Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) and the University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health partnered to organize the third annual Washington, DC Networking/Study Tour in March 2009, which facilitated student insight into the description, function and career paths offered with agencies and organizations in the nation’s capital.

The tour was coordinated by Drs. Kathy Miner, dean of applied public health, and P. Dean Surbey, dean of finance and adminisration, from RSPH; and Drs. Mayra Santiago, dean of student services, and Jose Capriles, dean of academic affairs, from the University of Puerto Rico.

The tour enabled 25 students from the University of Puerto Rico and RSPH to interact with potential employers and discover career paths in domestic and international health policy, program management, and research.  Students were selected through a competitive process including essay submission and an interview with Career Services staff.

A reception held at the U.S. Capitol’s Visitor Center enabled current and admitted students and alumni to connect and discuss pursuing a career in public health. Dean Jim Curran of the Rollins School of Public Health introduced the keynote speaker, Ms. Sandy Thurman, president and CEO of the International AIDS Trust, former director of National AIDS Policy under President Clinton and senior lecturer at RSPH.

The RSPH Office of Career Services worked closely with alumni in Washington, DC to arrange information sessions for students with senior management at various government agencies and non-government organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Government Accountability Office, Save the Children, and AcademyHealth. In addition, Ms. Thurman coordinated meetings for the students to participate in tailored discussions with the current and former senior policy advisors to Representatives John Lewis, Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee.