HBS Field Placement Journals: Heidi Chow
To prepare for domestic and international career opportunities in public health, all MSPH in Health Education and Health Communication students participate in a full-time field placement for least six months.
In her HBS Field Placement Journal, second-year MSPH student, Heidi Chow, reflects on her field placement experience as a maternal and child health program officer at Samaritan'a Purse, Cambodia.
Anticipated graduation date: May 2025
Adviser: Liesl Nydegger, PhD
Field placement organization name: Samaritan's Purse
Field placement role: Maternal and Child Health Program Officer
Field placement date: July 2024 to December 2024
Why did you choose your field placement experience?
I wanted to find a field placement where I could gain hands-on public health experience in a Christian ministry setting. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply not only my core coursework in health education and health communication, but also the courses I have completed in the certificate tracks for Community-Based Public Health and Maternal and Child Health. As a bonus, I got to apply these skills in an international context in Cambodia.
How did you discover (and land) your field placement?
I learned about the opportunity through other public health professionals in the Christian community, and I honestly leaned into my faith and prayed.
What does a typical day of your field placement look like?
Every day is different. Some days, I sit at my desk conducting research and analysing surveys and reports. On other days, I go into the field to speak with health professionals and villagers for needs assessments and pre- and post-surveys to inform program design and evaluate program effectiveness.
What have you found most rewarding about your field placement?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my field placement has been the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the program to real-world situations. Courses such as research design, program planning, health communication, and even biostatistics have been very helpful in guiding my work. Engaging directly with the villagers has been extremely meaningful; gaining first-hand understanding, data, and information has allowed me to apply theories and models effectively to inform program design.
What advice do you have for current or prospective students as they think about their own field placement opportunities?
1. Don’t stress too much about the process! I remember feeling pressured to secure a field placement as early as my first term last year, but I ended up applying to this placement after my fourth term. It’s good to think about it early, but don’t worry if you don’t have something lined up right away—things will work out in the end!
2. Keep an eye out for organizations that align with your interests, as each organization has its own hiring cycle.
3. Lean into your cohort; they are one of your biggest resources. Share your interests and support each other by forwarding opportunities that you think would be a good fit for someone else.
4. For international students, be sure to check with OIS regarding potential immigration limitations or CPT approval challenges with different organizations.
5. Finally, when you find a field placement agency that interests you, communicate early with your program director and the agency to develop a work agreement that meets the program requirements.
How has your field placement influenced (or changed) your public health career goals?
This field placement has confirmed my passion for public health development work within Christian ministry, especially in international settings. It has also made me realize that I want to work for Samaritan’s Purse long-term.
This interview has been edited and compressed. Views expressed are the subject's own.