ndsu program helps student discover career path

Erin Ourada received valuable direction from a North Dakota State University academic adviser that helped start a rewarding career in public health.

NDSU microbiology instructor Janice Haggart told Ourada to take a look at the university’s inaugural Master of Public Health program several years ago, and later connected her with Keith Johnson of Custer Health for an internship opportunity. Her classes and summer internship as an environmental health practitioner reinforced her desire for a career in public health.

“I didn’t know anything about public health, but my adviser and my internship really helped me realize the potential of a career in the discipline,” says Ourada, who earned her master’s degree in 2013. “If you’re interested in an ever-changing field of study and career that is challenging and purposeful, then public health is definitely worth looking into.”

As an environmental health practitioner at Custer Health, Ourada enforces health codes relating to food and beverage establishments, on-site septic systems, public swimming pools, body art facilities and public health nuisances. She says oftentimes people in her role are not considered the most popular, but at the end of the day their job is to make sure the environment is safe for those living in it. Ourada takes a great amount of pride in this. “I learn something new every day and almost always feel as though I’ve helped someone live a better life,” she says.

After only five years as an employee, Ourada recently was promoted to lead Custer Health as the administrator. The biggest change from her former position is taking on a management role versus someone with “boots on the ground.” However, her primary passion and obligation of ensuring safe and healthy public spaces will remain. Ourada says she is looking forward to new challenges that come with management, as it provides her with a chance to continue learning.

Ourada credits her career opportunities to her willingness to learn, and to the people she met along the way. She encourages students to engage with their advisors and professors. “If they see a spark or certain quality in you, they will make sure others see it as well,” she says.

Mark Strand, NDSU Department of Public Health professor says, “Erin had a clear goal, and she arranged her learning experiences to achieve that goal.”

Ourada knew she wanted to work in infectious disease prevention in North Dakota, so she sought practicum experience at the State Health Department.

“There’s always a reason to wake up and go to work every day because there is an opportunity to affect change,” says Ourada, who also earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at NDSU.

A survey of recent NDSU Master of Public Health graduates showed 92 percent hold a full-time job or are pursuing further education. Of the same alumni polled, 78 percent earn $50,000 or more per year. In North Dakota, there are various public health opportunities available within the State Health Department, Department of Environmental Quality or local public health. There are 28 local public health units in the state.

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