Willow Snow is a recent graduate from the BYU Public Health Program and shares her insight on how to succeed from class to the workplace.
Willow Snow started at BYU hoping to go into occupational therapy. When looking for a degree that would line up with that goal she found the prerequisite classes for Environmental and Occupational health worked well with her classes she would be taking.
This led to Snow majoring in Public Health and focusing on the emphasis of Environmental and Occupational Health.
When she began working in the industrial field with people she found how much she loved the fulfillment she gained from working in the public health field.
When asked what her favorite part of the major was and the emphasis that continued to drive her, “The biggest thing is the people who you get to work with and help in environmental and occupational health.”
Snow’s love for occupational health is an aspect of her education that directly impacted the quality of her schooling.
One of the largest pieces of advice she had was how to enjoy it while you are there. You are constantly learning when we are in these classes, and we never know what is something interesting that can be applied in your career further down the line.
“Find a way to be … interested in what it is even if it’s Chem 105, and you're not having fun.”
Classes can be difficult and challenging. Yet when you are being pushed, and you are able to still take the time to enjoy it, you are able to appreciate the class and learn more.
Snow said it was essential to her that she found enjoyment in the harder classes. She stated, “I know for me in some of my classes that were more difficult. I stopped enjoying what I was learning, and then I learned less.”
Every opportunity was a way that Snow was able to learn and to be able to use experiences to become a better industrial hygienist. Even if it was from a moment in or out of the classroom that she didn’t expect.
When applying for jobs or opportunities a huge aspect of the success she has found in her career is applying for things that students don’t feel qualified for.
Students usually underestimate how far they are able to go. Snow felt that as well. She said that is something she would tell to other students. “Don’t be afraid to apply to things. Sometimes I feel like I was underqualified for positions that I was applying for, but I got further than I thought I would.”
Take time to look for experiences you are going to want to be experienced in the field that you are going into. When you are you stage a huge leg up in the Public Health and specifically the Environmental and Occupational Health industry.
Snow found internships and study abroad opportunities were large moments that pushed further into her career. Gaining experience being a large aspect of how she better understands her place in the Public Health workforce.
“I went on a research project to Nepal in February and I think that just really opened my eyes to the possibilities that you can do with this degree and the kinds of people you can help with your major.”
For Snow that was finding her future career lied into the Industrial Hygiene industry. Where she continues to work in helping the world become a healthier and safer place with her working in it.