As a Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant at Penn State University in the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, you will engage in a variety of responsibilities aimed at addressing rural health issues. Your role will involve participating in PORH activities, conducting in-depth research, formatting materials for the PORH website, performing literature searches, and providing essential data support for state and federally contracted tasks. This role is a perfect opportunity to blend your academic knowledge with real-world applications.

To qualify for the Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Penn State, applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in health administration, public health, or a related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as basic analytic skills, are also required. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is crucial to succeed in this role.

Working as a Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant at Penn State offers you the chance to develop numerous valuable skills. These include research and analytical skills, proficiency in data management, effective communication skills, and teamwork capabilities. You'll also gain experience in project management and enhance your ability to present information clearly and succinctly through materials created for the PORH website.

Penn State University actively supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The institution is committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. As a Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant, you'll be part of an environment that fosters individual uniqueness and encourages everyone to thrive through engagement and collaboration on community issues.

The application process for the Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Penn State requires current students to apply internally through Workday. It's important to follow the specific instructions provided for your status, whether you are currently enrolled at the university or are a new applicant. Applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled, so prompt submissions are encouraged.

When answering this question for the Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant position, focus on your specific contributions, the research methods utilized, and any outcomes or findings. Emphasize teamwork and your research skills, particularly how they relate to rural health or public health issues.

In your response, discuss any personal connections or experiences that draw you to rural health issues. Mention the importance of addressing health disparities in rural areas and how this aligns with your goals as a student and a future professional, reflecting on the meaningful impact this position can have.

Highlight your organizational skills and methods for prioritizing tasks, such as creating to-do lists, breaking projects into manageable parts, or utilizing scheduling tools. Be sure to relate your strategy to managing research tasks effectively as a Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant.

Provide a specific example illustrating your teamwork skills, discussing any challenges and how your contribution helped achieve a common goal. Emphasize your communication skills and ability to collaborate, which are essential in the context of the office projects at Penn State.

Express your eagerness to gain hands-on experience in research and data analysis, as well as your desire to understand better the health issues faced by rural communities. Mention specific skills you aim to develop or knowledge areas you wish to explore within public health.

Discuss your familiarity with different data collection methods, your attention to detail, and the importance of accuracy in the analysis process. Explain how you would approach evaluating rural health data and the tools or software you are comfortable using.

Highlight the importance of clarity and audience engagement in communicating research findings. Share your strategies for tailoring presentations or reports to different stakeholders and your familiarity with visual aids or online platforms that make findings more accessible.

Provide a clear example of a project where unexpected changes occurred. Explain how you adapted, including any strategies you employed to maintain progress and the importance of flexibility in research settings like the one at Penn State.

Mention specific journals, websites, or organizations you follow to keep up with public health trends, especially in rural health. Highlight the importance of ongoing learning and how it contributes to your effectiveness as a Part-Time Undergraduate Research Assistant at Penn State.

Summarize your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Emphasize how your educational background aligns with the job requirements, your passion for rural health, and how your skills will directly contribute to the team's objectives at Penn State.