Deacon Spotlight: Dana Manning Bartholomew

Dana Manning Bartholomew (2019, BS Health & Exercise Science, Minor in Health Policy & Administration)

Sr Consultant of Public Health for Guidehouse Consulting Firm in Tampa, Florida

Tell us about your current job role/employer and what you’re currently working on. 

I’ve been working at Guidehouse, Inc since 2021, after graduating with my Master’s in Public Health from Emory. I always wanted to enter consulting, and I felt strongly that pursuing my master’s would help me gain the necessary knowledge.

I began my public health career by working at the CDC during grad school, which was especially challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. After grad school, I joined Guidehouse and shifted to a Department of Veterans Affairs project. Currently, I’m focused on standardized VA facilities to modernize health infrastructure and improve the quality of care provided to Veterans. 

This is challenging in the public sector due to the need for congressional and state approvals, which tends to slow things down. We’re also aiming to design flexible spaces that can adapt to future healthcare innovations, ensuring they stay up-to-date with advancements in the field.

What personal and/or career experiences did you have prior to landing your current job and leading to where you are now?

I’ve always been drawn to the health field, starting out as pre-med at Wake. But I quickly realized that diving deep into the science wasn’t my passion; I wanted to be behind the scenes, making things happen in healthcare administration. That’s why I picked up a minor in health policy administration, which really opened my eyes to all the different career paths out there beyond being a doctor or nurse.

One of the biggest turning points for me was working at the CDC. I’d always thought it would be a great opportunity, and once I started at Emory, I connected with some people there and managed to land a job. Working during the pandemic was a really eye-opening experience. I got to see how vital public health is and the significant role practitioners play in our communities. It just solidified for me how much I want to be part of that impact!

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?

I find consulting fascinating because it lets me make an impact while still feeling connected to the organizations I work with. But it can be tough to navigate the separation between my consulting firm and the specific projects I’m involved in.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been getting used to the fast-paced nature of consulting, especially after my time at the CDC, where things moved more slowly. I’ve had to learn that proposing feasible strategies to the government isn’t always straightforward. Just because something works in the private sector doesn’t mean it’s a quick fix for the public sector.

Government projects come with strict rules, especially when it’s about taxpayer dollars. It’s definitely a balancing act! I’ve realized that while those limitations can be frustrating, they’re in place to protect citizens and ensure we’re using resources wisely. At the end of the day, it’s about finding creative solutions that fit within those constraints, and that’s what keeps things interesting!

What advice would you give to new Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?

My advice would be to set yourself up for long-term success. After college, life requires even more discipline and diligence. The work you do today will impact your future self and your family down the line. It’s easy to feel freedom after college, but it’s important to remember that our preparation today determines tomorrow’s achievements.

Focus on building good habits like waking up early, putting in extra study time, investing wisely, and making healthy choices. All of that affects how you show up at work. So, prioritize yourself so you can grow both personally and professionally. Always keep the bigger picture in mind!

We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?

I’d describe myself as a talker and very people-focused. In college, I aimed to build meaningful relationships that would help me in the long run, rather than just making quick friends. It’s important to connect with those who can support your career growth and envision where you see yourself.

I believe that every relationship matters. The person who might seem low-level today could be the company president or CEO tomorrow. Everyone deserves the same level of respect and attention, regardless of their position.

I remember getting to know Patrick Sullivan and Heidi Robinson on a personal level during the Wake Washington Career Trek with the Office of Personal and Career Development, and I made some great friends I still keep in touch with. Interacting with people from OPCD also helped me build lasting connections. Those impressions can be impactful, like when Patrick reached out to say I’d be a great addition to the Deacon Spotlight. It really shows how important those relationships can be!

Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?

I had a mentor in grad school who played a huge role in my development. She sponsored my thesis project and was incredibly helpful during a time when I really needed guidance. I was eager to take advice from anyone more experienced, and I learned the importance of being open to mentorship.

Life and careers are all about learning and growing. It’s easy to get complacent, but even CEOs and executive-level professionals have more to learn. That mindset has shaped my career. Now, I have a few mentors who are partners at my firm. I think I set the stage to create those mentoring relationships by making it clear I wanted to move up and being willing to put in the long hours and build relationships to do so.

While I value my work-life balance, these connections with successful partners have been beneficial. They’re always learning more about the firm and our clients, and I believe that building meaningful relationships with clients is essential for understanding and meeting their needs. It’s all part of the ongoing learning process!

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

Network! Reach out to people on LinkedIn, make cold calls, and ask them about their work. Before starting my job, I had a certain perception of what consulting would be like, and it turned out to be quite different from my expectations. Some things were similar, but I was surprised by other aspects of my role. Speaking to people in the field and learning about the job you want to do is a fantastic way to get ahead and advance your career.

What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing? ?

I’m currently pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to advance my skills and become more valuable to both the firm and our clients. Much of my work is methodical and grounded in traditional principles like change management and project management.

After I get my PMP, I’m also considering a change management certification. I hope to continue serving different clients; while I’ve enjoyed my time with the VA, I’d love to branch out and work with the CDC or private organizations to broaden my experience.

Story published in October 2024. For current updates on Dana’s career path, visit her LinkedIn profile.