MALS Career Spotlights

A typical day for me as a doctoral student is beginning my readings for the week at around 9am, and working until I need to leave for campus, usually around 1:30 on days that have classes. When I return home, I continue my readings until about 8pm, at which time, any further reading would be pointless. Into this mix, I must be certain to eat, walk and feed the dog and amuse my cat, and speak to each of my kids when they call no matter what I am doing. I also try to incorporate in a walk daily, a trip to the museum when I can, and some other form of down time to keep sane.

The MALS program prepared me for a doctoral degree by building my confidence as a student and scholar. The support I received, even when professors did not necessarily understand what I was trying to accomplish, was critical to recognizing that scholarship is developed and not just regurgitated. It gave me the confidence to pursue research and ideas that, had I been part of a more traditional graduate program, may not have been possible or even allowed. This freedom was key to my success in the program and to preparing me for a doctoral program, where at some point all of my work and research will depend on my freedom and ability to develop my own scholarship.

My favorite part of the MALS program was meeting and getting to know people from so many other different disciplines and levels of education. I took courses with a graduate component that included mostly undergraduates, as well as a course with doctoral students focusing on university administration. This variety was a welcome surprise that added to my experience in the MALS program.

I guess I would say believe in yourself and your scholarship.

A typical day in the life of a doctoral student, for me, begins with planning out your day and allowing space for the unknowns. In all honesty, I usually plan out the week ahead of time by sitting down with my calendar and planning accordingly. My top priority has always been family, so I make sure that I set aside time with them. On the other hand, Wake Tech also depends on me to perform my job at a consistently high level and I work hard to provide that level of performance. The time that remains is managed very carefully as it is important to me to meet the expectations of the doctoral program. In all, it’s not easy…but I knew it wouldn’t be. I do, however, look forward to walking across the stage once I earn my doctoral degree.

The MALS Program at NC State helped prepare me for my doctoral degree by providing a unique combination of academic rigor with very good instructors. Names which immediately come to mind are Dr. Bob Patterson, Dr. Jessica Jameson and Dr. Keith Earnshaw. The MALS Program will always hold a special place in my heart! 

My favorite part of the MALS Program was the flexibility allowed as it pertains to coursework and as a full time employee. I attended most courses in the evenings after work and took courses which were challenging, yet engaging.

My advice for students who are considering pursuing a doctoral degree is as follows: 1) Believe in yourself – I questioned myself many times throughout the process. Soon, however, I found that I had a lot to bring to the table and to the program for which I applied. 2) Acknowledge the time commitment – If you have family, you’ll really need to talk this through. You’ll need their support as they too will sacrifice. 3) Be prepared to “sell yourself” – There’s only one you! No one else has had the same experiences you have (MALS Program included)! So, be prepared to put your best foot forward, put on that business attire, and give it your best effort. 4) Know when to speak and when to listen – Listen carefully to what administrators are asking, what others are saying, and then give a clear and insightful response. Conversely, if a question or topic arises that you feel strongly about, speak up and make it count! 5) Use your time wisely and plan accordingly – Take the time to plan out your days and weeks. Note important deadlines and maintain an accurate calendar. If life gets in the way (and trust me it will), be flexible and communicate with your job, your program, and your family often.

I chose the full-time online option which allows me to do my work at my own pace. I have the option of attending live sessions or listening to the recorded lectures. But, I still have to meet assignment deadlines which are usually towards the end of the semester and also mid-term. I’ve had a busy first semester with three classes weekly (including extra reading in order to participate in discussions online). I dedicate at least 20 hours a week towards this program, mainly researching assignments and preparing for the submission of papers and presentations.

Through the MALS program I was able to design the curriculum I wanted to pursue a career in public health. I was able to take classes that steered me towards that direction and I believe that this qualification played a significant role in me being accepted into the DrPH program. While I had a fairly strong public health background through my career as a health journalist my first two degrees prior to MALS are in communications. The MALS program steered me more towards a public health pathway, so to speak!

The fact that the program is interdisciplinary. I also loved the fact that the professors and Director of the MALS program were always willing to guide me when I had questions. I enjoyed the MALS seminars as well and again the seminars were interdisciplinary in nature. They basically touched so many aspects of different fields of studies and I could always link it back to public health. I also met great people who were inspiring such as my great friend, Carol Sullivan-Riddle.

I would advise students to research the different programs and schools out there and see how they fit with their career plans. Also, I believe that if you really want something and work towards it you will achieve it. So, they should just follow their dreams. If you can dream it you can achieve it!

I used to take three graduate classes each semester. For a year and a half, I have only been working on my proposal and then dissertation writing. Of course, being a TA has always kept me busy with the teaching part (the part I love the most). I don’t live close to campus, so I take 4 buses three days a week. I arrived at campus around 8:30 am and when I was taking classes I used to leave campus around 6 pm. The computer lab at the Alumni Hall was my kind of home during those days where I could work, buy a good coffee and talk to my favorite people (it is crazy that they are not even people from my department, they are from the French department). After a long day, every time I got home, I dedicated time to family and enjoyed activities such as making dinner, listening to my daughter’s school stories, and relaxing through meditation or simply talking on the phone with my mom or siblings. Nowadays I am home earlier, and dissertation writing keeps me busy but I always find moments for fun time which includes watching my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, when they play.

The MALS program gave me confidence in myself. Dr. Garval and each one of my professors at that time made me feel worthy and capable. I am so grateful to the Program and to each one of them.

I enjoyed taking classes from different departments and meeting people from different backgrounds in academia. Every single class was a gem. Being able to choose and enjoy the way was the best part of the MALS program for me.

I would say have passion for the program you are going to embrace because you will need it during the harder times. If you have the opportunity to teach during those years, teach with all your heart and try to become a mentor to your students. The teaching part has been a beacon for me in my darkest days and will be very important for those of you who will join colleges or universities as professors in the future.