HomeArchive by Category "CEC Exclusive!"

April Book of the Month

Green Careers: Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future

By Jim Cassio & Alice Rush

For the month of April, we will be reading Green Careers: Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future by Jim Casio and Alice Rush. Jim Cassio is a consultant specializing in career and workforce development. Jim shares his extensive knowledge of green careers in this guide to assist people in finding eco-friendly work. Alice Rush is a career counselor whose work focuses on career education and development. Together both of these authors provide sound advice to people looking to get involved in the sustainable workforce from a variety of sectors.

Green Careers provides valuable information into the career outlooks for a variety of fields as well as how to turn your passions “Green”. The book is broken up into two parts, the first focusing on “Green Career Profiles” and the latter focusing on “Additional Information and Resources” for career development in your chosen profession.

Part one is further divided into subcategories based on career interests from sustainable agriculture to natural sciences to engineering that further highlight the opportunities in various fields based on interest. Each career listing includes a description of the necessary qualifications, expected salary, job outlook, and resources to provide the reader with a comprehensive introduction to the respective career. Part two includes greater details for career planning and online resources.

We are reading this book in April to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd and learn more about sustainable career opportunities to benefit our planet. If you are interested in pursuing a green career, stop by the Career Exploration Center in MVR 1203 to check out this book and talk to a career assistant about your options!

Young Alumni Spotlight: Eden Rauch NS’98, MD, MPH

Dr. Eden Rauch is a double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Obstetrician Gynecologist who has always had a natural desire to help people.

Dr. Rauch earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York with honors in Nutritional Sciences. Her background in nutrition has been helpful throughout her medical career in counseling and promoting wellness with her patients. She went on to continue her education at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She enrolled in a combined degree program for Public Health earning her a degree in medicine and a master’s in public health MPH in Epidemiology, and was involved in starting NJ’s first registry to track early ultrasound-diagnosed fetal anomalies. Dr. Rauch went on to pursue her interest, completing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Medical College of Cornell University. In fellowship, Dr. Rauch was involved with starting an FDA-approved fertility preservation clinical trial for women affected with breast cancer. After residency and fellowship training in New York City, Dr. Rauch returned to her home state of NJ and joined a very busy fertility center in central NJ. She is responsible for helping families bring hundreds of new lives into the world.

Dr. Rauch’s compassionate approach to medicine has earned her several distinctions including the Vitals.com Compassionate Doctor Recognition and the Gold Humanism in Medicine honors.

Dr. Rauch has authored and contributed to numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals including Fertility and Sterility, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey.

Her areas of interest include improving infertility diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the areas of fertility preservation for patients with cancer, ovarian reserve screening and the treatment of diminished ovarian (egg) reserve in young poor responders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), nutrition and its impact on health and infertility, and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.

Q: What is it like to be a reproductive endocrinologist? Could you tell me more about yourself?

A: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is a specialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on hormones and their impact on the reproductive lifespan which include menarche, puberty, the reproductive period, and the menopausal transition. As a reproductive endocrinologist, I can treat a diverse population of patients and address problems that may interfere with normal hormonal reproductive physiology and fertility. The infertility component addresses patients who are actively trying to grow their families and require medical assistance. In addition, we can help patients preserve their fertility. As REI’s, our days start very early; you must be a “morning person!” The field is full of clinical patient encounters, office-based procedures, minimally invasive surgeries, and ultrasound examinations. Some examples of the hormonal conditions that we treat include amenorrhea which is the abnormal cessation of menstruation, hormonal dyscrasias such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance, hypogonadism often resulting from low body mass index, reproductive congenital anatomic disorders, pituitary tumors, and premature menopause. Some of our work overlaps with general endocrinologists, but we tend to focus on areas that directly impact the reproductive cycle. Compassion, patience, dedication, innovation, and good listening skills are important qualities for successful physicians in this field.

I am a double board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and Infertility specialist in New Jersey. I graduated from the Division of Nutritional Sciences in Human Ecology with honors in 1998. I went directly to medical school after graduating from Cornell where I completed a combined MPH/MD program at Rutgers Medical School and UMDNJ School of Public Health. I completed my 4 year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) and a 3-year sub-specialty fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Weill Cornell Medical Center. After 7 years of training in New York City, I returned to my home state of NJ and joined a very busy fertility center in central NJ. I have helped couples and patients grow their families by helping to bring hundreds of new lives into this world. I grew up in New Jersey, enjoying music and the arts. I enjoy going to Broadway shows and experiencing the Lincoln Center NY Philharmonic. I have played the violin for many years, striking my interest in classical music.

