How to Build a Global Health Career & Find International Opportunities

Message from Sachi

Hi friends, happy Wednesday!

Congrats to those of you who got medical school acceptances yesterday, and early congrats to those of you who are going to get accepted next year;) And for those not applying to med school, welcome to the club.

I listened to this incredible podcast episode earlier and thought I’d share it here: Financial Feminist: The Mindset Holding You Back from Starting a Business. Since it’s the start of summer— this is the time to start that side project you’ve been thinking about forever. I can vouch for starting side projects and how much joy it’s brought me. It’s almost been 2 years of Invite Health, and we’ve come a long way since then (you can see my first newsletter & first launch post for reference). If you’re building something, let me know, I would love to learn more :)

This week, I invited Alexia Piccolo to share her story. Alexia shares how she built her global health career, from exchange at the University of Leicester to doing her MSc in Global Health at McMaster, and now working as an International Consultant with PAHO. Today, you’ll learn:

• How Alexia landed her paid position at PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation)

• Alexia’s actionable tips + resources for students interested in building a career in global health

• How Alexia got international opportunities that shaped her global health journey

Enjoy today’s read,

Sachi 💌 

P.S. This newsletter may be clipped by your email, so press “read online” in the top right to read the full interview.

Interview with Alexia Piccolo: How to Build a Global Health Career & Find International Opportunities

First off, tell us about your journey so far. Where do you study, what inspired you to pursue this, and what’s next? What else do you like to do outside of studying?

Hi everyone! My name is Alexia and I use she/her pronouns. I’m a recent graduate from McMaster’s Masters Science in Global Health program (November 2023) and completed my BSc(H) at the University of Windsor in Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience.

My path to discovering my passion felt (and still feels) like sampling dishes at a gourmet buffet. Just as you explore various flavours and cuisines at a buffet, trying each dish to discover what satisfies your taste buds the most, so too can you explore different interests and activities in life. Each experience offers a unique taste and perspective, and it's only through experimenting with a wide array that you find the one that truly resonates with your inner self. This journey of tasting and testing not only enriches your understanding but also leads you to that one dish—or passion—that feels like a perfect match, sticking with you as a favourite.

I view my journey as beginning from the time I was a little girl. My mom is a chef and owns an Italian Restaurant in my hometown where after school and on the weekends, I would help her with catering events to doctor’s offices, hospitals, and health conferences in the area. You could say this was my first ‘exposure’ to the health science / medical field. Through this experience I began pursuing a pre-med career path, as I believed I wanted to pursue opportunities in medicine. Being a naturally curious person and wanting to learn more about the biological and chemical properties that are central to how we perceive, think, feel, and behave, I decided to go into Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience as an undergrad. I was involved in two different labs throughout my undergrad. I treated every class and extracurricular as one step closer to my dream of becoming a doctor. Although I convinced myself that I wanted to be a doctor, I felt this misalignment every time I told myself that medicine was my calling (P.S. If you feel this, I highly recommend diving deep into this feeling and really understanding why you could feel misaligned).

During my third year, I participated in an exchange program at the University of Leicester, where I continued my studies in Neuroscience. The semester I went on exchange also happened to be the beginning months of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020). Although public and global health policies shape our every day experiences without us even being aware, this was really my first time learning about public-global health as a career path. One of my professor’s served as an Infectious Disease Policy Advisor and worked with the National Health System (NHS) in England on the countries’ pandemic response plan. As she shared her stories and experiences, I became inspired by her career path and could picture myself pursuing something similar. The thought of contributing to something with such large impact was something that made me energized. It changed my perspective in terms of the type of work I wanted to pursue; I became more interested and aware of how national and global policies influence diverse populations and shape our everyday lives.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I took a year off to travel and gain practical experience in public health within my community. During this period, I volunteered with the Peer Medical Foundation, an international non-profit organization founded in Canada. I came across this opportunity through a LinkedIn connection and applied directly on their website. It’s an organization driven by volunteers and dedicated to advancing health equity in medicine. Volunteering can be particularly beneficial for those in a transitional phase, uncertain about how to break into a new field. It provides a flexible way to delve into a specific area and gain valuable experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

Following this, I completed a Master's degree, continued engaging in volunteer research, and co-directed a student-led global health podcast, the Global Health Collective, and completed an unpaid practicum at Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. Additionally, I am involved with the Emerging Leaders Network at the PEGASUS Institute (unpaid) and work as an International Consultant at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), following a paid internship. 

