Excelsior University president David Schejbal was recently interviewed by host Eric Dye for an Enterprise Radio podcast. President Schejbal discusses Excelsior’s history, mission, and future, new programs and innovations, online learning, and military education.
Mastering the Employee Life Cycle
What is an employee life cycle? During their employment with your organization, a worker goes through various stages, starting with their first contact and continuing through their departure and moving forward. These stages together form the employee life cycle. As an HR professional, you can add significant value to an organization by managing how employees move through these stages.
Tips to Improve Each Stage of the Employee Life Cycle
If you’re a human resources professional, leaving the employee life cycle to chance is a missed opportunity. When you understand the stages and how you can positively influence them, it will benefit employees, your organization, and your career in HR. Here are the key stages and what you can do to optimize each one for highest employee satisfaction and a solid reputation as an employer.
Attraction
In the beginning of the employee life cycle, potential workers are just becoming aware of your organization. You can elevate the experience with effective employee branding, thoughtful marketing, and doing all you can to establish a sterling reputation with customers and employees. Be sure to listen to what people are saying on social media, including Reddit and Quora, as well as rating sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, CareerBliss, and Niche Pursuits. The human resources department should ensure that information about your company is complete and up to date.
Recruitment
The next stage is largely in the hands of your hiring managers. You’re looking to find and attract good candidates and put them through the hiring process. Tools that make applying easy, streamline the screening process, and automate keeping candidates informed at every step can make a substantial difference. Make sure you never ghost a candidate, even the most unqualified. Treating every applicant with respect goes a long way.
Onboarding
Once hired, bringing employees into an organization and integrating them into systems, processes, equipment, culture, and roles is the next stage of the employee life cycle. First impressions count, so you don’t want an employee’s first day to be chaotic. You might create an image of incompetence or lack of caring that could cloud the future of the relationship and destroy employee satisfaction from Day 1. A strong start creates valuable goodwill.
Engagement
Build enthusiasm and dedication among your staff with programs that involve employees in substantive decisions, work environment issues, and even fun activities and culture-building traditions. Programs that engage employees need to be authentically grassroots, not dictated from the top. Good programs ensure that employees know what their role is, are empowered and motivated to achieve in the role, are connected to co-workers and leaders, and feel like they are making a difference. The ideal is to make coming to work rewarding and enjoyable.
Development
When you invest in employees, they are more likely to invest in your organization. Employee satisfaction is higher when employees can take advantage of opportunities to add to their skills and knowledge with training and mentorship that supports their career growth. Keep your best employees loyal and motivated with programs that support their development.
Retention
The retention stage really starts from the day of hiring. When you onboard effectively, engage employees, and invest in their advancement, you have the best chance of holding on to your top performers. Human resources can regularly survey employees to find out what they like, don’t like, and wish they had. Employee reviews are not just to evaluate employee performance; rather, they’re an ideal time to learn what might interest and motivate them. Salary and benefits also play an important role. In this stage, consider the full employee experience to optimize it for retention.
Separation
Whether an employee resigns, retires, or is laid off or fired, it marks the end of their time as an employee. No matter the circumstances, human resources will want the parting to be smooth and respectful. Programs that help employees find a new position, recognize contributions, or facilitate keeping relationships can preserve your brand and keep things positive. The employee life cycle continues, in many cases, as employees become alumni, networking with each other, and ideally becoming advocates for your company and referring future hires.
What Are the Next Steps in Understanding the Employee Journey?
Learning how to optimize the employee life cycle and maximize employee satisfaction is just one part of what you’ll learn when pursuing your master’s degree in human resources. The benefits of earning your master’s in HR include acquiring knowledge and skills that take your career to the next level, preparing you to have a greater influence over the employee life cycle and a positive impact on employee satisfaction. You’ll also be fully prepared to assume rewarding leadership positions.
Knowing how to influence and improve the employee life cycle is a way to add value to your organization and to enhance the work experience of every employee. And for many, that is the main attraction to a career in human resources.