Q: What was your CHE experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I had an extremely rewarding undergraduate CHE experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had to explore the various courses and opportunities that CHE had to offer. I started as a Human Biology, Health, and Society major but I took an introductory Nutritional Sciences class and became intrigued with Nutritional Sciences. I switched my major to Nutritional Sciences wherein I had the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter. I loved being at the forefront of how nutrition impacted public health. During those years, I had the privilege of learning from professors who were making valuable contributions and discoveries to the field of Nutritional Sciences. My advisor, a MD-PhD in the department, guided me and helped me to navigate my career path. He introduced me to basic science research in the university and nutritional public policy in Washington, D.C. I focused heavily on research. At the end of my first year, I was part of a laboratory at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine wherein I studied the deprivation of blood flow and nutrition to fetuses in the pregnant ewe model. I participated in fetal surgeries on sheep, learned how to perform basic science hormonal assays, and presented my research as an honors thesis. In addition, I spent time in Washington, D.C. at the Institute of Medicine assisting in writing nutritional policy guidelines for the elderly population.

Q: What resources provided by Cornell guided you the most in your career exploration as an undergraduate student?

A: Relationships with my professors and peers guided me the most in my career exploration as an undergraduate student. Because the College of Human Ecology is a smaller college within Cornell, it fosters relationship-building with professors. For example, there was a visiting professor that I worked with who I still keep in touch with to this day. By building and maintaining these relationships, it allows for continuous learning, collaboration, and more opportunities.

Q: How has your degree in Nutritional Sciences prepared you for your career?

A: Medicine and Nutritional Sciences go hand-in-hand. Because of my background in Nutritional Sciences, when I took nutrition courses in medical school, it was not all new information. In my career, I can cater more to patients’ needs such as informing pregnant anemic and/or intolerant patients about supplements and foods that may improve their overall well-being and success with fertility and pregnancy. Nutritional Sciences is a great bonus!

Q: Do you have any advice for undergraduate students who are trying to figure out what they want to do in the future? What advice would you give to your undergraduate self?

A: Explore as much as possible. Explore the classes, explore the campus, and just be as involved as you can be in areas that may interest you. Keep an open mind; you never know what you may encounter. Take courses that interest you which you may never have the opportunity to take again. Meet with professors. They can give you advice and help you explore your interests. Get involved early so that you have more time to explore and delve deeper into what excites you. Explore spaces in Cornell that you typically would not visit and consider staying over the summer. Cherish your years at Cornell and try to take it all in!

Q: How was the transition from undergraduate to graduate school? Can you talk more to your experience(s)?

A: I went directly to medical school from undergraduate school and it was a smooth transition. I had some colleagues from Cornell that attended my medical school so it was great to see some familiar faces. Medical schools now focus more on postgraduate real-world experiences before admission; which was different for me when I applied to medical school.

Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in going to graduate school? What advice would you give to your graduate self?

A: Spend time with people in your field of interest. Connect with alumni and other individuals that you admire. Take courses that interest you. Try to gain some fieldwork experience. Be mindful of unique opportunities. Have an open mind and be resilient. There are many different paths to get to the same place.

Finding Balance as Pre-Med

By: Charlize Trostinsky

The pre-medical path is undoubtedly one of the most rigorous and academically demanding paths for an undergraduate. Cornell students often fall victim to the “all or nothing” mentality of putting their full attention on their academics and allowing their mental health to diminish in favor of a high GPA. Here are some tips and the inside scoop on how to manage this tumultuous time.

Google Calendar is a Pre-Med’s Best Friend

Staying organized is crucial for pre-medical students juggling heavy class load, study groups, clubs, research labs, interviews, deadlines and meetings. It can become extremely difficult to keep track of responsibilities, adding unnecessary stress to an already demanding workload. A convenient way of tracking commitments is an organized Google Calendar or physical planner, rather than writing reminders on random pieces of paper that end up crumbled up at the bottom of your schoolbag.

Building a Strong Support Network

The road to and through medical school is long and often isolating. Students are often forced to miss important family events, holidays, and time with friends to prepare for exams. It is vital for pre-meds to have people outside of their peers and colleagues as it can create a competitive environment of constant comparison. There are plenty of mental health resources at Cornell, specifically highlighted in the CEC blog called “Mental Health: Resources and Reflection from a Senior.”

