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Merissa, Program Evaluation Specialist at University of California, San Diego: Advize Career Interview
A career as a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego, as described by Merissa, offers a dynamic blend of psychology and public health.
A psychology major and undergraduate research experience laid the foundation for a path marked by internships, graduate studies, and ultimately, a multifaceted role involving data analysis, report generation, and impactful contributions to community health initiatives.
The work demands meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and self-motivation, yet offers the immense satisfaction of seeing data-driven improvements implemented.
Entry-level opportunities, such as research assistant positions, abound and often lead to full-time employment.
Success in this field hinges on reliability, strong communication, and a proactive approach, all skills honed through undergraduate experiences like research assistant roles and poster presentations.
The ability to influence policy and contribute to improved healthcare access makes this a career with significant purpose and real-world impact.
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
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Traits
Merissa Kado-Walton
Program Evaluation Specialist
University of California, San Diego
UCLA 2014
San Diego State University, MA in Psychology
Psychology
Healthcare
Data and Analytics
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego
Merissa's career path began with a psychology major at UCLA, where "undergrad experience" proved crucial for graduate school aspirations. After a brief detour into market research, internships at UC San Diego led to a full-time research position, further graduate study in psychology, and Merissa's current role as a staff researcher bridging "a fusion of" psychology and public health.
Main Responsibilities of a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego
Merissa's role as a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego is "a little multifaceted," encompassing data collection, analysis, and reporting for program evaluations and clinical trials across San Diego County. This involves a wide range of research activities, including project coordination and IRB submissions.
A Day In The Life Of A Program Evaluation Specialist At UCSD
A Program Evaluation Specialist at the University of California, San Diego has a varied workday, juggling "working with data," meetings with program participants and county contacts, and report generation to improve projects. Merissa's role is characterized by independent work, flexible scheduling, and a significant amount of collaboration with colleagues, often involving "planning and spreadsheets."
Most Important Skills For A Program Evaluation Specialist At UC San Diego
Merissa, a Program Evaluation Specialist, identifies key skills for success in her field as meticulous attention to detail ("we really stress take your time and making sure everything is correct"), data management/analysis experience, and strong critical thinking abilities to inform research design and analysis. Familiarity with data analysis software like R or Stata is highly beneficial, although SPSS remains relevant in some academic settings.
Favorite Parts of Being a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego
Merissa, a Program Evaluation Specialist, finds the most fulfilling aspect of her role is "having results to share," whether through reports or policy recommendations, because this data-driven approach allows for improvements and informs impactful changes within local communities. The creative advising component, coupled with the ultimate goal of influencing policy, adds to the career's impact and sense of fulfillment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Program Evaluation Specialist At University Of California San Diego
Merissa, a Program Evaluation Specialist at UC San Diego, identifies "timeline management and being realistic about expectations" as the biggest challenge in her role. This involves accurately estimating project timelines, doubling initial estimates to account for delays in receiving necessary materials and project startup, demonstrating the need for careful planning to avoid jeopardizing project deliverables and contracts.
Favorite Parts of Working in Healthcare as a Program Evaluation Specialist
Merissa, a Program Evaluation Specialist, finds the most rewarding aspect of the health research industry to be its potential for positive impact, stating that "every project...has a goal to improve Healthcare or access to health care for everyone." This work's impact is further amplified by incorporating feedback to effect real-world improvements within the constantly evolving U.S. healthcare system.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Program Evaluation Industry According To A Program Evaluator At UC San Diego
Program Evaluation Specialists who thrive are "very meticulous, very articulate, and very organized individuals," possessing a constant curiosity that drives them to explore data in novel ways. This results in the generation of "clever solutions" to existing problems, highlighting the value of detail-orientation and innovative thinking in the field.
What a Program Evaluation Specialist at University of California San Diego wishes they had known before entering the Program Evaluation industry
Merissa, a Program Evaluation Specialist, discovered the significant degree of self-motivation needed in the field, noting that "if you have a question...you have to be the self-starter". This independent research pursuit, even outside a project's scope, requires initiative, as "it's going to be on you to do that," a crucial lesson learned through experience.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Program Evaluation Specialists at UC San Diego
Entry-level positions in program evaluation, such as "survey worker" or "research assistant," are readily available, often stemming from internships or volunteer work; Merissa notes that "95% of the time" these opportunities lead to full-time employment, highlighting the importance of gaining research experience and faculty mentorship for career advancement in this field.
Significant Career Lesson From A Program Evaluation Specialist At UC San Diego
Merissa's significant career lesson, learned early on, is the importance of demonstrating reliability and independence: "always make sure everyone...knows that you are reliable," enabling a faster career trajectory by becoming "a go-to person." This focus on timely, accurate work, in contrast to colleagues with less consistent performance, significantly advanced Merissa's career.
College Experiences That Helped a Program Evaluation Specialist at University of California San Diego Succeed
Merissa's undergraduate research assistant roles in prominent UCLA psychology labs, working with "people that also worked with Michelle Krask and John Passantini," significantly shaped their career trajectory as a Program Evaluation Specialist. This experience, including "poster presentations," provided valuable networking opportunities and skills that remain relevant and beneficial throughout their career.
How Identity Influenced A Program Evaluation Specialist's Career At UC San Diego
As a first-generation college student, Merissa's academic career path, predominantly at universities, differed significantly from their parents' experiences, requiring Merissa to "really rely on the advice...getting from faculty or other mentors." This unique situation led to interesting career decisions, such as pursuing graduate school full-time despite family reservations about debt and job prospects, ultimately resulting in a successful outcome and a shared learning experience for everyone involved.
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