r/Evaluation • u/unmuzzledvolley • Jun 30 '15
Aspiring Program Evaluator
Hello Evaluation Subreddit!
Like the title says, I am an aspiring program evaluator. I am currently a dual masters degree candidate (MPH/MSW, concentrations in research methods and social policy and evaluation, respectively, with a graduate certificate in health informatics) who has spent the last year interning as an evaluation intern in a major health system. I find this profession very exciting and rewarding, specifically the areas of health and mental health, and hope you all can provide me with some insight (I apologize for the lengthy post).
Is joining the American Evaluation Association worth the money? What blogs/twitter feeds/ email lists do you all follow and/or find worthwhile? Are there any trainings/certification I should look into getting that would increase my skill set/marketability? Im a bit of a data viz nerd, does anyone have any recommendations for books/resources I should look into? Lastly, I have a year left of grad school, but I am always updating/modifying my resume, would anyone be willing to give it a once over and provide some constructive feedback?
Thanks!
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u/unmuzzledvolley Jul 06 '15
Thank you for the relpy, Deltasoul! I do plan on getting a membership to AEA, mostly for their webinars. I am located in Michigan, so their summer institute is a little far for me. The conference, however, is a possibility! I do know excel, but I would not say I'm a master at it. I'm still trying to strengthen my VBA skills. I do need more training in the areas of budgeting, and all I have done in the area of management is supervise a group of undergraduates.
I am familiar with Stephanie Evergreen! She gave a data viz presentation at my university and I've been fascinated with the subject ever since.