Rethinking the Importance of GPA

Cornell University as a whole and particularly the Career Exploration Center at the College of Human Ecology is well known for its multitude of opportunities beyond a mere focus on grades. Whether engaging in research, doing clinical work, volunteering at a hospital, or even exploring another interest that has nothing to do with the medical field, applicants can distinguish themselves through their multifaceted experiences. There are countless components to a medical school application and exploring multiple areas of focus gives an applicant dimension. While every pre-med is required to take organic chemistry, a lasting positive impact on the community through volunteer work and philanthropy allows them to distinguish themselves from thousands of other applicants. I urge you to check out the CEC resources in the office and on our website for current opportunities in a multitude of fields. Some of my favorite CEC resources include the “Jobs and Internships” sheets for each major, the “Walk in Interview for Health and Medicine,” and “Clinical Experience for Pre-Med Students.” These resources are available on the CEC website and in-print at the CEC.

Embracing Gap Years

The former stigma associated with taking a “gap year” (also called a bridge year) or more is slowly but surely fading. Many Cornell students across all graduate paths, including medical, dental, and PA school, are opting for gap/bridge time. Most Cornell undergraduates take 1-2 years before going to graduate school to travel, gain clinical experience, work, conduct research, or to simply decompress after a rigorous undergraduate experience. The statistics regarding gap/bridge years are often an eye-opening surprise for many Cornell students who are debating whether they should pursue gap/bridge time. In fact, according to the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), 90% of Cornellians who matriculated into U.S. MD programs in 2023 took at least 1 gap/bridge year. Deciding when you are ready to apply is a very personalized and nuanced decision, so students are encouraged to connect with the pre-health advisors in HPAC to discuss this.

Written in collaboration with Rachael at the Health Professions Advising Center

Prioritizing Wellness

Many pre-medical students often sacrifice their physical health which leads to a multitude of complications. Exercise and a proper diet are vital to a working brain, a component essential to academic success. Down time is vital to maximizing the benefits of a study session. A technique that many students recommend is the Pomodoro method in which one will work for 25 minutes and take a 5 minute break. After 4 consecutive work intervals, the student will take a 15-30 minute break. This technique is meant to re-train the brain to focus without distractions. These small breaks are more beneficial than one would think, and a consistent timer will ensure that students stay on task and don’t get distracted for longer periods of time. In addition to the Pomodoro technique, there are plenty of other effective study methods including retrieval practice, the Feynman technique, mind-mapping and more. A link is provided below to explore these methods further.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail, Wait, or Switch

The path to fulfilling dreams and aspirations is seldom straightforward, and pre-med is not an exception. There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits all.” Some people are able to go straight into med school while others pursue a masters degree and research and begin medical school in their 30s. Some spend their 20s traveling or starting families. Everyone’s path to medicine is different and no two paths are the same. Some people spend their entire undergraduate careers preparing for medical school and decide last minute that they are going down a different career path. Some even deviate from the pre-medical track entirely, choosing alternate career paths in health care management, dentistry, research, consulting or more community based service jobs. Ultimately, the common thing uniting past, present, and future doctors shared desire to care for others which transcends any specific career path.

Sources

https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique#

https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/

https://hecec.human.cornell.edu/2023/05/03/mental-health-reflection-and-resources/

https://prehealthadvising.cornell.edu/

Minors: Are They Worth It?

Cornell University boasts an extensive collection of academic offerings, featuring nearly 80 majors and over 120 minors. Cornell Human Ecology, in particular, offers eleven minors focused on enhancing the human experience. So whether you’re interested in fashion, fiber science, environmental design, nutrition, physical fitness, global health, gerontology, or public policy, there’s a program for you. But are minors actually worth it?

With so many unique opportunities available to them, students are often quick to declare minors. But committing to a minor early in your academic career can actually limit your exploration by restricting you to specific courses. Additionally, some students find that they were never really that interested in the minor they chose in their early years of college.

Many students find themselves pursuing minors for the wrong reasons: prestige, parental or peer pressure, and academic validation, for example. But despite popular belief, fulfilling a minor is not the be-all and end-all of college; it doesn’t make you a better student to do so. And it doesn’t show up on your diploma either.

As a freshman at Cornell, I felt both overwhelmed and excited by the wide range of opportunities available to me. However, by the first semester of college, it seemed as though everyone had already chosen a minor and mapped out their career path. Now a sophomore, I understand that everyone’s journey is different; just because some people feel that they have a clear direction doesn’t mean you have to have it all figured out too.

Entering college, you’re not expected to have your career goals figured out to a tee. What’s more important is that you’re open-minded to new experiences and educational outcomes. College is a time of exploration and self-discovery, so use the time to explore. You don’t need to limit yourself to a selection of courses to prove yourself to anyone.

And if after exploring Cornell’s diverse course roster you find a topic that really interests you, don’t be afraid to go all in! But you don’t need to feel pressured to do so. While minors serve to complement your educational journey, you may find that your academic career feels more worthwhile when you take supplemental courses simply for the sake of exploration and personal growth.

