networking?

[jbarr85]

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Hi,

I am considering applying to either an MPH or an MS in epidemiology next year and I am wondering if people who have applied in the past had success networking with professors in the past. Is it looked down upon to email the professors or encouraged? Also, what is the best way to get in contact with current students in order to get a better idea of what each school is like? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[premad]

Hi,

I am considering applying to either an MPH or an MS in epidemiology next year and I am wondering if people who have applied in the past had success networking with professors in the past. Is it looked down upon to email the professors or encouraged? Also, what is the best way to get in contact with current students in order to get a better idea of what each school is like? Thanks in advance for your help!

Heya, I basically made most of my decisions on where to apply via a combination of which professors I wanted to work with + what schools and cities I liked. So, I made lists of profs whose work I admired and reached out by email with short notes and specific questions, generally post-acceptance. I think this is best, since profs will really see you as a potential member of their department and may prioritize your request. And, pre-acceptance, you can always read papers and books by your favorite profs, so that when the time comes your really be able to get a head start on working with them.

As for talking with students, admissions folks or department admins can help you with this, and it's probably fine to do it pre- or post-acceptance. So, for Epi and School X, go to their department website, and see if you can find a department admin and reach out to him or her for the names of current students. They are often more in touch and might be more likely to get back to you than a department chair.

Good luck. Which programs are you considering?

 

[jbarr85]

Thanks for your advice. I am mainly interested in UIC because I currently work in Chicago and my employer will most likely pay for my master's degree as long as I continue to work while enrolled in school. I will most likely apply to one of the Epi programs.

 

[premad]

Thanks for your advice. I am mainly interested in UIC because I currently work in Chicago and my employer will most likely pay for my master's degree as long as I continue to work while enrolled in school. I will most likely apply to one of the Epi programs.

Oh, then network away! I definitely reached out early to those programs that were close to my current employer. That way, you can sit in on classes, meet with students in person, and get a much better feel for things. And, if UIC is clearly your first choice and you're local, then professors will be happy to talk with you, I would think.