Is a Nursing Career Right for You?
Nurses care for patients, promote good health, and help prevent illness in hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities. These professionals assess and record symptoms, collaborate with doctors to develop treatment plans, conduct exams, administer medications, and monitor patient recovery. Their work is crucial to helping patients recover from illnesses and lead healthy lives. If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of others and working on the front lines of health care, a career in nursing might be for you.
Why Nursing Is a Good Career
One of the best things about being a nurse is the job security—these professionals will always be in demand. Let’s look at some other reasons why nursing is a promising career:
Nurses make a difference. Nurses provide hope, support patients and families with complex diagnoses, help celebrate good news, and more. Beyond their clinical roles, many nurses also volunteer in their communities and at health fairs, travel for events, and fundraise for charitable causes. Knowing you’ve helped others is a powerful aspect of the profession.
Nurses do exciting work. In the world of the nurse, no day is exactly the same. Nursing is versatile, and nurses can learn new skills and constantly apply them to changing environments.
You can choose your specialty. There are more than 100 nursing specialties to choose from! From flight nurse to NICU nurse, you can choose any specialty you want. The best part is that you can even move from one specialty to another to enhance your career.
Nurses can get excellent benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070. This is well above the median annual wage for all occupations nationwide. Plus, nurses get tons of great benefits like paid sick time, paid family leave, health and life insurance, child care, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and more.
You can earn your nursing degree online. Online degree programs provide flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work, family, or other personal commitments. This is extremely helpful if you’re already working in health care. These programs can also put money back in your pocket.
Do You Share the Characteristics of a Nurse?
Nursing is a critically important and rewarding career. But it takes the right kind of person to balance medical knowledge with good bedside manner. If a career as a nurse sounds appealing, review the following common characteristics of nurses to discover how many you share:
Communication Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for nurses. Clear communication builds trust, fosters collaboration with other health care providers, and helps patients make informed decisions about their care. By sharing accurate information, nurses ensure patient care quality, safety, and efficiency.
Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are essential to being a nurse. Empathy allows nurses to adopt a patient-centered approach by understanding and relating to their experiences, and compassion pushes nurses to be kind and patient. These traits inspire trust, promote emotional and psychological well-being, and reduce patient anxiety.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking allows nurses to solve problems and adapt in a fast-paced environment where they often work under pressure. By applying evidence-based practices, nurses can navigate challenges confidently and provide thorough, patient-centered care.
Attention to Detail
Good time management and the ability to balance priorities help nurses pay attention to detail, allowing them to identify signs of complications, prevent errors, and provide personalized care. This skill promotes efficiency, reduces risks, and improves overall health care quality.
Willingness to Learn
Nurses must stay updated on the latest advancements to provide the best care and adapt to changes in the field. Nurses should join nursing associations and pursue continuing education to help improve their skills and enhance their knowledge. This ensures that they remain effective, confident, and capable of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
How Can I Get Started?
Nurses are vital to health care. They provide direct, compassionate care and serve as patients’ primary point of contact. Are you ready to pursue your career in nursing? To become a registered nurse, you can choose between two educational paths: an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both programs prepare graduates for licensure and entry-level RN roles. However, to specialize or advance to higher-level positions, work experience and, in some cases, a master’s degree may be necessary.
Excelsior University offers online nursing degree programs at all levels, providing the knowledge and confidence needed to advance in your nursing career.
Making The Right Connections: 16 Tips For Young And New Nonprofit Professionals
Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer, recently contributed to the Forbes Nonprofit Council Expert Panel article “Making the Right Connections: 16 Tips for Young and New Nonprofit Professionals.” In his contribution, Pascoe Aguilar advises new professionals to “see opportunity everywhere” through proactive networking.
Is a Career in Technology Right for You?
Technology is made up of fields like information technology, engineering, robotics, biotechnology, and more. A career in the tech industry can be rewarding if you have a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and tracking rapidly evolving trends, with a wide array of roles to choose from, like software development, hardware design, or systems management, among many others. Let’s explore this field more deeply to discover whether this career is right for you.
