University of Washington Biostatistics staff member Maggie Tarnawa recently expanded her responsibilities as curriculum coordinator to include creating professional development programming for UW Biostatistics students. In her new role as professional development program manager, Tarnawa is excited to formally launch a slate of activities for the 2024-25 academic year that includes career panels, workshops, and mock interviews.
“I hope to facilitate success for each Biostatistics student by getting to know their unique interests and strengths. And I aim to develop events which engage our students and get them excited about life after graduation,” said Tarnawa.
UW Biostatistics alumni are essential to the success of Tarnawa’s professional development vision, serving as panelists, interviewers, and mentors to students..
Alumni career panels typically take place two to four times per academic year and focus on eliciting insights about career trajectories, navigating the Biostatistics academic program, and providing insider information about the alum’s organization. Encouragement, as well as advice, is a key draw of these panels.
Mock interviews allow students to experience first-hand what an industry or academic interview looks like and to receive valuable feedback from professionals in the field.
Alumni and other individuals interested in participating in professional development activities should contact Tarnawa at met5@uw.edu. She also welcomes ideas and feedback about professional development efforts from key stakeholders, especially students and alumni.
