Orlando Segui ’20, MPH ’22
Program: Master of Public of Health
Year of Graduation: 2020, 2022
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
Graduate SHUdent Spotlight: A Switch of Major Leads to Fulfilling Career in Public Health
MPH alum credits faculty and internship-based graduation pathway as key to his success
When Orlando Segui arrived at Sacred Heart University in 2016, he was excited to begin his studies as an exercise science major and have an impact on the health of others. However, as he continued with his coursework, he increasingly became drawn to the field of public health.
He made the switch and decided to major in health science. But his decision impacted more than his undergraduate studies. In 2022, he graduated from Sacred Heart with a master’s degree in public health. He works at Hartford HealthCare as patient service coordinator—population health. “Creating an impact in my hometown of Bridgeport was always a big reason and the motivation behind why I chose Sacred Heart University, as was the opportunity to work on real-world projects through the public health program at SHU,” he said.
Read on to learn how Segui’s master’s degree in public health (MPH) prepared him to positively influence the lives of others, individually and collectively.
Why did you want to pursue a master’s degree in public health?
Having earned my undergraduate degree in 2020, it is hard to convey just how much the COVID-19 pandemic influenced my decision to pursue my master’s in public health. Prior to March 2020, I had not decided my next steps after graduation, and I was debating which degree would lead me to the professional goals I had for myself. Once I saw the state of the world post pandemic, it inspired me to continue my educational journey and pursue my MPH. I wanted to be in a position where I could impact the lives of people affected by the pandemic as soon as possible. I believed that obtaining this degree was the right answer. Looking back, I definitely made the right choice.
What drew you to Sacred Heart’s Master of Public Health program?
The skills and knowledge that I earned in my undergrad program were so impactful that I couldn’t choose anywhere other than Sacred Heart. I was so impressed with the opportunities the program offered students, from the study abroad opportunities to the deep ties with local organizations. For me, I was especially drawn to the unique program design that allowed me to get a valuable internship that turned into a full-time job.
How did your studies at SHU prepare you for a career in public health?
The MPH program prepares students with the skills they need to perform many jobs in the public health field. For me, the most impactful part of that preparation was the ability to follow an internship-based pathway to graduation instead of defending a thesis. This option is crucial in allowing students to pick which path better serves their career goals. My goal was to secure a job quickly, and the coursework geared toward the internship allowed me to get a meaningful job at a health department before finishing my degree. Other opportunities afforded me the chance to present research at the American Public Health Association’s yearly conference.
My classmates also benefited from the blend of public health approaches taught in the program, allowing all of us to become well-rounded public health professionals who could tackle a multitude of jobs right after graduation.
What academic and career resources did you use while at SHU?
The University has so many resources, such as career planning and academic and professional development. With the help of my teachers and these resources, my graduating class found placements that suited our needs and development. Additionally, there were countless perks that helped us academically, such as free access to software, citation programs to help with works cited, countless library benefits and many other online resources to help make every project and paper our best work.
What did you like about the program?
I could talk all day about how talented, knowledgeable, personable and insightful the faculty and staff are. I would be nowhere without the help of the teachers in that program, as their guidance was essential to my success. Since leaving SHU, I have had three different public health roles, and I still use the advice and knowledge that was given to me in those two years of program every single day.
On a broad level, I appreciated how well the program and coursework brings people of diverse backgrounds together and helps them to develop into successful public health professionals. I specifically remember my biostatistics class, during which a large portion of the class would group text each other to talk about how interesting, but tricky, the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) programming could be. We became close very quickly.
What would you tell someone considering SHU’s Master of Public Health program about its value?
The experiences and knowledge that you receive are among the best. And the doors that are opened at Sacred Heart are hard to find anywhere else!
Interested in learning more about SHU’s Master of Public Health program?
With the Master of Public Health program at SHU, you can earn your degree in one to three years and begin a meaningful career, helping others lead healthier and more productive lives.
In addition to comprehensive coursework, students engage in long-term projects, internships or co-ops with community partners. You’ll learn to enhance the health of local communities, even as you develop industry-recognized credentials. Students also may be eligible for scholarship support.
For more information about Sacred Heart University’s MPH program, schedule a meeting with Cristen Meehl, or reach out at meehlc@sacredheart.edu or 203-416-3031.
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