Tips for Students

What to Expect

• An orientation (by your supervisor or a designated staff member) to your position and the agency. In 2023-2024, the Center will also provide an orientation to Center-funded positions.

• A period of "onboarding," especially during your first semester. We know you're excited to roll your sleeves up and get to work, but it can take time for your paperwork to get through agency systems to allow you to do that. Your supervisor/team will also want to make sure not to overwhelm you with too much info all at once, and may only be able to parse assignments out you as quickly as they get them. Be patient and trust that a few months of training during your first semester will set you up for success!

• Access to your supervisor or a designated staff member. Many students find it helpful to request and set up short weekly meetings or calls to touch base or trouble-shoot issues with their supervisors. They also find it helpful to send their completed task lists to their supervisors at the end of the week. This allows you to see all that you've accomplished (and can help inform job descriptions). When you start, ask your supervisor how they'd prefer to check in and have a discussion about what works for both of you.

• Support from the Center. If you're struggling with any aspect of your position, don't wait–reach out to your supervisor and ask for help immediately. Contact Sara any time you'd like to check in so that she can find ways to support you. 

• A true professional experience. Your Center-funded position impacts MCH populations. The over-arching mission of your agency couldn't be carried out without tending to some of the nitty-gritty work that isn't always very glamorous, or exciting. It is, however, critical to moving the needle on maternal and child outcomes, and Y O U are contributing to that! If it's feeling hard to connect what you're doing in your day-to-day deployment activities to MCH outcomes or the agency's mission, just ask your supervisor or a team member–they will be happy to help you see the forest for the trees!