I understand the challenges of balancing studies with unpaid work, such as during a co-op, practicum, or internship. Many of my unpaid positions have transitioned into paid opportunities. While not ideal, I still view unpaid internships as a chance to gain valuable exposure to a field. Recognizing that not everyone can afford to work without pay, for those who can, I encourage you to do so. Additionally, applying for scholarships can be a useful way to support participation in unpaid internships, as many organizations offer financial assistance for these roles.

Outside of my professional commitments, I like to play tennis, go for long walks with my dog, keep fit, and dive back into "Game of Thrones" for a second watch-through.

Tell us about your experience as an intern at PAHO: What was your role? Was it paid or unpaid/volunteer? How did you come across the opportunity, and what the application process like? What were some highlights from your role? 

My six-month internship at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was an extraordinary experience. As a member of the Science and Knowledge for Impact Team, within the department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health, my primary responsibility was to coordinate the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centres. These centres play a vital role in enhancing PAHO's technical cooperation with its Member States.

The internship was full-time and paid, with compensation provided as a monthly stipend. The amount of the stipend was based on the intern's location and whether the internship was full-time or part-time. Internships could be located at the headquarters in Washington D.C., or at various country offices across the Americas. I completed my internship remotely, which allowed me to save on travel and accommodation costs, although this also meant that my stipend was somewhat reduced.

I discovered the internship opportunity through an internal posting on my Master's program communication platform, although I was already monitoring opportunities like this through LinkedIn job alerts. The application process was standard, with the portal opening twice a year for six-month intervals: from February to June and from August to December. The application required transferring my resume/CV details into their system, crafting a cover letter or statement of intent, and providing two references. Once submitted, the waiting period was indefinite as any PAHO technical unit could reach out regarding an internship at any time, meaning the review process and potential start dates could vary. I applied in February and was contacted in July. My interview took place in August, conducted by my future manager and supervisor. The interview was a refreshing experience; they were genuinely interested in getting to know me beyond my application to see if I would fit well with their team. Instead of merely repeating my qualifications, I discussed fresh ideas related to the role and drew on my experiences to propose innovative solutions.

If you’re interested in exploring opportunities with PAHO's internship program and contributing to global public health initiatives, you can find more information here.

My team was small but fantastic. My manager was deeply invested in the growth of the interns, ensuring we learned as much as possible during our time there. Most days were packed with activities like coordinating with over 180 Collaborating Centres and crafting a new communication strategy specific to our department. Despite the busy schedule, we had the chance to engage in organization-wide seminars. One of the key topics we discussed was the draft of the Fourteenth General Program of Work. This document is crucial as it outlines the organization's main goals and strategies for a set period. It helps shape the development of health plans, budgets, and frameworks that the organization will follow to achieve its short-term and long-term health objectives.

Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the top leaders in public health from across the Americas. I've learned that public-private partnerships can significantly transform both national and global health systems. By leveraging existing knowledge, understanding the unique needs of each stakeholder involved, and tapping into a wide array of experiences, these collaborations foster innovative solutions to pressing health issues. Instead of starting from scratch, a country or population's health status can be enhanced through shared expertise and resources, targeted interventions, and a synergistic approach to addressing complex health challenges. This cooperative strategy not only streamlines efforts but also amplifies the impact of health initiatives, making sustainable improvements more attainable.

A more personal lesson I learned during my internship was the importance of simply asking questions. Engaging with experienced professionals and seeking their advice opened up a wealth of knowledge and insights that would have remained unknown to me had I not asked.

