1. The Public Health Job Search Survival Guide
February 22, 2017
Elizabeth D. Arend, MPH 2006
Kevin M. Fain, JD, MPH 2011, DrPH 2015
John A. Francis, MPH, MBA 2015

2. Welcome and Introductions

3. Presenters Kevin M. Fain, JD, MPH, DrPH
Elizabeth D. Arend, MPH Quality Improvement Advisor National Council for Behavioral Health
Kevin M. Fain, JD, MPH, DrPH
Senior Advisor for Policy and Research
ClinicalTrials.gov Program
National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
John A. Francis, MPH, MBA
Deputy Branch Chief
Division of Global Health Protection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4. The Public Health Job Search
Elizabeth D. Arend, MPH 2006
Kevin M. Fain, MPH 2011, DrPH 2015
John A. Francis, MPH, MBA 2015

5. Key Topics How to leverage, build and use your professional network
Searching for a job as a mid-career student
Navigating the post-graduation “maze”
Do’s and Don’ts
Q&A

6. Elizabeth, circa 2006

7. A Decade of Wisdom (aka “Lessons Learned”)
Carpet bombing a geographic region is an extraordinarily inefficient way to hunt for a job—but finding a job this way is not impossible
Figure out what you want to do--the narrower you focus, the more opportunities will open up
Networking doesn’t have to be icky and transactional; networking = “a conversation between two like-minded people”
Take care of yourself. It’ll be OK, I promise!

8. Searching for Jobs as a Mid-Career Student
“Mid-career” = students who have worked for a few years in a certain field
Use your expertise to network with faculty, guest lecturers, speakers, etc. in your area of interest

9. Searching for Jobs as a Mid-Career Student
If possible, pursue opportunities for collaboration (e.g., research, advocacy, other projects) based on your expertise
Internally - with JHSPH professors and/or JHSPH centers
Externally – with organizations such as public health departments or associations, research and advocacy groups
Incorporate these opportunities into your program (as independent study, externships, etc.)
These collaborations may lead to post-graduate opportunities

10. Navigating the maze ahead
Pick a topic or focus area and learn as much as you can
Apply your topic/focus to every course you’re in
Engage with faculty or others outside of the school for “real world” application
Determine where you’re willing to move
The more willing you are to move anywhere, the more likely you are to find opportunities within your area of interest

11. Navigating the maze ahead
Intentionally engage a variety of mentors…and begin mentoring others
Set long/medium/short-term targets when searching. When you’re done, focus on the present.
Learn more about who you are and the types of environments in which you’ll thrive
StandOut 2.0, StrengthsFinder2.0
Practice interviewing, and read professional books/audiobooks and podcasts.
Take notes after interviews
When you take a job, don’t “leave before you leave.”

13. DO… Proofread your CV, cover letter and supporting materials—10 times!
Get feedback from others
Update documents to reflect each job application
Cultivate your network in person and through , phone and LinkedIn
Use resources from the Office of Career Services (individual resume review, trainings, employer talks)
Attend conferences and events in your areas of interest, including panels and talks at JHSPH, and connect with speakers and attendees
Speak with faculty about your career interests, not only your advisor

14. Don’t…
Wait until the last minute--Some opportunities (like fellowships) have early deadlines
Forget to send thank you s--and keep in touch!
Link In with everybody on the planet
Go it alone--seek out support from friends and former alums. We’re here to help!

15. Recommended Resources
QBQ –The Question Behind the Question
Eat That Frog
Boundaries for Leaders
Lean In
The Go Getter
Never Split the Difference
StandOut 2.0
StrengthsFinder2.0
Your advisor, faculty, fellow students and alums!

16. Questions?

17. Thanks and Stay in Touch!
Elizabeth D. Arend, MPH Quality Improvement Advisor National Council for Behavioral Health
Kevin M. Fain, JD, MPH, DrPH
Senior Advisor for Policy and Research
ClinicalTrials.gov Program
National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
John A. Francis, MPH, MBA
Deputy Branch Chief
Division of Global Health Protection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention