“My mentor provided thoughtful insights into current events during the COVID-19 pandemic and invited me to discuss the implications of policies being designed by governments. It was a great learning experience!" .

“I have benefitted massively from this beautiful opportunity at different cross-paths in my career. In total, I had 3 different mentors - each of which provided very unique support specific to what I needed at the time, ranging from technical/epidemiological advice to discussing my next career steps.”

“My mentor was a key actor in the development of my research career…My mentoring program gave me the tools and knowledge that I needed for a successful application to the International Development Research Centre in Canada.”

“The MultiPOD Programme is a truly empowering experience - the connections formed are a life-long asset, and something to treasure as you progress in your roles(s) as a young health professional. It is an opportunity to share and grow. More importantly to reflect - something we can dismiss too often nowadays'“

“The most important thing that I got from MultiPOD was self-confidence and a source of encouragement.”

“MultiPOD is a great opportunity to network and get insight into career paths within global health that are otherwise not so easily accessible.”

“MultiPOD offered me a perspective I never knew I could obtain. Whether it was about people, career development, life and ways of finding and experiencing joy, I finally understood the importance of being inspired and inspiring others not to despair because of the difficult circumstances we're facing, but to constantly seek for the like-minded ready to create an environment we can appreciate and nurture, together.”

“You can save ten years for your future. MultiPOD provided an insightful environment that enhanced my capabilities in global health...knowing my values in a friendly environment made me understand my future career and motivated me to assist young professionals who are interested in the global public health space in Sudan.”

“The program pushed me to learn in some areas, not by just giving materials, but by letting me find trusted and relevant resources. During that time, my mentor encouraged me to believe more in myself as a young professional, which both led me to become an Editorial Officer”.

"MultiPOD gave me the opportunity to learn from my Mentor and to challenge myself in understanding better who I am, and what I want to be. It gave me the possibility to grow my network, and be part of events that connected me with other mentees and learn from them. It was a pleasure to be part of this family."

"Our work in 2020 on the research paper has been published now in the Journal of Health Management"

“I was accepted into the Karolinska Institut programme and this would not have been possible without the support and recommendation of my mentor".

"MultiPOD has supported me to explore the various opportunities and pathways which are open to me with my background as a bioscientist. My mentor also helped me understand and confidently represent my strengths, values and needs when seeking future career opportunities".

“Assess the environment constantly and be as much evidence-based as you can”.

“Two keywords: networking and persistence”.

“Understand and respect differences and keep learning, always”.

“Be bold and find your place in this fascinating field. This might sound like a cliché, but "follow your dreams and be brave" is probably my advice. There is so much impact one can make in the world, and Public Health in the broad sense is surely one of the fields where you can certainly make a difference. Currently, there are a lot of opportunities around that would benefit from motivated and innovative people”.

“Keep an open mind, communicate freely, try to turn commitment into action, seek opportunities to help others who cannot fend for themselves, and be proud of your work in global health unmindful whether others acknowledge it or not.”

“When you consider an intervention, make sure you first and foremost think in terms of sustainability. Interventions without a sustainability plan”.

“Listen carefully, profile your values and intentions, be useful, and then open up dialogue.”

“Be useful and selfless: Make your life count and don´t live your life only for you”.

“Know your shortcomings and your strengths. Stay humble and always learn from people around you. Stay curious!

Trust your ability to overcome hurdles. Be resilient”.

“Find a Mentor. Always keep yourself in circulation, and by that I mean focusing on professional (and personal) development, outreach, and networking and being good to yourself throughout. Don't network for the sake of a business card, get to know the person. Show value. And, you always have value, even if it is just to listen to others’ problems. Never let anyone tell you otherwise”.

“Health inequalities both within and between the countries worldwide are substantial. Please believe that you can make a difference even when you are up against these massive challenges. Because you can!”

“I encourage you to find purpose in life and to learn to enjoy your professional work. It will not be easy to land your first job in the global health and human development field. However, this should not be a barrier to maintaining your confidence, consistency, and mission. Strive to meet your goals, get your desired job and star your career in global health”.

“Be rigorous and passionate in your work -- these are keys to success.

Be greedy - use every experience as a learning opportunity to expand one's knowledge and hone's one skills

Maintain technical competence and continue to stay current in one's field of expertise - continuing education should be a foundation of professional practice in the field since it is constantly evolving.

Consider working in disease outbreaks/emergencies - in light of the current socio-political environment, there is an increased need for public health professionals who are willing to work in this area”.