For Faculty and Staff

Use our Career Planning Guide while working with students who are undecided about career paths that might be right for them.  The first two sections focus on a) Self-Assessment, and b) Researching the Field and Narrowing Down Options.  Once a student has completed these first two sections, a good supplemental activity is for them to conduct informational interviews in the field.

• Career Planning Guide
• Career Paths by Certificate
• Career Library

Another way for students to get acquainted with their career options is to read our weekly Career & Practicum Update newsletter which features where new grads are landing jobs, “hot” job and practicum postings, upcoming employers on campus, workshops, external networking events and general career tips.

In preparation for your meeting, ask the student to bring a few sample job descriptions that they may want to target post-graduation (the more detailed, the better).  Based on these descriptions, work with the student to identify the knowledge, competencies and skills that they already have.  Next, identify the knowledge, competencies and skills that they don’t have (or need to hone) to be more marketable.  From there, suggest classes that will fill these “gaps”.

Many international students hope to find a job in the U.S. after they graduate.  Most students are on F1 visas which allows them to conduct OPT (optional practicum training) for one year after they graduate (they must apply via the BU International Students & Scholars Office.).  Students who are completing certificates in Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Environmental Health, and Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials are also eligible for an additional length of time under the government’s STEM rule (currently an additional 17 months).  We encourage students to meet with an ISSO representative early in their time here to learn the regulations, requirements, timelines, etc.  The BU International Students & Scholars Office staff stay up-to-date with any changes in the law.  If students ask about how to search for employers who sponsor H1B visas, please encourage them to meet with an advisor in the Career & Practicum Office.

All MPH students must complete our Career PREP course which is a zero credit, pass/fail course.  Like any course, students can register on Student Link for PH746.  To accommodate student schedules, we offer this both in-person as well as an online format.  Encourage students to take the required Career PREP course as early as possible so they can gain knowledge and techniques not only for their practicum search but also for their job search.  Students may complete this requirement any time after they finish core courses.  Note: There is NO waiver available.

Students must complete 240 hours which may be completed in one or more semesters. Remote practicums are acceptable with sufficient team interaction.  The Practicum must meet five learning competencies  and produce two tangible work products (deliverables). Students must submit a Practicum Proposal in our Practicum Portal for approval. International students must also register with the BU International Students & Scholars Office.  For more details on specific requirements and the registration process, please visit our Practicum Requirements Page.

NOTE:  New CEPH guidelines are in place for faculty hosting practicum students. These practicums must now involve external stakeholders. For more information, please contact sphpract@bu.edu.

To help students seeking practicums, please suggest that they do the following:

• Attend a Practicum 101 Workshop. Check Handshake for Dates.
• Schedule an individual appointment with a Practicum Manager to fine-tune their practicum search plan and brainstorm targets.
• Attend drop-in hours for resume and cover letter reviews.
• Attend Employer Info Sessions and Practicum Expo.  Check Handshake for Upcoming Dates.
• Apply to practicums on Handshake which are posted all year. Use other job boards as well.
• Look through our Past Practicum Database to find practicums of interest.  Reach out to Past Practicum Supervisors to see if they have needs.
• Become a member of the BUSPH Alumni LinkedIN Group, and identify alumni to see if they have needs.

• Past Practicums Completed by Certificate

• MPH Employment by Certificate

The Career & Practicum Office cultivates relationships with hundreds of practicum host sites and employer organizations.  All current practicum and job postings are in our Handshake job board for students to access.  These postings are vetted and updated daily, and expiration dates are noted on each posting.  Handshake is the #1 place where students should look for postings and submit applications.  Other resources include:

• Past Practicum Database (by contacting prior supervisors — as well as other networks — to ask if they need help, students may be able to create their own practicum)
• Non-BU job boards 

• Drop-In Hours – Visit the SPH Calendar for Dates/Times
• VMOCK, our online resume review tool (available only to current students only)
• LinkedIN Photos – walk-ins welcome in Talbot 112 East
• Mock Interviews – email sphcareeroffice@bu.edu for an appointment OR use our video-based Big Interview Tool available 24/7.  Create your password and then answer the profile questions.
• Interview Strategies Guide_2018

• The Career & Practicum Offices hosts over 100 employers and alumni on campus each year.  Visit Handshake for Upcoming Dates.
• Employer Info Sessions – Fall and Spring
• Annual Career Fair – February
• Annual Practicum Expo – March
• Annual Alumni Network Express (co-sponsored with Alumni & Development Office) – December
• Note:  Students should also join the BUSPH Alumni LinkedIN Group to network online.