On March 17th, over 20 SPPH students joined our virtual Public Health Career Panel Discussion: More Paths Than You Think—a conversation packed with practical advice on navigating the job search process, identifying new opportunities, and positioning yourself as a strong candidate in today's evolving public health landscape.
Beyond the Job Posting: Seeing Yourself as an Asset
A key takeaway from the discussion was a shift in mindset: rather than seeing yourself as just a candidate trying to "sell" your skills, recognize that you are an asset to any organization. Public health professionals bring unique value—whether in data analysis, policy, community engagement, or health promotion—and organizations across sectors need these skills.
This means looking beyond traditional job titles and considering industries that prioritize public health functions like prevention, protection, and promotion. Panelists suggested searching for keywords like "wellness," "community engagement," "compliance," "analyst," "prevention specialist," "grants specialist," and "policy" to discover opportunities you might otherwise overlook.
Practical Strategies for the Job Search
The panelists didn't sugarcoat it: finding the right job is often time-consuming and energy-intensive. But being strategic can make a big difference.
Their top tips included:
- Customize your resume for each application by matching keywords and emphasizing your most relevant experiences. A “skills-based resume” is sometimes ideal for people with less job experience.
- Showcase transferable skills from school projects, volunteer work, and Applied Practice Experiences (APEs). Many valuable public health skills—such as research, program evaluation, and data analysis—can shine even if they weren't part of a paid position. Be honest—never fabricate experience. Instead, focus on how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios, even in academic or volunteer settings. Employers value authenticity and your ability to articulate what you've truly learned.
- Fill experience gaps proactively through short courses, certifications, or hands-on projects—investing in skill-building can set you apart.
- Take initiative to work your network—send those cold emails, ask for informational interviews, and seek guidance from faculty. These conversations often lead to job and mentorship opportunities. Build that social capital!
Smart Job Hunting in the AI Era
Resources to Keep You Growing
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Stay Connected
- Need career guidance? Reach out to faculty—we're here to help.
- Employers: Have job opportunities? Share them with us at spph@utmb.edu to connect with our talented students.
By taking an intentional approach to career exploration, you'll discover exciting opportunities that align with your passions and skills. We can't wait to see where your public health journey takes you!
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