Rupa Mitra MHCI’23, who currently works for an IT reseller, received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Arts from Montclair State University. She was initially interested in entertainment public relations. However, at the start of the pandemic, she was drawn to the health communication field and knew that she wanted to further her education. She applied to the Master of Health Communication and Information (MHCI) program at SC&I, which has changed her life’s trajectory. The MHCI program focuses on the communication, information, and media aspects of health-related policies and practices, and Rupa finds herself drawn to research and interpersonal health communication. She shared her thoughts on the program with us.

SC&I: What factors led you to choose the MHCI program?

RM: The MHCI program offers flexibility, diverse course options, research experiences, and the opportunity to study with supportive faculty members who are experts in their fields. Although the program was relatively new when I considered it, Teaching Professor Richard Dool, the MHCI Director, led an information session that addressed all my questions and alleviated my concerns. I was intrigued to expand my interests and knowledge in the health communication industry. And because the program is designed for working professionals, I can maintain my job while studying for my degree. My professors recognize that balancing graduate-level courses and full-time work can sometimes be challenging and they’ve been extremely accommodating.
 

SC&I: What are the highlights of your MHCI experience so far?

RM: One highlight is connecting with faculty members with extensive knowledge in different health communication contexts. This allowed me to participate in two field research study experiences that have been so rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed connecting with my peers and know that I will carry these connections beyond the program. Lastly, I would have never thought I would be fascinated with working in research and interpersonal health communication, and yet I am! I am so grateful to be accepted with open arms into the MHCI program.

SC&I: Describe your research opportunities.

RM: I am part of the staff for two research study experiences under Assistant Professor of Communication Yonaira Rivera and Associate Professor of Communication Lisa Mikesell. For Professor Rivera’s study, the focus is to gather and analyze data on how cancer and COVID (mis)information is disseminated within the adult Latinx population on various social media platforms. Professor Mikesell’s study focuses on gathering and analyzing data within the South Asian adolescents and young adult populations on various mental health challenges they face in their community. Members of the South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI) who are part of the Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and faculty from the Rutgers School of Communication and Information are also collaborators in this project. Along with this data that we are collecting, we hope to develop a community-based initiative that can help these individuals address and tackle these stressors in a positive light.

SC&I: How well is the MHCI program meeting your expectations?

RM: This program continues to exceed my expectations. The overall structure of the program successfully intersects with my full-time job. Also, I was apprehensive I would be judged because I had no extensive prior health communication experience. I thought wrong—the faculty and students in my classes have been welcoming and engaging. I’ve taken courses ranging from Health Communication Campaigns to Patient-Provider Communication. Whether your interests are focused on specific areas such as marketing or interpersonal studies or more general health communication areas, this program delivers. By being in the MHCI program, I’ve developed new interests in specific areas of health communication and am stronger as a professional, student, and individual.

SC&I: What are your career goals after earning the MHCI?

RM: I hope to work in patient and family health advocacy, hospital or clinic management, or public health communication for student and faculty communities in higher education.

SC&I: What advice do you have for someone entering the MHCI program?

RM: Connect and network with faculty members, peers, guest speakers, etc., as you’ll never know who will help you along your future career path or provide opportunities outside of class. Graduate-level courses can be intense, so it’s essential to plan accordingly and complete your tasks on time.

Photo: Courtesy of Rupa Mitra