Melanie Hippert
Biomedical Sciences, May 2004
Pharmacology Doctoral Student
Contact Melanie Hippert at
melanie.hippert@UCHSC.edu
Since your graduation from MU, what has been your career path?
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center in the Pharmacology doctoral program (PhD). I began graduate school in the umbrella program, similar to the undecided major in undergrad, called the Biomedical Sciences Program and chose Pharmacology after my first year of graduate school.
Describe your typical workday.
During my first year of graduate school, I had multiple courses to attend everyday, as well as, research rotations. In my first year the typical day involved class for two hours, working in the lab until 5 or so with another class sometime during the day for an hour. I would then return home and study for 3-4 hours. I took a comprehensive examination at the end of the year over all of my coursework. In my second year I did not have as many classes and had chosen my thesis lab, so my schedule was more flexible. I could choose to work whenever I wanted. As a graduate student getting data is your main drive, and thus, I have spent many strange hours working in my lab. However, you make your own schedule, so there are other friends of mine that only work 8-5pm everyday, it depends on you and your mentor and what you agree to being appropriate.
What is the best or most exciting part of your profession?
The most exciting part of my profession is the opportunity to discover things in science that no one knew before and the hope that someday what you find will help someone – In my case, I hope that my discoveries will mean better treatments for cancer patients.
What advice would you provide for a job seeker in your field?
Get involved early! Try to work in a research lab at school while in undergrad or doing undergraduate research programs at other colleges during the summer.
What are essential skills one must posses for success in your field?
Dedication! Graduate school is not for those who don’t like challenges! My work takes a lot of time, and you have to be willing to give that time to reach your goal.
What can a current Marquette student do to effectively prepare for a career in your field?
Get involved early and try to gain experience in your field.
How does one find a summer job or internship in your field, and are there any other opportunities to gain experience before graduation?
There are plenty of summer opportunities to gain research experience. I was a part of the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin the summer before my senior year and there are many medical schools across the country that offer the same type of program. These programs are great experiences and allow you to start making connections. A summer program would be a great way to preview the school you are thinking of applying to the next fall or even just see another part of the country! The faculty at MU are also a great asset to you while in school for research experience. I worked for two different professors while at MU.
