Rachel got her BS in Finance and worked as an internal auditor before deciding to use her skills in a whole different area—Public Health Nutrition. She completed an extra year of school to “catch up” and meet the prerequisites of the MPH program, as well as requirements to become a Registered Dietitian. She thinks it was completely worth it…”it is so important to do something you truly care about!”

Rachel started in the physical activity concentration and decided to switch to nutrition, and to become a Registered Dietitian, in part to help her stand out from other masters students and really show her specialty, since Public Health is such a broad field. She did “an awesome” practicum with the Wellness Coordinator in the Thompson School District. She also had a GRA position (research on school nutrition) and did a lot of volunteering during her “spare” time.

Currently, Rachel is working as a Wellness Specialist at Weld County School District 6. She is responsible for coordinating and facilitating worksite and student wellness committees, including developing and implementing intervention strategies for various audiences and advocating for student, family, and staff wellness on a daily basis. She also does grant-writing and reporting, policy, and website maintenance. She loves working with students and staff to promote wellness and strives to lead by example.

Rachel’s CSPH education and degree were huge assets in getting her job. Learning about the importance of data and evidence-based programs was helpful, as well as realizing the significance of considering and knowing her audience and their needs before designing interventions for them. And she has only just started this job!

Her recommendations to CSPH students: Network!!! Get your face out there and volunteer; it will pay dividends.