Student Profile: Hengie Isidore
Hengie Isidore is a 4+1 Accelerated Masters student in Health Policy and Management.
What was the catalyst that drove you to apply and become part of the 4+1 program?
I always knew that I wanted to go to graduate school. I wasn’t entirely sure what programs I would find most interesting but was hoping to use my time in undergrad to learn a bit more about myself and my interests. When I first applied to UMass for my undergrad, I noticed they had a 4+1 program in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and I always kept that as an option in the back of my mind throughout my time here and would make the decision of applying come my junior year of college. I regularly worked with my advisors to ensure that I was on track even though I hadn’t fully made up my mind about applying to the program but understood the value of having a plan while in undergrad to prepare myself to be a good candidate for the program.
How has the graduate school portion of the 4+1 program differed from the undergraduate portion? How did the undergrad experience impact your transition into grad school?
Graduate school is inherently different from undergraduate school. My classes now focus more on class discussions, looking into the current health policies, and ensuring that we understand our healthcare system. I expected the 4+1 program to be difficult at times, especially during the +1 year. It can be difficult to attend to multiple things such as coursework and assistantships at once, but I had built strategies and support systems during undergraduate that I still feel like I can rely on now that I am in graduate school. I think that part makes a huge difference in balancing graduate coursework. I was already familiar with many people within the department, and having that community has made the transition from undergrad to grad school much more manageable and enjoyable.
What career, research, or internship opportunities have you found by virtue of studying at the SPHHS?
This past summer I was able to intern with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services working as the Strategy and Innovation intern for the Secretariat. I loved my time with EOHHS, where I felt like I was able to truly apply the concepts I learned through my coursework in both Public Health Sciences and Health Policy and Management.
How has your education helped you find success in any of these professional roles?
My education at UMass helped me find success in my professional roles in various ways. Many of the projects that I worked on at EOHHS focused on both health policy and human services. In public health, we learn the importance of including important interest holders in public health interventions, and that was really emphasized in the work I did this summer. I felt that my coursework and classes were a great opportunity for me to practice my writing, research, and analysis, which gave me the skills to complete various projects both efficiently and effectively.
What advice would you give students considering the 4+1 program? And what advice would you give to those making the transition into the graduate school portion?
The 4+1 program is a unique opportunity to step into your professional career. Things move quickly in the program, so I don’t think it’s ever too early to start thinking about plans after graduation. I really valued my time with my practicum site and utilized that opportunity to meet different people at my host organization to learn a bit more about their careers and experience. Not only was I learning and applying my competencies, but I also took the time to truly reflect on the type of work I wanted to do, the people I wanted to work with, and the impact I wanted to have on my community after the 4+1 program. My advice for students considering the 4+1 program is to really take the time to look over the coursework and what people in their concentration work in before committing to the program. This program can be difficult at times, and I don’t think it is a program for everyone, so speaking with current students in the program and their plans for this concentration can really provide key insights on how to manage and be successful.
What are your plans for after graduation, and in what ways is UMass setting you up for future success?
I am still finalizing my plans for graduation. I have created small goals and a timeline for myself to keep track of my job search and post-grad plans. I am grateful for the staff here at UMass who have been supportive of me and have allowed me to brainstorm and have assisted me in understanding and evaluating my options after graduation. The courses and work that I’ve done during the past 5 years at UMass have set me up to be a well-rounded professional in my field, but also, I’ve learned the value of support and connection, especially in this process.