Moreover, many students end up meeting minor requirements inadvertently. So don’t stress if you don’t have your career path figured out (by the way, a lot of us don’t). Many students end up changing their career path in college and beyond, and no two students’ academic transcript will look exactly the same by the end of their college journey.

As a Career Assistant at the Career Exploration Center, my advice to you is to take courses that interest, challenge, and inspire you. Whether or not they fall under a specific minor is inconsequential. Don’t let the pressure of fulfilling a minor hold you back from exploring topics you’re interested in.

March Book of the Month

I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse

By: Lee Gutkind & Karen Wolk Feinstien

This month we will be reading I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind & Karen Wolk Feinstein. We will be reading this book to explore nursing careers and to celebrate National Nurses Day on March 19th!

This book contains a compilation of true stories from many nurses throughout their careers. Each story is unique to the individual and highlights a different aspect of the nursing profession from the successes to the difficulties that nurses will encounter during their careers. Gutkind uses his style of creative nonfiction writing to seamlessly combine the narratives of each author into one story to give the reader diverse perspectives of the responsibilities and experiences of nurses.

This book allows the reader to explore nursing through different lenses to see if they could see themselves being a fit in this profession. If you are considering a career in healthcare, nursing is an excellent option. Less schooling is required in comparison to medical or dental school which is a plus for some students. Nurses also work very closely with patients and are able to have more personal interactions compared to other health professionals.

If a nursing career seems appealing, be sure to check out all of our resources for careers in nursing and swing by the CEC in MVR 1203 to learn more!

Why You Should Consider A Career An As AT

Love the healthcare industry but unsure of your place in it? Consider becoming an athletic trainer. Here are just a few of the reasons to think about this rewarding career:

Helping others: Athletic trainers help with a variety of things such as prevention and recovering from injury. They play a special role in helping athletes get better and succeed.
Building relationships: In this role, one works closely with athletes and athletic staff which allows for more and better relationships to be formed.
Flexibility in location: Athletic trainers can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and private outpatient practices.
Staying involved with sports: In this field, you get to work with athletes of all ages and backgrounds.
Change: No one day is the same and no one patient is the same so there will be a variety of day-to-day experiences and tasks.
Learning opportunities: There are always changes in the medical world that athletic trainers have to learn about. This keeps them on their feet and encourages them to learn more.

Athletic Training | NATA.

Athletic Trainers : Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Top 8 Reasons to Pursue an Athletic Training Career | Cedarville University

Young Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Lowenberg NS’15, DPT

Jennifer Lowenberg is originally from Northern Virginia but since getting married, have lived in New York, Texas, Japan, and now Maryland due to her husband’s career in the Air Force. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Nutritional Science where she was also a member of the track and field team, specializing in the pole vault. She then graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019. Since graduating, she has worked with all different clients in the orthopedic setting and have enjoyed getting to know every single patient she treats. Outside of the office, she enjoy spending time with her family (her husband, her dog, and her 11 month old daughter), exploring nature and going on hikes, traveling, and trying all the different restaurants in the area.

Q: What was your CHE experience like? What were you involved in during your undergraduate years?

A: I had a good experience. I was able to take courses both inside and outside of my major which was a great opportunity for me. I made good friends and it was a small program. Being a D1 track athlete, practices and meets took a significant portion of my time.

Q: What career and Cornell related advice would you give Nutritional Sciences majors? Human Ecology students in general?

A: For Nutritional Sciences majors, I would say to use the major to do whatever you want to do especially due to the difficulty of the major. It is ok to be different. You do not have to do what all your peers are doing. Enjoy your major but do not be tied down to one thing. For Human Ecology students in general, I would say to take the time to explore. Utilize this opportunity to explore and figure out what you really want. Once you graduate, you do not always have the privilege of just taking classes so capitalize on this opportunity.

Q: What are some things that you wish you knew before going to graduate school?

A: It is a big time commitment. It is harder and easier than undergrad in certain aspects. In graduate school, there is a bigger concentration on what you want to do. Because everyone is in different stages in life, there are diverse experiences.

Q: I know that you took a gap year prior to going to graduate school. What did you do during that time and how did it help you professionally and personally?

A: In my gap year, I worked in a doctor’s office and coached track. This gap year was more of a mental break for me. It gave me the time to figure out what I wanted to do and gave me some needed time away from school.

Q: What is your work like? Could you tell me more about yourself?

