Hi everyone! I’m an incoming MPH (BSHES) student and, like many grad students, I’m trying to figure out how to balance gaining experience with needing a job that actually pays the bills.
I was offered the REAL program, and I noticed they increased the pay to $20/hour (which is definitely better than the previous $15). I understand that programs like REAL can provide valuable career development, networking, and opportunities that may help build my resume.
My hesitation is that I already have experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator and I’m currently making around $53,000/year. If the REAL role involves responsibilities at the same level (or higher) than the work I’m already doing, I’m struggling with the idea of taking a significant pay cut just for the “opportunity.”
I’m trying to figure out whether I’m looking at this the wrong way. For those who have participated in REAL or similar graduate student employment programs: did the career benefits outweigh the lower pay? Did it actually open doors that wouldn’t have been available otherwise?
I want to make a smart long-term career decision, but I also want to make sure I’m valuing my experience and not accepting less than what my skills are worth.