Simran Dhaliwal on Her Journey from India to Canada: Mental Health Advocacy, Health Research and Unlocking Opportunities

Message from Sachi

Hi everyone,

It’s been a busy time here - balancing my studies, socials, and special reunions here in Oxford. I am working on my global health assessment essay right now and talking about Community Health Workers in Nepal. I took a different approach to this essay, by emailing a few researchers of papers I’ve been reading- and I have 3 meetings set up with them!

A daily reminder that you can just email the researchers you admire- they are often flattered and excited to talk about their research with you!

Also, welcome to the 100+ of you who joined Invite Health from this LinkedIn post - it’s great to have you here! ❤️ 

This week, I invited one of my friends, Simran Dhaliwal, to share her story.

What you’ll learn from Simran:

• Navigating undergrad + post-grad journey as an international student from India in Canada

• Volunteering & working with non-profits such as the Meraki Initiative, Step Above Stigma, and more

• Her journey applying to public health programmes in Canada - and her next step at Queen’s Public Health!

Enjoy today’s read,

Sachi 💌 

Simran Dhaliwal on Her Journey from India to Canada: Mental Health Advocacy, Health Research and Unlocking 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?

My Journey So Far

Hi there! My name is Simran and I use she/her pronouns. I'm an international student from New Delhi, India, and I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) from Queen's University in June 2024.

What Inspired Me

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the factors that impact people's well-being. Coming from a country where access to quality healthcare is still a challenge for many, I wanted to understand what makes healthcare systems in developed nations stand out. I was inspired by my mother and grandmother, both of whom worked in the medical field, to pursue a career in healthcare. Initially, I aspired to become a physician, but as an international student, financial constraints and the limitations surrounding being an international medical student in Canada have temporarily put that dream on hold.

Instead, I've decided to explore the field of public health through a Master of Public Health program, also at Queen's University. Public health appealed to me because it takes a broader, population-level approach to promoting health and preventing disease. I remember telling my parents that I want to do something “health-related,” and I think public health is an intriguing and upcoming field especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It exists everywhere around us, especially through social determinants of health. I'm excited to learn about policies, programs, and interventions that can improve health outcomes for communities globally.

Outside of Studying

Apart from my academic pursuits, I love trying out new cuisines (Indian food will always be my favorite, though!), listening to music, and spending quality time with friends and family. I also like to journal occasionally, especially when there’s cool, new prompts every day! 

What's Next?

After completing my Master of Public Health, I'm considering various career paths within the field. Some options I'm exploring include:

• Working for a non-profit organization focused on global health or mental health promotion initiatives

• Joining a government agency/ public health unit or ministry of health to contribute to public health policies and programs

Can you tell us about how your experience as an international student in Canada has shaped your educational journey? Can you also share some resources/organizations for international students that have helped you along the way?

My journey as an international student in Canada has been a truly fulfilling and life-changing experience. From adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic to embracing the independence and self-discovery of living in a new country, I have grown immensely, both academically and personally.

When I began my program in September 2020, I had never engaged in online learning before. This was a significant adjustment, as I had to learn how to effectively communicate, study, and connect with my peers in a virtual environment. The 9.5-hour time difference also brought its own challenges, as I had to adjust my sleep schedule to attend lectures and participate in classes.

Despite these obstacles, I found that I had the opportunity to develop new skills, such as efficient typing and time management. This experience has not only strengthened my adaptability but has also taught me skills that will be so important for future endeavors. 

My arrival in Canada in October 2021 marked a significant milestone in my life. As this was my first time in North America and in Canada, the experience was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I was filled with a sense of independence and the opportunity to explore a new culture, but I also had my moments of homesickness and loneliness.

Through this journey, I have learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, seek support when needed, and find a sense of community in my new surroundings. The challenges I have faced have only strengthened my resilience and determination to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Accessing Resources and Support

Throughout my time as an international student, I have been fortunate to discover a lot of resources and support systems, through trying to find resources myself or checking out social media pages for informational purposes. 

• The International Student Centre at Queen's University has provided guidance on career development and visa requirements, ensuring that I am well-informed and prepared for the next steps in my academic and professional journey. If you are an international student in any university, I strongly recommend leaning onto your international student support center/services since they have immensely helpful resources, sometimes ones you do not even know about!

• The Queen’s University Library and Student Life Centre have been invaluable in providing me with the information and resources I need to thrive on campus, from academic support (research resources such as librarian support for complementing assignments) to personal well-being (student wellness services, foodbank).

• Online resources, such as the IRCC website have been crucial for visa-related queries. I am also grateful to organizations like Step Above Stigma who have provided me with a like-minded community to engage in mental health advocacy while also supporting my transition as an international student in Canada. 

• Most importantly though, the support and encouragement from my friends and family back home have been a constant source of strength and comfort, helping me to overcome the challenges and embrace the opportunities that have come my way.

I have learned to embrace challenges, seek support when needed, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

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

As an international student interested in public health, I've found that gaining relevant experience is crucial, even if you're just starting out. Here are some tips that have helped me:

Get involved on campus!:

Joining Step Above Stigma, a mental health organization at my university is one of the best decisions I have made. I participated in awareness campaigns and connected with peers who shared my passion. I encourage you to seek out similar organizations on your campus. These experiences can enrich your understanding of public health and make your resume stand out.

Seek paid co-op opportunities:

Finding paid co-op positions, especially in community health centers or public health organizations, can be incredibly valuable. I started my search early and utilized my university's Career Services, which helped me enhance preparation, for example, through resume and interview prep. Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasizing your enthusiasm and relevant skills can make a significant impact.

Engage in research!

This is another component of my resume that made me stand out- having done a research thesis during my undergrad really helped set the stage for what quantitative research involves, and what qualitative research might look like. This helped me get a head start on what I might do for my practicum, since most public health jobs are research-centric. Even if you don’t have past experience, demonstrating interest in the research topic or even a willingness to learn can help you! Remember-  to work in public health, research is VERY important, since evidence-informed decision making is at the core of the field. 

Utilize career services

Your university's career services are a fantastic resource. Like I said, I took advantage of their resume workshops and mock interviews, which has already boosted my confidence and is preparing me for the job market. Plus, they can connect you with alumni working in public health, offering valuable networking opportunities.

Remember, every step you take is a step toward your goals. Good luck on your journey!

Tell us about your experience applying to graduate schools! Also, what things did you do in your application that helped make you successful?  

As an international student, I chose to apply to three top public health programs in Canada for my MPH: Queen's University, University of British Columbia (UBC), and University of Toronto (U of T). While the application process was not too hectic, I started preparing early by drafting my personal statements and gathering required documents and references well in advance of the deadlines. I made sure to ask alumni, check out program websites in detail and figure out what would be the best fit for me. I also asked a friend at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health for guidance on how to approach the application, and even visited the UBC campus- it’s beautiful! 

Queen's University and UBC were my top choices for several reasons. I completed my undergraduate degree at Queen's, so I was already familiar with the university and had an established network there. The MPH program at Queen's is highly regarded, with a strong focus on community engagement and practical experience. 

UBC was another top choice due to its excellent MPH program, which is consistently ranked among the best in Canada. The curriculum offers a great balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities. Also, I have extended family in British Columbia, so studying at UBC would allow me to be closer to them.

While U of T's Dalla Lana School of Public Health is an exceptional program, it was realistically my last choice due to the high tuition costs and longer program duration. However, I still wanted to apply because of Dalla Lana’s strong reputation in public health education. 

To make my applications as strong as possible, I started working on my personal statements early, ensuring they clearly articulated my passion for public health, relevant experiences (research, health advocacy and community initiatives), and future goals. I also reached out to potential referees well in advance. Finally, I made sure to follow all program-specific requirements and submit my applications before the deadlines.

Ultimately, my decision to go with Queen's was influenced by my familiarity with the campus, the strong connections I had there, and the program's focus on community health, which resonates with my aspirations. I believe this choice will provide me with the best foundation for my future career in public health.

While the application process can be stressful, starting early and staying organized can make a huge difference! Make sure to put key dates into your calendar and take it easy!

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?

My extracurricular experiences were primarily centred around mental health, health promotion and education as well as mentorship. My favorite learning opportunity was with Step Above Stigma, a mental health non profit. I recall joining the organization as a volunteer, and eventually my dedication and consistency led to me getting promoted to a higher executive position each year, until 2023 when I was offered a position as the Volunteer’s Chair on the Board of Directors. Currently, I have transitioned to a Sales and Partnerships Officer position. I thought that this experience was truly fulfilling given my growth within the organization and learning the fundamentals of how a mental health non profit works.  

An additional pivotal opportunity was my volunteer role as a Hindi Executive at COVIDSpeaks- an organization dedicated to combating misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and providing culturally competent health information through translation in Canada’s most spoken immigrant languages. My role as a rural education program teacher at The Meraki Initiative was another stand-out experience- I was able to provide virtual health lessons to kids in India and Pakistan using simplistic language and engaging health promotion strategies. 

Overall, most of my experiences centred around promotion and advocacy, which are central to my interests. While these positions were unpaid, they were central to my MPH application and great learning opportunities. I recently secured my practicum at the BC Centre for Disease Control through these experiences, and I am sure they will be the foundations for future paid opportunities in similar positions. One thing I will say is that a majority of these opportunities were acquired through networking and strategy development- and that is a vital focus in today’s job market. Make sure you spend more time getting to know people, creating strategies and real connections in your industry instead of writing a cover letter and resume for hundreds of job applications! :)

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

I post about most of my experiences on LinkedIn- don’t hesitate to connect and reach out! :) You can also reach me via email- [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @simran_dhwal if you have any questions or just want to connect! 

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

My final takeaway is- Think about what can make YOU stand out! The health sector is full of opportunities, but it’s also competitive. To get noticed, go beyond just submitting your resume and cover letter. Connect with someone on LinkedIn. Send that email. Visit the organization in person. Set up a coffee chat. Volunteer. Apply for that award or grant!  Take action to make a real connection- it could be the key to unlocking your next big opportunity!

Jobs, Opportunities & Resources 💻️ 

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

• Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program (Canada)

• Lab Manager, STEPP Lab

• Project Manager, SickKids

• 5 Top Free Alternatives to BioRender for Scientific Illustrations

• Open Positions at Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology

• Summer Student, Simulation Lab | Michael Garron Hospital

• CHILD-BRIGHT’s Summer Studentship Training Program

• Open Positions at Wellcome Trust

• Master’s Student in Critical Perspectives on Aging, Marginalization, and Participation

• Wellcome Accelerator Awards for researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK

• Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) (Canada)

• Where to find job opportunities in the life & health science sectors

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

How to 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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How I Built Invite Health - BTS 🌼 

I’m building a series where I share strategies on how I built Invite Health. In two years, I’ve grown Invite Health organically to 1,800+ subscribers (meaning, I’ve spent $0), building it sustainably as a solo student founder throughout undergrad and my Master’s.

Keep the tools simple

All I use to run Invite Health are this newsletter platform (Beehiiv) and Google Drive. The only social media platforms I use are LinkedIn and Instagram. I design graphics on Canva.

It can be tempting when building something to use multiple tools to “increase productivity”. But realistically, using more tools leads to more maintenance. I found that by only using the essential tools with a specific purpose, I am able to spend more time focussing on scaling Invite Health rather than trying to use multiple platforms.

For example, I write all my LinkedIn posts on the LinkedIn website. I use the same template for all Instagram graphics on Canva. I use Google Drive to create the content for the newsletters, and then copy and paste it onto to Beehiiv.

Free Links & Resources 🫰 

• Applying to Grad Schools Notion Guide by Sachi

• 15 Paid Summer Research Programs in Canada

• 25 Paid Summer Programs for Life Science & Health Science Students in Canada

• Paid Summer Programs in Research, Policy, Tech, etc.

• Paid Healthcare x Business Opportunities for Students 

• How to Write a Cold Email

• How to Secure Research Funding

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