Ying Zhang - Virtual Mentor Panel
1. What was your first leadership role and how did you obtain it?
My first job after graduate school was Epidemiology Surveillance Coordinator at Nebraska state health department. This was also my first leadership role, where I supervise a few data analysts. Before obtaining this job, I worked as an intern in the same program for 2 years; and built up all the experience and network needed to be successful in this position.
2. How do you learn new skills on the job?
I observe what others do in similar positions. I read reports produced by my predecessors. And I always take on internal and external training opportunities.
3. What are the day-to-day work and responsibilities like in your current position?
I can’t really define a “typical” day of my work. I work at a local health department. Our community is very dynamic. There are always new diseases/conditions/outbreaks that we respond to. Every day is different.
4. What skills do you think new members of the public health workforce need to be building?
I think the essential skill is to “coordinate”, including identifying, obtaining, and distributing all kinds of resources.
5. Where do you see public health going in the future as a field?
I think public health will become a life skill, like swimming. Public health professionals will cover even broader aspects of people’s lives.
6. What gaps in the field of public health do you think need to be filled?
I think public health need to go beyond health departments. Just like every organization has a HR department, public health exist everywhere.
7. What advice do you have for early career professionals in public health?
Build networks in the community. Be confident in yourself. Keep your eyes open for continuing education.
