FIU’s annual Panther Alumni Week concludes today, and the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work did its part to bring students and graduates together for a meaningful exchange.
Several alumni answered questions and shared advice with nearly two dozen Stempel students via a Zoom gathering. The event was part of the college’s mentorship program. The esteemed graduates shared wisdom on a number of topics.
On determining the kind of position to pursue when starting out
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Garmendia[/caption]
Craig Garmendia BS ’04, Ph.D. ’18,Foreign Cadre Investigator - Specialist, FDA
If there is a plethora of jobs, you can be a little more picky. Definitely be open. You can always change course. If you start down the academic route, and then you realize I don’t want to be a professor, I’d rather be a research scientist, I’d rather be a research administrator, I’d rather be a public health official, something of that nature, you can always pivot and change. It actually helps to have that experience in other areas because that informs and brings new points of view into how best to serve the public with regard to bettering quality of life for everyone.
On getting ahead in your career
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Kennedy[/caption]
Amy E. Kennedy MPH ’98, Ph.D. ’08, Disparities Research Coordinator, Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
When you’re starting a new job or internship, say ‘yes’ to things that you may not necessarily have the expertise for or doesn’t sound exciting, as long as you have the bandwidth to do it . . . things like administrative tasks and [securing] money for projects. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but helping out with those sorts of tasks, in the long run, really helps build your career and knowledge base.
On personal qualities needed to thrive in a professional environment
Carissa Ford BSSW ’17, MSW ’18, School Social Worker, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
I believe in a strong sense of self and confidence so that when you do have setbacks you’re able to handle them more efficiently. Having a defined self-concept is important so you don’t become drained or lost in the politics that occur. Flexibility is important as well.
Heather Siskind BSSW ’96, MSSW ’98, CEO, Jack and Jill Children’s Center
I would say self-compassion is very important but to also have compassion for others, especially if you will be supervising other people. One book that I would recommend is The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. If you haven’t read that, you should.
Darren Gregory BSSW ’01, MSW ’07, Career Specialist, Career & Talent Development, FIU
I think for me the key is authenticity because if you’re not authentically who you are at all times, whether it be in a mentor-mentee relationship or a work relationship or just life, then it becomes too much work to do the things you need to do to live, especially these days with everything going on. It’s very important to stay true to yourself and your own values.