Tell us about your experience as a Global Health MSc student at McMaster!

My experience as a Global Health MSc student was truly unforgettable. With about 80 students in our cohort, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Everyone was incredibly kind and always ready to lend a helping hand. Throughout the program, we grew to become like a family, despite our diverse backgrounds and varied experiences. The mix of classmates was dynamic—some were seasoned professionals in their fields, while others had just completed their undergraduate studies. We also boasted a global presence, with students from various regions of Africa and the Middle East. This diversity enriched our discussions and broadened our perspectives, making for a deeply rewarding educational journey.

The program was challenging at times due to overlapping deadlines, with most courses requiring simultaneous presentations and projects. Spanning just 12 months across three terms—Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer—the coursework primarily involved group projects that simulated real-world scenarios in global public health. During the Fall and Winter terms, we completed coursework and began either a scholarly paper for the course-based stream or a thesis for the thesis-based stream. The Spring/Summer term provided an opportunity for a practicum or, for those in the thesis stream, time to focus on their thesis work. 

Each term allowed us to dive deep into our chosen streams, with the Winter term featuring a two-week international Learning Symposium and Field Orientation in Manipal, India. In the Spring/Summer Term, course-based students like me engaged in a global health work-integrated learning practicum and composed a scholarly paper, whereas thesis students dedicated their efforts to their dissertations, often extending their studies into the following academic year. Additionally, there was an opportunity to study abroad during the Winter Semester at one of McMaster's eight partnering universities. Although I chose not to pursue this option and stayed at Mac for the Winter semester, my friends who did had incredible experiences abroad and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their time overseas.

I opted for the course-based stream, specifically Global Health Management, to solidify my understanding of Global Health principles and to take advantage of the practicum and internship opportunities provided in the Spring/Summer term, which the thesis stream did not offer. My practicum, which was unpaid as it counted towards academic credit, was conducted with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), an international organization dedicated to humanitarian action and community development through open mapping. This work is crucial map data for disaster management, risk reduction, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Regardless of your chosen stream (thesis or course-based), the program was very hands-on and focused on practical skills that are being utilized in the field.

The Global Health Learning Symposium was undoubtedly the highlight of my experience. It offered invaluable hands-on experience in a lower-middle-income country, enriching my understanding of global-public health challenges and solutions. Additionally, it provided a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the peers from McMaster's partnering institutions with whom I had previously interacted only through online classes. This in-person interaction deepened our connections and enhanced our collaborative learning, making the entire experience both educational and personally rewarding. This also gave me the opportunity to visit some destinations on my travel bucket list, including Denmark, India, and Oman, during this period! 

If you’re considering applying to McMaster’s MSc Global Health Program, you can find all the necessary details—including timelines, program requirements, scholarship information, and FAQs—here. Applications open in mid-November and close on January 31st. Please note that international applicants have slightly different deadlines, with applications closing in early January; check the website for the most current information.

To apply, you'll need a four-year degree and demonstrated interest in one of the program concentrations. This interest can be shown through volunteer work, professional experience, or research activities, and should be clearly articulated in your application. Required materials include a statement of interest, a preliminary research statement (for those applying to the thesis stream), a resume, transcripts, GPA calculation, and two academic references.

When crafting your statement of interest, adopt a narrative style. Tell your unique story with authenticity; this is how you distinguish yourself from others. Clearly articulate your motivations for applying and demonstrate how acceptance into the program will propel your professional goals forward. Understanding your "why" for applying may take some time. If you find yourself struggling to express this clearly (as I did), I recommend starting early and using journaling as a tool. You can find helpful prompts online that will guide you in diving into your motivations and aspirations. This process can clarify your thoughts and strengthen your application.

What advice do you have for students (especially high school + undergrads) who want to pursue global health, and get global health work experience, even if they don’t have any experience yet? 

