Dear students,

Career Fairs elicit mixed feelings in many of us, particularly introverts. I often hear, “I went in undergrad, and it was overwhelming. I didn’t know what to say and the business students were the only ones that got jobs.” Last week, a job-seeking recent graduate shared with me that the representatives she talked to at last year’s fair could only speak to a few jobs and not ones that interested her, so she felt that it was not worth coming again this year. Another student told me, “I looked at the employer list and didn’t see any that interest me.” For those of us working to support students in their career journeys, these comments are difficult to digest. However, we recognize that they express sentiments shared by many.

There may be reasons NOT to come to the upcoming SPH Career Fairs, but I thought I might offer you a few reasons TO COME.

7 Reasons to Attend the Upcoming SPH Career and Internship Fairs:

  • These career fairs are only for public health jobs and internships and the employers that are coming want to meet SPH students and graduates. Most public health employers do not have employees who do university outreach as part of their job, which means that the folks who come are taking time out of their busy work lives because they want to meet YOU! If you do not believe me, examine the data: 100% of employers who participated in the 2023 fairs reported that they “connected with students who would be a good fit for current or future roles with their organization.” When asked what they liked most about participating in the SPH Career Fairs their responses were: “meetings with engaged students” and “the enthusiasm and intelligence [demonstrated by students].”
  • There are so many employers doing interesting public health work that you have never heard of. How do I know? Because we had never heard of them either (!) until an alum landed there and reached out to us. For example, did you know that Lumanity and Adelphi Values, both for-profit companies, have hired many of our community health grads? SPH alums representing their employers at the fair are eager to tell you what they love about their work and what skills they use in their jobs.
  • It is an easy opportunity to connect with SPH alumni. Did you know that over 25% of the representatives from the 70+ organizations registered for the fairs are alumni? They are so excited to be back on campus (in-person or virtually) to represent their organization and speak with students. For some alumni, it was only a few short years ago that they too were getting ready to participate in the SPH Fair. They remember the questions that they had—and the apprehension they may have experienced during their search—and they will be supportive and encouraging to you.
  • You can get personalized advice. This is the perfect opportunity to ask specific questions about an organization, a role, or navigating the hiring process and get individualized advice from the folks in the know.
  • It is an opportunity to push yourself a little (or a lot). The job search is inherently stressful at any point in one’s career, and the process has a way of highlighting areas of ourselves that are not necessarily our strengths. I know it can be difficult for many of us to self-promote or make a good impression on a stranger in 3 to 5 minutes when there is a line of your peers waiting to do the same thing. But, what if you strike gold and find one person who is excited about you and a job that is a good fit?! Or, what if by speaking with a professional and surviving it, you are reminded that not only can you do which ends up giving you more confidence in the job search process.
  • Students tell us year after year that one of the reasons they chose SPH was because of the networks they could establish here. This is an opportunity to make a few new connections, even if you are not currently conducting a job or practicum search, and to practice talking about yourself as a public health professional to people who are interested. If you have one good conversation it will have been worth it. It is an investment in your future.
  • It is a chance to be in community. SPH staff from the Career and Practicum Office, Graduate Student Life, Development and Alumni Relations, Admissions, Education, and more will all be there to support you and cheer you on. You are not alone in this. Whether you are in Hiebert at the in-person fair or in the student-support Zoom room at the virtual fair, you will find your champions who are eager to help you thrive.

In-person SPH Career Fair Thursday, February 15, 4 pm – 6:30 pm in Hiebert Register here

Virtual SPH Career Fair Thursday, March 7, 11:30 am – 2 pm Online Register here

If you would like support in advance of the fairs, please come to one of our workshops (check the SPH Calendar for dates) or make an appointment with any SPH career advisor on Handshake by going to Career Center -> Appointments -> Schedule a New Appointment -> SPH Career and Practicum Office.

I hope I have convinced you to come, however you feel about it! See you there.

 

Warmly,

Julia

Julia Lanham
Assistant Dean, Career and Practicum Office
jlanham@bu.edu

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