In our Alumni Career Spotlight series, you will meet some of our alumni and learn about the important work they are doing to create a healthier nation and world.
Kalob Gossett
Employer: Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center
Current position: Project Manager and Research Coordinator
Location: Chicago, IL
Degree(s): Master of Health Administration, IUPUI, 2018; Bachelor of Science, Health Services Management, IUPUI, 2015
Why did you choose your major/program?
Initially, I wanted to go into dentistry, but when that did not work out I needed to find a way to still be involved in the healthcare field. This led me to the Health Services Management major in my undergraduate years, which led me to getting my first internship at The Damien Center, a local AIDS Services Organization, and onto my other work in the HIV field.
I knew if I wanted to continue growing in the HIV field, I would have to continue my education. Ultimately, I decided on the MHA program over an MPH or MSW because I felt I was already getting some of the experience and knowledge of those programs firsthand with my work in the clinic with patients; and I needed more administrative training if I would ever want to move up into leadership roles in the future.
Briefly describe your career path.
During my undergraduate career, I had two internships with local organizations focused on HIV initiatives, and after graduating I was employed at a for-profit healthcare consultant organization for less than a year. I quickly discovered my passion was in HIV and I wanted to return to that; therefore, I returned to the Damien Center where I had my first internship.
I was brought on as a program manager in Damien Center’s prevention department to scale up their PrEP services. I worked at the Damien Center throughout my time in the MHA program and then moved to Chicago after completing my degree.
In October 2018, I joined the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center team, located on the University of Illinois Chicago campus, to lead a new regional project and I have been with the organization ever since.
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have worked remotely since March 2020. Most of my days are spent tracking the progress of my two projects by reviewing our project management plans and timelines, and then collaborating with multiple university faculty and clinic staff across the country as needed.
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Get involved with local organizations sooner and volunteer as much as you can! Not only will you get experience and make connections, but you’ll also find a lot of fulfillment from just being involved with the work and people.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Network like it is your second job.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Moving away to Chicago was one of the biggest; I had always planned to leave Indiana. Also, I helped secure additional funding for the project that I was hired on to lead, which was accompanied with a promotion.
What’s next for you?
I want to stay in Chicago for the foreseeable future and hope to get more involved with the communities we serve – both professionally and personally. My hope is to move up into a director position within the next few years either at my current organization or another.
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
All of my classes with Sara Johnson. She was an instructor for both undergraduate and graduate classes I took and those were the most impactful courses for me. I really enjoyed them and felt like I learned a lot from her.
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