems strengthening, HIV/AIDS prevention as well as maternal and child healthcare.
Those who took advantage of the full-time paid fellowships were able to actively participate in seminars, workshops, presentations, meetings and mentorships. This opportunity also introduced individuals to curriculum that may not be covered during their regular coursework.
Gretchen Van Vliet, director of the school of public health at UNC, stated that while students are "learning things in the classroom, they need to be able to apply, and to see, theories in action, here in an organization."
Students who further their education in public health will be equipped with skills for careers as medical or public health officials. Currently, these professionals' annual salaries range from $28,600 to $71,190, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
