Kalyn Horst (SPH’14).

What did you enjoy most about your experience at SPH?

The practice-based courses! It was not only great to put new skills to use, but also to work with local organizations in community health.

Did you have a favorite professor or class at SPH?

Bill DeJong was fantastic to learn program evaluation from!

I learned so much about what public health efforts can include, namely beyond purely health-related services. I am a strong champion of addressing the social determinants of health in reducing health disparities, and this is all do to BUSPH.

1. Start networking NOW. Beyond your practicum! Learn of all the great agencies in the Boston area and beyond and you’ll have a leg up on entering the workforce.

2. Related, LinkedIn is the single best way to find professionals with experience you’re seeking and to reach out to them to see if you can connect. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised how much strangers like helping one another when it comes to career advancement.

3. Use BUSPH Career Services! This is a no-brainer yet I know many alumni that did not take full advantage of Career Services’ expertise. At the very least they can connect you with alumni who are living/working where you are targeting!

Public health is everything, even the systems and policies that don’t seem remotely related to impacting a community’s wellbeing, and so vigorous research, thinking outside the box, and partnerships with diverse agencies are the only ways to ensure good health of all.