What Skills Do You Need for a Career in Technology?
As the digital world advances, it’s increasingly important to stay up to date with technology trends and the demands of the field. You should possess advanced skills in the following areas:
Coding / Programming
Programming includes creating software and applications by writing code in various languages. It’s used in many technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain applications, and data engineering solutions.
Common tools in programming and coding include Java, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Swift, and Kotlin.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to modeling human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks like reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that allows machines to learn from data, which improves their performance over time.
Some popular AI technologies include deep learning, generative adversarial networks, neural machine translation, speech recognition and synthesis, and quantum machine learning. Common tools used in AI and ML are OpenAI’s GPT, Codex, AlphaFold, and IBM Watson.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world with digital elements, whereas virtual reality (VR) creates immersive virtual environments. These technologies are popular in areas like entertainment, education, and design.
Common tools used in AR and VR are ARCore (Google), ARKit (Apple), Spark AR (Meta), HoloLens (Microsoft), and Unity (Unity Technologies).
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is a way of installing, maintaining, and sharing dispersed information. It relies on a network of computers to store data in linked blocks, which creates a tamper-resistant chain.
The most common tools used in blockchain technology are Ethereum, Ripple, and Bitcoin.
User Experience (UX) Design
UX design involves creating attractive, user-friendly interfaces for digital products and websites. This kind of design emphasizes crafting seamless and positive interactions for users.
Some common design tools include Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Procreate, and Blender.
Robotics and Automation
Robotics and automation involve machines and computer programs to automate tasks in manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and space exploration. These innovations help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance safety.
Some essential robotics tools include Robot Operating System (ROS), MATLAB, and OpenCV.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Cybersecurity involves using specialized tools and technologies to protect digital information, networks, and systems from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
Common cybersecurity tools include QRadar (IBM), Palo Alto Networks, Firepower (Cisco), and SandBlast (Check Point).
What Does a Computer Science Career Look Like?
Computer scientists design algorithms, analyze data, automate tasks, and develop AI systems. With a degree in computer science, you can land a role as a data scientist, software developer, systems analyst, or database administrator. These scientists work across the finance, entertainment, health care, and defense industries, where technology is crucial in streaming services, mobile banking, and remote-controlled mining.
How Can Your Interests Lead to a Career in Cybersecurity?
Your interests can lead you to a cybersecurity career if your passions align with the field’s diverse opportunities. If you enjoy problem-solving, technology, or protecting important information, earning a degree in cybersecurity could lead to roles in ethical hacking, threat analysis, and system defense. If you’re interested in industries like health care, finance, or government, you can apply your skills in meaningful ways, like safeguarding health care data.
How Do Your Interests Line Up with a Career in IT?
Your interests can align with a career in IT if you enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, or improving systems and processes. A bachelor’s degree in IT is the entry point to software development, network management, cybersecurity, and data analysis roles. If you’re interested in creativity, IT roles like web or app development can let you design innovative solutions. If you like troubleshooting and helping others, a role in IT support or database administration could be for you.
Is a Career in Technology Management Right for You?
If you enjoy combining technical expertise with leadership and strategic planning, you could be perfect for a role in technology management. This field includes problem-solving, decision-making, and guiding teams, all themes you can cover in a technology management degree program. If you’re interested in technology trends and business processes, technology management is a perfect fit for integrating cutting-edge solutions into organizational goals.
How Can I Get Started?
If you’re ready to pursue a career in this field, consider earning a technology degree from Excelsior University and start on your path. Excelsior also partners with MedCerts, which allows you to obtain further qualifications and education you need to start your career in technology. MedCerts has programs that can help you gain experience and grow your knowledge to enter this wide-ranging field while earning you credit toward your Excelsior degree. With Excelsior University, you can pursue a career in technology that offers endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and making a meaningful impact.
Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering
Pursuing a career in technology often leads to considering paths like cybersecurity versus software engineering. Although both fields offer promising opportunities, they cater to different skill sets and professional interests. Understanding the distinctions and similarities between these domains is key for aspiring professionals to make informed decisions about their futures.
When considering cybersecurity versus software engineering, it should be understood that both careers demand specialized degrees, though the core curriculum and skill requirements can differ significantly. Further comparing these fields reveals distinct job roles and responsibilities, highlighting the unique contributions each profession makes to the tech landscape.
Is cybersecurity a good career? And what’s more, is it right for you, or would software engineering be a better fit? Below, you’ll learn about both tracks so that you can answer those questions for yourself.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, and disruption. It encompasses a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard digital assets against cyberthreats (like hacking, malware, and phishing). Core areas within cybersecurity include network security, information security, and operational security. Professionals in this field work to identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and respond to incidents—ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.
What Is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is the systematic application of engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software. This field focuses on creating efficient, reliable, and scalable software solutions to meet user needs and business requirements. It involves various stages, including requirements analysis, system design, coding, testing, and deployment. Software engineers use programming languages, development tools, and methodologies to build software applications, from web and mobile apps to enterprise systems and embedded software. The goal is to produce high-quality software that’s robust, maintainable, and adaptable to changing needs.
Educational Pathways in Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering
It’s crucial to understand the educational requirements for cybersecurity and software engineering. Each field has specific degree pathways that prepare aspiring professionals for their respective roles.
Degree Requirements for Cybersecurity Careers
Cybersecurity careers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. Coursework often includes subjects like network security, cryptography, risk management, and digital forensics. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree or certifications such as (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Practical experience through internships and hands-on labs is highly valued as well.
Degree Requirements for Software Engineers
To become a software engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline is generally necessary. The curriculum typically covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software development methodologies, and computer systems. Many software engineers also pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications to enhance their skills and career prospects. Real-world experience through coding projects, internships, and collaborative software development is essential for success in this field.
A Day in the Life: Cybersecurity Professionals vs. Software Engineers
The daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals and software engineers differ, reflecting the unique demands and objectives of each field. Whereas cybersecurity experts focus on protecting systems from threats, software engineers dedicate their efforts to creating and maintaining software solutions.
What Do Cybersecurity Professionals Do?
So, what do cybersecurity professionals do, exactly? These individuals are responsible for safeguarding an organization’s digital assets. Their daily tasks include monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, analyzing security breaches, and implementing protective measures such as firewalls and encryption. They conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and rectify security weaknesses. Incident response is a critical aspect of the job, requiring quick action to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. In addition, cybersecurity experts often educate employees on best practices for maintaining security and compliance with regulations.
What Do Software Engineers Do?
Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Their day typically involves writing and reviewing code, debugging software, and collaborating with team members to implement new features or improve existing ones. They engage in the software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements and planning to deployment and maintenance. Software engineers use various programming languages and tools, work with databases, and ensure that their applications are scalable and efficient. They also stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve their skills and deliver innovative solutions.
Skill Sets: What You Need to Succeed
Succeeding in cybersecurity and software engineering requires a distinct set of skills tailored to the specific demands of each field. Although both career tracks require technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities, the focus and application of these skills differ.
Skills to Succeed in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals need a robust set of technical and analytical skills. Key skills include:
- Knowledge of security principles — understanding core security concepts like confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Risk management — identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to develop effective mitigation strategies
- Network security — proficiency in configuring and managing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other network security tools
- Cryptography — using encryption techniques to protect sensitive information
- Incident response — ability to quickly respond to and manage security breaches or attacks
- Attention to detail — meticulousness in monitoring systems and identifying subtle indicators of compromise
- Continuous learning — keeping up with evolving cyberthreats and emerging technologies through ongoing education and certifications
Skills for Software Engineers
Software engineers must master various technical and soft skills to excel. Key skills include:
- Programming proficiency — strong command of multiple programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript
- Algorithm and data structure knowledge — understanding efficient algorithms and data structures to optimize software performance
- Software development methodologies — familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and other development frameworks
- Problem-solving — ability to analyze complex problems and devise effective solutions
- Collaboration — working effectively in teams, often with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders
- Attention to detail — precision in writing and reviewing code to ensure functionality and prevent bugs
- Adaptability — willingness to learn new languages and technologies as the field evolves
Job Outlook for Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering
Currently, the job outlook for both cybersecurity professionals and software engineers is promising, driven by an increasing reliance on digital technologies and a growing need for secure, efficient systems.
