looking for a mentor or guide for maternal/perinatal public health career

[DrJillDiana]

Hello all,​

I am an eternal student and I know I'm just making up fo rthe fact that I wanted to go to med school since I was 4 and never followed through so now I'm collecting degrees in the areas that interest me, trying to build my career.😕

Hoping to find a mentor or guide or someone to help me straighten out my career!
I have gone to midwifery school, have a MS in psychology and an MPA (public administration), a PhD in health administration and just started a DrPH program hoping to pull it all together!

My dream is public health administration in maternal/child health or perinatal psychology. Something incorporating mental health and wellness for the mother-baby dyad.

I have a background in epidemiology and program management but can't seem to find a career path anywhere.

HELP!!

thanks 😍

-Jill Diana Chasse

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[JaneDoe1985]

Wow. That's a lot of degrees. Personally, I think you really need to get out of the 'student track' and get into the workforce. You already have two masters degrees and a PhD. I'm not sure what employers will think of adding a DrPH to that plethora. Unless you have a very good reason for pursuing the DrPH, you risk making yourself appear scattered. What work experience do you have?

I would say that you serve yourself far better by applying for jobs (or even volunteer work) than by pursuing another academic program. (Especially if you're paying for the DrPH.)

p.s.
I'm a current DrPH student. By the time I'm finished with this program, I will be like you - two masters and a doctorate. But, I also have work experience, a very applied dissertation, and a good reason for each of my degrees. And I'm still worried about being overeducated. I would never dream of going back into an additional academic program, after I've completed this one.

 

[DrJillDiana]

hi thanks for your feedback- yes, I've been working since I was in high school. I have over 15 years in public health federal contracting working as a program manager for both NIH and the US Army in research. The DrPH would actually PULL TOGETHER my background, knowledge skills and abilities (as well as education) in psychology, program management and maternal health. It's very supportive to my present job as well!
We shall see where it leads- lots of effort, passion and drive later 🙂
all the best
Jill