A: I currently work in outpatient orthopedics. I work 8 to 9 hours a day excluding weekends. I deal with a variety of injuries in a diverse population. For example, I may be helping an athlete with regaining motion and helping another patient hold his/her grandchild again. I do both rewarding and stressful work. I love the office and the flexibility that a career in physical therapy gives me. It is also stressful in that not all patients are cooperative and recover to the extent I would like them to.

Q: How have your values and goals translated into what you’re doing now?

A: I value working directly with people and I value physical health and wellness. I get to work directly with patients, helping them gain or regain mobility and strength. As a former track athlete, I get to continue to help others with physical health and wellness.

Q: What is it like working as a PT in the military?

A: In my previous job as a PT in the military, it was a very unique experience. I loved the military population but it was stressful. Unlike most of the general population, they are motivated to go to PT but they require some support. It is hard to see how much they have to endure.

Why You Should Consider A Career As A PT?

Love the healthcare industry but unsure of your place in it? Consider becoming a physical therapist, one of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Here are just a few of the reasons to think about this rewarding career:

Physical therapists have the ability to make a significant impact on people’s lives in both a personal and physical way. A crucial part of being a physical therapist is to foster a kind, welcoming, and safe environment so that patients can have better recovery.
Physical therapists are very active, spending a lot of time moving with their patients and doing other physical activities.
This profession is one of the fastest growing careers, providing significant job security.
According to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, in 2021, the median annual salary for PTs in the United States was $95,620.
There are a range of spaces in which PTs can work including, but not limited to, hospitals and outpatient facilities.
There are many opportunities to travel in the profession.
Because this profession usually works in the normal business hours, it allows for more exploration of other aspirations and interests as well as personal activities like spending time with loved ones.

For more information about PT and why you should consider being one, see the links below:

Is Physical Therapy a Good Career? | University of St. Augustine

11 Reasons to Become a Physical Therapist | Indeed.com

Admissions Process for Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Programs | APTA

Physical & Occupational Volunteer Opportunities

February Book of the Month

Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide To Making A Difference Around The World

By: Lonely Planet

Studying and volunteering abroad are valuable experiences for many students, so in February, we will be reading Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide To Making A Difference Around The World written by Lonely Planet. This book provides students with a resource to learn about volunteer opportunities abroad in a variety of fields such as conservation and emergency relief.

The book has ten sections each focusing on a different stage of the international volunteering experience. They are: (1) International Volunteering an Overview, (2) Choosing Your Volunteer Experience, (3) The Practicalities, (4) Tying Up Loose Ends, (5) Organized Volunteer Opportunities, (6) Structured & Self-Funding Volunteer Programs, (7) Religious Organizations, (8) Do-It-Yourself Volunteer Placements, (9) Coming Home, and (10) Start Your Own Charitable Project. Each of these sections includes further information on the specifics of the logistics of that area.

One main theme in the book is the benefits of volunteering for you personally and in the area that you are working in. Being able to see the impact that you can have firsthand while volunteering abroad is very powerful and volunteering abroad can also open doors for future work abroad.

Going abroad to volunteer can be very feasible if you know where to look. Volunteer includes many organizations including AFS Intercultural Programs, Global Volunteers, and Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) that potential volunteers can connect with to find placement with funded programs as well as ways to find funding for themselves which is a key factor for a successful experience.

If you are looking for summer opportunities including volunteering abroad, come check out the book in the CEC in MVR 1203 as well as our other helpful resources!

November Book of the Month

Intern: A Doctor’s Initiation

By: Sandeep Jauhar

Written by Dr. Jauhar, a cardiologist and director of the Heart Failure Program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, this book details the trials and tribulations of being a medical intern. Starting off as a physicist, Dr. Jauhar had a slightly different path towards medicine, making him reflect on the field in a new perspective.

Starting medical school after receiving a Ph.D. in physics, Dr. Jauhar had a different experience than many typical pre-medical students have. He was very unsure of his passions and motivations in medical school even up until having to choose his specialty, making his whole journey through medical school very confusing and emotionally distressing. Even while in residency, Dr. Jauhar found several medical procedures highly disturbing. Having all these doubts and feeling uncertain about many aspects of medicine, Dr. Jauhar struggled to come to terms with being a doctor for many years.

Continuously doubting his abilities to become a doctor, Dr. Jauhar reveals different aspects of medicine that he finds questionable and discusses his thoughts on them. And at some point, Dr. Jauhar himself becomes a patient with a herniated disc, and he’s able to experience the patient side of the work he is doing. By the end of the book, he develops the love for medicine and patient connection Dr. Jauhar needs to continue his journey to becoming a doctor.

To read more about Dr. Jauhar’s story and further explore your interests in medicine, come check out the book at MVR 1203!