Cybersecurity
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts (a category that cybersecurity falls under) is expected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033—boasting a high demand rate that’s much faster than the national average for all occupations. This rapid growth is catalyzed by the rising incidence of cyberattacks as well as the increasing importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information.
As of 2023, median annual wage for information security analysts was $120,360, with higher earnings potential for those in top industries or holding advanced certifications.
Software Engineering
The BLS projects the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by the continued expansion of software development across multiple sectors, including mobile applications, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
The median annual wage for software developers was $132,270 in 2023—with higher salaries in industries like software publishing and finance—reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field
How to Choose the Right Path for You
Deciding between a career in cybersecurity or software engineering depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider what aspects of technology excite you the most: Are you more interested in protecting systems and combating cyberthreats, or do you prefer creating and developing software solutions? Reflect on your strengths in areas such as problem-solving, programming, and analytical thinking. Additionally, think about the type of work environment and daily tasks you envision for yourself. Researching both fields, gaining relevant experience, and seeking advice from professionals can also help you reach an informed conclusion about which path better aligns with your aspirations.
Pursue Your Cybersecurity Education with Excelsior
Choosing between a career in cybersecurity and software engineering is a decision that hinges on your interests, skills, and professional goals. Each field offers rewarding opportunities and requires distinct educational pathways and skill sets; cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding digital assets, whereas software engineering emphasizes creating robust software solutions.
If you’ve wondered whether cybersecurity is a good career, the above insights have hopefully helped you feel more confident about pursuing this specialty. Should cybersecurity further pique your interest, explore the comprehensive bachelor’s degree program offered by Excelsior University. Learn more about how our cybersecurity program can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
The Importance of Nuclear Safety
Nuclear technology refers to using nuclear reactions to generate energy. Nuclear safety is essential in nuclear technology because it protects people, the environment, and property from the potential hazards that can arise from the use of nuclear energy and materials.
How Do We Define Nuclear Safety in Power Plants?
Nuclear safety in power plants involves establishing processes and systems to protect people, the environment, and property from nuclear crises. It includes developing safe reactor operations with strong designs, various safety barriers, shutdown systems, and strict operational procedures. Emergency preparedness, regular inspections, and following regulatory standards help ensure safe and sustainable plant operations.
What Are Some Areas of Nuclear Safety?
According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), U.S. power plants are among the safest and most secure in the world. Federal guidelines and industry safety procedures help make nuclear power a safe choice for our economy and communities. Let’s explore the different areas of nuclear safety.
Operational Safety
The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) ensure high safety standards through evaluations and best practices. Plant workers undergo thorough training and education, and workers build facilities with multiple protective barriers and safety systems. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) also enforces strict regulations, conducts inspections, and implements safety rules.
Security
Nuclear facilities maintain strict security protocols. The NRC enforces high security standards, and facilities feature steel-reinforced concrete containment structures designed to withstand natural disasters and even jet airliner impacts. Nearly 9,000 armed security officers, many with law enforcement or military backgrounds, safeguard these plants.
Cybersecurity
Advanced cybersecurity measures and constant threat monitoring protect nuclear power plants from cyberthreats. These plants operate hardware that prevents internet access and allows data to flow only outward. Strict controls are in place for portable media, and workers undergo rigorous security screenings and training. Regular inspections by the NRC ensure that cybersecurity protections remain effective against evolving cyberthreats.