Starting your journey in global health can be an exciting and fulfilling path, and it’s accessible even to those who are just starting out. Here are some steps and tips for high school and undergraduate students who are interested to explore and gain experience in this field:

1. Educate Yourself: Start by learning as much as you can about global health. Look for online courses, attend webinars, and read books and articles to understand the key issues, challenges, and advancements in the field. My go-to learning method is through podcasts. Here are some of my favourite global/public health podcasts to help me keep up with trends in the field and provide professional development advice! 

   1. Public Health Insight - Offers insights into various public health issues and solutions. It also offers valuable advice and support for individuals looking to broaden their knowledge on their LinkedIn page.

   2. The Public Health SPOTlight Podcast - Features discussions on diverse public health topics. 

   3. Unbiased Science - Breaks down complex health science into understandable content.

   4. The Lancet Voice - A podcast by one of the leading medical journals, discussing new research and global health issues.

   5. Canadian Health Information Podcast - Focuses on health information management and policy in Canada.

   6. Public Health on Call by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health - Offers expert analysis on public health issues.

   7. Global Health Collective Podcast - A student-led podcast that explores global health challenges and opportunities.

Additionally, subscribing to daily or weekly newsletters is a great method to stay informed about global/public health news and trends. Two of my favorites are Johns Hopkins Global Health Now and Healthcare Brew. These resources can provide you with insightful updates directly to your inbox.

Remember, it's important to manage your intake of local and global news, as overconsumption can be mentally and energetically draining. While staying informed is valuable, be mindful not to become overwhelmed by the constant flow of information from these learning platforms.

2. Volunteer Locally: Gaining experience in global health doesn’t always require travel. Begin by volunteering with local health organizations, hospitals, or nonprofits. This will not only provide practical experience but also show you how global health principles apply at the local level.
   

3. Join a Club or Organization: If your school has a club focused on global health or related fields like public health or environmental science, join it! If there isn’t one, consider starting one. This can provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and collective learning.
   

4. Network: Reach out to current students, new grads and professionals, working in global health through platforms like LinkedIn. Many professionals are willing to share advice and insights with students as they were once in your position!
   

5. Pursue Related Academic Opportunities: Look for classes and projects in your school that relate to health, biology, and social sciences. These can provide a good basis for understanding the complexities of global health issues.
   

6. Apply for Internships: Even without prior experience, you can apply for internships in organizations that work on global health issues. These are great opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience.
   

   1. My favourite job boards (full-time/part-time and internship opportunities):

      1. 80,000 Hours

      2. HealthTechPulse

      3. Idealist

      4. Devex

      5. LinkedIn Job Alerts using key terms (the Public Health Hired page offers a free guide to public health key terms for job postings and clear definitions of what roles means, developed by public health practitioners - this has been so helpful)

7. Stay Informed About Global Events: Understanding current events and how they affect global health is crucial. Follow news and developments in international health to stay informed and develop a well-rounded perspective.

8. Plan for Study Abroad Opportunities: If possible, take advantage of study abroad programs offered by your school. These can provide direct exposure to the global health issues you’ve been studying and a new perspective on how different cultures approach health care.

9. Attend Conferences: Many conferences offer student rates and some even have virtual attendance options (Public Health 2024; Canadian Conference on Global Health). These events are great for learning from experts, networking, and understanding the latest research and challenges in the field.

What types of experiential learning opportunities did you have in undergrad that you think were the most pivotal in getting you to where you are today?

As I reflect on my undergraduate journey, the turning points that have shaped my path so far were rooted in embracing diverse experiences and building connections. It all started with a study abroad program that opened my eyes to the possibilities within global health.

Throughout my undergrad, I also took on various volunteering, advocacy, and research roles. Many of these positions were unpaid, but they provided invaluable experiences and expanded my network significantly. These opportunities weren't always directly related to my career path, but they taught me the importance of flexibility and openness to new experiences.

Networking was another critical element. I reached out to professionals in the field, engaged in conversations with professors, and utilized platforms like LinkedIn and conferences to connect with industry experts. These interactions didn't just expand my professional network; they were learning opportunities that helped clarify my career goals.

