Study Notes for Emory Interview Preparation

Introduction

  • Discussed the main topics of the interview preparation, especially focusing on the reasons for applying to Emory and personal interests.

Key Points About the Interview

  • Importance of stating that you have chosen Emory for early decision.

  • Mention the double major: Public Policy and Analysis & Human Health.

Reasons for Choosing Emory

  • Identified the specific program of study: Public Policy and Analysis along with Human Health, emphasizing its connection to the "Imagining Democracy Lab" and "Breakthrough T1D Institute."

    • Significance: Fields merging public policy and health solutions for better outcomes.

  • No requirement to quote the application essay but use it as a reference to talk about educational pursuits.

Personal Background and Experiences

  • Importance of sharing experiences in public policy and health, mainly through internships and engagement in advocacy.

Timeline of Interests

  1. Introduction to Policy

    • Originated from environmental awareness.

    • Led to involvement in advocacy and organizations such as Breakthrough T1D.

    • Realization that change often occurs behind the scenes in policy-making.

  2. Internship with Assembly Member

    • Gained firsthand experience and exposure to the legislative process.

    • Eye-opening insights about the bureaucratic aspects of policy and politics.

    • Importance of crafting effective solutions at the grassroots level.

Specific Experiences

  • US Senate Page Program

    • Exposure to legislation, thought it would be a great opportunity, ended up fetching water but ignited a passion for politics and policy.

  • Internship with Assembly Member Tony Simone

    • Studied health care policy and housing policy and contributed to developing proposals.

Personal Relevance and Health Perspective

  • Type 1 Diabetes Experience

    • Diagnosed recently, which shaped personal interest towards health policy.

    • Engagement in managing the condition highlighted the complexities of healthcare.

    • Connection to advocacy with Breakthrough T1D, leading to participation in Children’s Congress and advocating for critical funding in health research (Special Diabetes Program).

Leadership Training and Advocacy

  • Description of the journey during advocacy training and culminating in a week of advocacy in Washington, D.C.

    • Built connections with various congress members and advocated for the Special Diabetes Program, which has an annual funding of $160 million dedicated to diabetes research.

  • Reflection on Government Policy Issues

    • Importance of viewing these issues as bipartisan and the impact of political climate on funding and innovation in healthcare solutions.

Academic and Career Aspirations

  • Emory’s Unique Offerings

    • Interest in double majoring reinforcing a solid academic foundation in public policy and health, particularly innovative health strategies.

    • Courses of interest include Health Policy and Politics of Public Health, focusing on real-world applications and capstone projects.

  • Innovation and Project Experience

    • Mention participation in innovative projects like the Weather Balloon and EcoSiv initiatives that align with health and environmental policies.

Exploring Further Interests

  • Desire to understand and explore various parts of innovation education including projects, hands-on training, and partnerships through Emory’s programs.

  • Acknowledged participation in programs like SparkTank and the entrepreneurial focus from Villars Institute.

Questions for the Interviewer

  1. About Their Journey

    • "I understand that you graduated Emory in 1996. Can you tell me about your journey with Emory?"

  2. Career Steps

    • "Did you go straight into finance after graduation or did you initially work in the political sphere?"

  3. Advice for Students

    • "What advice do you have for incoming students to maximize their college experience at Emory?"

  4. Further Inquiry

    • Asking about opportunities and areas on campus that might not be highlighted in articles online, sparking genuine discussion and mentorship possibilities.

Closing Thoughts

  • Prepared to articulate interests clearly and express ideas thoughtfully and confidently.

  • Maintaining light-hearted demeanor while treating the conversation as a genuine interest to learn from the interviewee.