Emergency Preparedness
Nuclear plants prepare for emergencies with federally approved emergency plans developed in coordination with state and local governments and first responders to protect communities and employees. These plans include professional training and evaluations by the NRC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which ensure readiness and continuous improvement. The Fukushima Daiichi accident, hurricanes, and the September 11 attacks have strengthened these kinds of plans and helped professionals develop new strategies to maintain safety.
How Do Power Plants Dispose of Radioactive Waste?
Nuclear waste is generated from power plant production. It requires safe disposal based on its risk level. Radioactive waste includes high-level waste, low-activity waste, and transuranic waste, each requiring specific treatments like vitrification or deep geologic disposal. High-level waste, such as used nuclear fuel, is highly radioactive and remains so for thousands of years. Low-level waste decays faster and is often disposed of in near-surface facilities. The Department of Energy (DOE) oversees nuclear waste management but faces many challenges.
Does the nuclear industry appeal to you? Start on your path to a career in nuclear safety with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology!
Systemic Leadership: Leading Effectively by Leveraging Our Collective Intelligence
Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer, published the book “Systemic Leadership: Leading Effectively by Leveraging Our Collective Intelligence.” The work encourages leaders in higher education ecosystems to think and lead systemically, to further their critical charge to scaffold and facilitate the preparation of a diverse, authentic, engaged, and ready next generation of leaders, as well as to reassess the value and subsequently pursue the power of leveraging our collective intelligence for the enhancement of decision-making and performance as institutions and the field of higher education.
Assessment in Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Education
Joe Levy, associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement, was a contributing author for a journal article in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement and Impact. The article, “Assessment in Higher Education and Student Affairs Graduate Education,” was a research project examining the presence, nature, and extent of coverage of assessment as a topic in higher education graduate preparation programs
Read the article here.
View the full journal issue here.
Contributions of Leading Student Affairs Assessment Associations and Organizations
Joe Levy, associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement, was a contributing author to a journal article in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of Student Affairs Inquiry, Improvement and Impact. The article, “Contributions of Leading Student Affairs Assessment Associations and Organizations,” was a contribution to the history and current state of professional organizations supporting student affairs assessment.
Read the article here.
Read the full journal issue is here.
Epidemiology: The Key to Public Health
When COVID-19 suddenly spread across the world, many people—including health officials—didn’t know what to do. Specialists in the field of epidemiology stepped in to study the fast-spreading pandemic. These scientists tracked COVID-19 by identifying its source through community and health facility surveys and tracked the disease using data from case reports, hospital records, and death certificates. Studies provided insights into the infection period, risk factors, vaccine safety, and long-term health effects. Based on this data, scientists developed and updated guidance to lessen the disease’s spread and impact on different populations and settings.
The heroic work of epidemiologists may seem like the stuff of science fiction, but their efforts result in very real benefits to society, including saving lives that would otherwise be lost to disease. If you like public health and detective work, read on to see whether a career in epidemiology could be right for you.
What Is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the study of diseases and injuries in populations, their origins, how they spread, and finding solutions for stopping them. Epidemiologists work in hospitals, laboratories, and offices for universities, colleges, and local, state, and federal government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the median annual wage for epidemiologists was $81,390, making it a lucrative public health profession.
How Does Epidemiology Help with Public Health?
Epidemiology helps provide data and insights necessary for learning about diseases and disease prevention. It helps with:
- Identifying diseases. Epidemiologists identify risk factors and causes of diseases, allowing public health officials to develop targeted solutions.
- Tracking outbreaks. Public health officials can identify sources of outbreaks, how the disease spreads, and populations at risk so they can enact effective measures.
- Guiding public health policy. Public health officials can develop important disease prevention guidelines, policies, and health programs for communities.
- Improving health equity. Epidemiology helps fight health disparities in communities by allowing scientists to study disease patterns across different demographic groups and developing specific interventions for underserved populations.
