1. MPH concentration and graduation year Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Class of 2019.
2. Job title and Community Outreach Works
My day job is not related to public health (Researcher for corporate intelligence and due diligence), though I am actively looking to plunge back into the field of public health. My weekend/ afterwork involvement is more interesting – I’m enjoying the responsibility of being the President of the HKU Public Health Alumni society and looking for weekend volunteering opportunities.
3.Tell us your story! How did you become interested in public health, and how does public health relate to your current line of work? I’ve always been interested in the evidence and basic science of different fields, and a “big picture” type of person. It was while I was still training as a social worker that I came to understand how health (mental and physical) impacted on every aspect of a person’s subjective experience. I saw that interdisciplinary background and knowledge was valuable in public health and from there, the what’s, the why’s, and the how’s grabbed my attention – I’ve been down the rabbit hole ever since.
4.How have you applied what you have learned within the MPH program to your line of work?
While I don’t work in the field, the lessons on how to think, evaluate evidence and present information stuck with me. It shows in my work process as being meticulous and structured. It’s also applicable in preventing biases you are dealing with inter-connected data sources and trying to create an automated aggregator of open-source information.
5.What advice would you give to current MPH students who will be entering the workplace for the first time?
Look for a lifestyle that you want to build for yourself and structure your job search around that. Network to know what opportunities are out there and whether your expectations are founded.
6.Any other words of wisdom to share?
I’ve found that cultivating empathy, and actively seeking to test stereotypes that I’ve learnt have led to the most fulfilling personal and professional developments in my life – take time to listen to understand, not just to reply.
Also, I’d like to make a shameless plug for the Alumni Society – do write in and let us know what you’re interested in!
Know a fellow HKU SPH student or alumni with an interesting story? Let us know! Email sphalumni@hku.hk to nominate your MPH peer for the next 'Meet Our Students and Alumni' blog series.