I approached each opportunity with curiosity and an eagerness to step out of my comfort zone. The blend of formal education, diverse internships, and proactive networking were all pivotal in guiding me to a career in global health. So, whether you're just starting out or you're deep into your studies, remember to take advantage of the opportunities you feel will add valuable experience, paid or unpaid, and keep an open mind.

Where can students go if they want to learn more about your experiences? 

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m always open to chatting:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiapiccolo/

Is there any final advice or resources that you would like to share with Invite Health readers? 

If you're transitioning from high school to undergraduate studies, or have just completed your undergrad and find yourself feeling stuck, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. This might sound cliché, but it's a reminder I rely on to stay grounded during transition periods. Trust that you are on the right path, and understand that it’s okay to pivot; every experience you've had serves as a stepping stone towards your future. Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out—life is a journey. Place as much value on new experiences, like traveling (if it’s within your means), as you do on your education or research. Taking a gap year profoundly changed my perspective in so many positive ways and gave me a deeper sense of purpose outside of my professional life.

Next Up ⏭️ 

I interview Sara Emira, an MSc in OT graduate from University of Toronto! You may know her as Egyptian.OT on Instagram. We dive into what inspired her to pursue OT, her award-winning research and advocacy experiences, and tips for students wanting to find paid healthcare work experiences.

Sara’s interview will be available next week.

Jobs, Opportunities & Resources 💻️ 

Most of these resources are reposted on Invite Health’s LinkedIn page

• 🇨🇦 🌎️ ShadAnywhere Virtual Facilitator (paid)

  If you love mentorship, interdisciplinary education, and are looking for a paid, remote job this summer - please apply. I worked with Shad for two years in undergrad, and was the best job I’ve ever had. I probably wouldn’t have started Invite Health if it wasn’t for Shad. Feel free to reply to this email if you want to learn more!

• 🇨🇦 Project Coordinator Summer Student (pay tbd)

• 🇨🇦 Sherbourne Health | Summer Project Assistant – DET OHT - Sherbourne Health (paid)

• 🇨🇦 Xplore Program | Longevity Xplorers (free to participate, with opportunity for paid internship)

• 🇨🇦 Sherbourne Health | Community Outreach Worker, Health Access Expansion Project - Sherbourne Health (paid)

• 🇨🇦 Bilingual Program Lead- Healthcare & Community Relations | Cystic Fibrosis Canada / Fibrose kystique Canada | LinkedIn (paid)

• 🇨🇦 FRV’s Women Founders Project (notion.site) 

• 🇨🇦 Careers at Healthcare Excellence (paid)

• 💡 3 outcomes for Master’s and PhD Candidates

• 💡 Perfectly tailored resume, using the F method

• Check out previous postings in last’s week newsletter:

About Invite Health 💌 

I started Invite Health for my younger self who was trying to figure out what to do with my health sci degree that wasn’t a career in medicine.

Today, I’d say this quote is the primary reason I continue to build Invite Health:

The mission of Invite Health is to close this talent-opportunity gap for students in the life and health sciences.

Since 2022, we’re the leading resource for students figuring out what to do with a life sci / health sci degree. I interview students pursuing diverse careers in healthcare, and how they got there - no gatekeeping here. Every newsletter is rich with resources and insights.

Our main channel is this newsletter, and I occasionally share resources on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram).

You can read more about why I built Invite Health here

Get the most out of Invite Health 🫶

1. Connect with the interviewees: At the end of every newsletter, the interviewees leave their contact information for you to contact them. In your message, mention that you learned about their journey through Invite Health, and that you’re curious to learn more!

2. Share the word: Share Invite Health with your friends and networks. Start a conversation about something you learned- an opportunity, a piece of advice, or a recommendation that an interviewee made.

3. Bet on yourself: Apply to the opportunities that are shared in the newsletters. You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain. Circling back to point #1 - always reach out to the interviewees if you want advice!

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