- Promoting preparedness and prevention. Public health officials can prepare for potential crises like pandemics and natural disasters and can support disease prevention strategies like vaccination programs and health screenings. This can help reduce health care costs.
How Can I Get Started?
Becoming an epidemiologist requires education, work experience, and a passion for research and public service. You need to start with a bachelor’s degree in a field like public health, biology, or health sciences to provide foundational knowledge. Entry-level positions typically require a master’s degree with a focus on epidemiology, which also offers training in health, environmental health, and research methods. Practical work experience gained through fieldwork in public health or research labs is essential for developing the skills needed for a successful career in the field.
If you’re ready to start on your career path toward epidemiology, consider earning your Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Fostering Civic Engagement in Public Administration
Civic engagement is fundamental to effective decision-making and policymaking for public administrators. It means reaching out to the public about issues of concern, from groups and organizations on down to individuals. In a democracy, communication, collaboration, and transparency between government and citizens is what leads to a prosperous and vibrant society.
What Is Civic Engagement?
Civic engagement is a concept that incorporates the activities that involve governmental entities, people, and organizations in addressing common and communal concerns for the betterment of communities and society at large.
It may involve civic participation with politics and government. These forms of civic participation include activities like voting, participating in hearings, attending focus groups and town halls, signing petitions and joining protests, serving on advisory committees, lobbying, and even running for office.
Yet civic engagement isn’t purely political. It can also include working with community charities and clubs, helping out at community gardens, participating in trash clean-up drives, or advocating for a grassroots movement and raising awareness about specific issues.
What Are Some Types of Civic Engagement?
Civic engagement can take many forms. Some of the more common ways the public interacts with government include:
Public Feedback
Giving voice to community and individual concerns by attending town halls, fielding and filling out surveys, and attending focus groups gives public administrators a fuller understanding of the issues and needs of various constituencies.
Participator Budgeting
Citizens can directly and specifically provide opinions about spending priorities and community investment needs.
Advisory Committees
Bringing together different voices and perspectives to collaborate in framing issues and solving problems is tremendously helpful to decision-makers.
Digital Engagement
Online platforms and social media are a way to reach more people faster and engender vital public dialogue.
Community Partnerships
Public-private partnerships, along with informal and ad hoc collaborations, are ways for government, private organizations, and individuals to work together in creating, implementing, and managing programs that benefit the public
Grassroots Movements
When people and organizations band together at a local level of public engagement, they can kick off bottom-up change that is often more effective than top-down efforts.
Volunteering
Contributing your time, energy, and skills to groups and public initiatives is a way to make direct and substantive change for the better for communities and individuals.
How Is Public Engagement Beneficial?
Effective public engagement leads to better government and better communities. Some of the benefits include:
- Transparency. Community members and leaders both have open access to information for a more complete understanding of the issues and resolutions.
- Inclusivity. Involving diverse voices in public engagement ensures that decision-makers include more perspectives in decision-making.
- Accountability. Governments must be responsive to the people they are meant to serve.
- Collaboration. Problems that are solved with people and groups working together lead to more enduring and effective solutions.
- Trustworthiness. When people participate and get to know decision-makers and those implementing decisions, they have higher confidence in the solutions.
- Better outcomes. Equitable, effective results are made possible with vibrant civic engagement.
Who Shapes Policy Around Civic Engagement?
Various stakeholders can influence civic engagement that encourages active participation in the community, from governmental organizations to a grassroots movement.
Outside of government, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and advocacy groups play roles. Education institutions contribute research, provide education, and host civic initiatives. Businesses, media, and associations may get involved through lobbying, charitable giving, and funding advocacy initiatives. Individual citizens and activists also participate.
Earning your Master of Public Administration prepares you for leadership roles inside or outside government. You’ll find openings and opportunities in business, with a variety of organizations, and within local, state, national, and even international governmental bodies.
For a career that is highly rewarding, with impacts you can see, working in public administration and promoting civic engagement can be an exciting choice.
