On short experiences

[Rebecca Mitchell]

Hello All,

 

I was lucky enough to be a Hubert Fellow in 2009-2010 in Guatemala, where I stayed for the full 12 weeks available. I put in a good deal of effort arranging my schedule to ensure that I had this time free, and I really feel that extending the timeframe to the maximum in my schedule allowed me to not only learn more but also to be of practical use. (I doubled courses one semester and I prioritized this opportunity over attending graduation, so I do not take this lightly.)

 

Although this is an international experience for you and a valuable one (one of the most valuable I have had...), keep in mind this is also the Hubert Foundation and the CDC site investing in you.  They take their time and their energy to give you this opportunity, and they have a goal in mind as well as a good sense of what time it will take to achieve that.  To aim for a short experience which is unlikely to contribute back to the site or allow yourself sufficient time to engage in the project at hand is in my mind not the best use of time.

 

If you have a short time frame available, apply for projects that request the short time frame.  This will also maximize your chance of being a good candidate for this highly competitive position.

 

The Hubert is a *fantastic* experience and I cannot recommend it enough!

 

Best wishes and good luck with your applications.

 

Rebecca Mitchell, DVM, PhD

USDA NIFA Post-doctoral Fellow

Cornell University