By: Danielle Buechler, HBHE 2nd Year

The Job: Clinical Research Coordinator at the VA Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The project is self-management of chronic disease and is centered on people finding their own motivation within themselves.

Best Part of the Job:   It’s realistic.  It’s where the people are.  It recognizes that people are the experts on themselves. 

How the Job was Scored:  Kathleen found her job through one of the e-mails that was sent out by Jackie.  “Initially, I didn’t want to be in research, but I read on and then I realized that it was perfect.” Kathleen interviewed, and it was awesome because the interviewer was a 2000 graduate of the HBHE program.  Then the same people posted an opening for a project manager for a different project.  “I knew that I didn’t have the qualifications, but I applied anyway to get my name out there.”  Even though she was not hired as the project manager for that project, she was hired for current job before they even posted it!   

Important Fact:  Kathleen’s internship was in a completely different field than current job.

Fun Fact: Kathleen plays in the Life Science Orchestra

On Campus Resources Utilized: professors, Shelagh Saenz, HBHESA

Classes That REALLY Helped Prepare for the Job:  I took as many skills classes as possible. 

Resources Still Used Today on the Job: Medline, PubMed, books on motivational interviewing and social cognitive theory. “I still borrow stuff from professors or e-mail out for suggestions,” and slides and materials from SPH classes, fellow students “Learn what people in your cohort are doing.”

Best Advice: Read every e-mail that the department sends out about job opportunities, even if you think that the subject doesn’t pertain to you. 

"Buy a suit that makes you feel confident.  A little confidence goes a long way."

"Jump at things. Go with your gut!”

"Realize that there aren’t any magical things you can do to secure a job." 

"If you do visit other job opportunity websites such as Idealist (http://www.idealist.org), watch what qualifications you need to have for the job.  If the job only requires a bachelor’s degree, they may not be willing to pay for the salary you should receive as a master’s student."