What do I have to do get a job at the CDC? (Atlanta: lawyers, find a job)

[maaci]

I have been trying to get a position at the CDC for a few years. I recently relocated to Atlanta for other reasons and have ramped up my efforts. I apply for every public health analyst or advisor that is posted. I have a master's degree in public health. I have ten years experience in healthcare but in the hospital setting. I have never been called or considered for a position there. Is the only way in to know someone there? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[noah]

Everyone I've met who worked there was a contractor so I think a lot of openings are filled that way, I am sure it depends on the type of position though.

[ataab4]

May want to consider doing one of the CDC fellowships -- like Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS)...it is a paid fellowship.

Originally Posted by maaci

I have been trying to get a position at the CDC for a few years. I recently relocated to Atlanta for other reasons and have ramped up my efforts. I apply for every public health analyst or advisor that is posted. I have a master's degree in public health. I have ten years experience in healthcare but in the hospital setting. I have never been called or considered for a position there. Is the only way in to know someone there? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[maaci]

Originally Posted by ataab4

May want to consider doing one of the CDC fellowships -- like Public Health Prevention Service (PHPS)...it is a paid fellowship.

Thanks! I didn't know about the fellowship. I will look into that.

[jmm051]

I have heard recently (am just going for my masters now) that CDC jobs through USAjobs, etc. are almost entirely filled internally andthrough contracts etc. I was told it is virtually impossible unless you are a vet to get a job through those websites. I would definitely look into that fellowship. It seems once you get your foot in the door its more easy to find a job. Good luck!

[clsmith15]

I worked there many years ago as a contractor. I think that's how most people get a foot in the door.

[peet111]

You could also try using LinkedIn and find people with similar backgrounds. If you already have a network established you might be very close to being able to contact someone there. I show 500+ registered CDC people on that site.

[Zel Ya]

Originally Posted by maaci

I have been trying to get a position at the CDC for a few years. I recently relocated to Atlanta for other reasons and have ramped up my efforts. I apply for every public health analyst or advisor that is posted. I have a master's degree in public health. I have ten years experience in healthcare but in the hospital setting. I have never been called or considered for a position there. Is the only way in to know someone there? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I currently know one person who works for the CDC, and I have previously known another person employed by the CDC.

In both cases, the two CDC employees are/were absolutely brilliant. One person spoke one language fluently and had a doctorate degree.

The other CDC employee has a doctorate degree, in addition to a law degree in an entirely different field.

Your credentials are great, but I honestly don't know whether they would be good enough for a managerial position within the CDC.

I'm sure managerial positions exist at all levels at the CDC but finding a job, like many things in life, is just a matter of luck. A vacancy has to exist and then applying exactly at the right time.

No doubt finding work at the CDC is highly competitive. Especially now during the Great Recession.

Good luck!

[SchoolYourWay]

Formerly, I worked at the VA Hospital. For many, it was a stepping stone to the CDC.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Hi, I work for CDC as a federal employee. Before that I worked as a contractor. It's true that a very many people who are federal employees start out as contractors. This has not ALWAYS been the case but it's been this way for quite a while now. I think one of the reasons this happens is because hiring a federal employee is very, very hard...and firing people is near impossible. So, they hire people as contractors and if they really like them then they will post a position for that person. BUT, that person still has to compete for it (and the application process is a horrible, terrible, awful GAME that we all despise).

Other ways to get into CDC are to go get a medical degree or a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or some other public health subject and then apply for the EIS program. Once you get accepted to EIS you're virtually there. EIS is a two year fellowship, kind of like a post-doc, that's like a prestigious club...when you're done you can just about guarrantee yourself a position in CDC with a LOT of career paths. BUT to do EIS you have to have an MD, DVM, DDS, or PhD...they occassionally take lawyers and very, very occassionally take nurses. But they won't take people with just an MPH.

As for your MPH...that should be sufficient to get you a contract position. Try the Northrop Grumman website. They're our biggest contractor. Also try this website hosted by Emory:

Public Health Employment Connection

I have an old-fashioned Masters degree in Statistics. I graduated in 2002. I worked in the private sector, then in academia, before joining CDC as a contractor in 2006. I "converted" to "FTE" (that's what they call federal employees at CDC, for some reason) in 2008. It's not unusual for someone to work as a contractor for 2-6 years before "converting".

The main thing is not to give up. Keep applying to jobs that both interest you and those that just seem to fit your skillset. Once you're in as a contractor the path to conversion is to simply do the best job you can. CDC is one place that will appreciate and reward hard work (I know that theoretically any job is supposed to do that but CDC was the first place I found that actually did).

Best of luck!