Notes on #thriving.

Dear ones –

We have come to the time in the academic year when things slow down a bit. In that spirit we will scale back our weekly SPH Career and Practicum Newsletter. Because we know that job searches are still happening in full force, we will continue to include hot jobs and practicums and relevant career advice. I will not be writing my column over the summer and there will be a few weeks that the newsletter will be on vacation.

That said, the SPH Career and Practicum team is still available to support you this summer. Our office is open daily from 9am – 5pm and you can book directly on Handshake with advisors, or you can email SPHCareerOffice@bu.edu with questions and requests for assistance. If you are a recent graduate, we often are asked if you still have access to services and I can assure you, we are here for you as long as you need us!

In this slower paced summer season, I encourage you to follow these rhythms in every way that you can. Seek out ways to relax, go barefoot, wear only one layer of clothing, be spontaneous, work smarter and not harder, and go after what brings you joy. Remember that the experience of being a human is not an easy one and is often quite stressful. That is true no matter what is happening in the larger world. The human experience is also full of beauty, humor and love when we open ourselves up to it. I invite you to do just that.

Wishing us all a summer of being and not just doing.

In love, light and laughter,

Julia

Dear ones –

As we head into the long weekend that signals the unofficial beginning of summer, I want to share a topic from my conversations with grads this week that feels important for the whole community right now. When you are in a job search, it feels like there is always more to do. More jobs to apply for, more contacts to network with, more inquiries to make about your previously submitted applications. It often feels that the reason you haven’t landed yet is because you haven’t done enough. I have been asked multiple times by incredibly talented, highly qualified candidates who are working objectively hard in their searches, “What should I do now?”

To be honest, they have not liked my answer. Yet it feels really clear to me based on the fear and tightness I experience in them, that the answer is to not “do” anything else related to the search. But rather accept that they have done enough in this moment and feel proud and accomplished that they are conducting a thorough, smart job search. And now it’s time to rest and play – go outside, watch a show, play with your pet, see a friend, talk to your grandparent.

The unrelenting drive to do more without celebrating all that you have done is a symptom of the capitalistic system. There is no humanity in capitalism. So you, as a candidate, have to intentionally claim your humanity by grounding yourself in what you and your gut feeling know to be true… you are enough. You are going to be ok. This is a stressful process and you can’t do it 24 hours a day.

The job that you do in the workforce does not equal your value as a human being. We have been taught to feel that way in every part of our lives so it is really difficult to believe, especially when you are in the vulnerable position of seeking a job. Spend some time thinking about this over the long weekend as we head into a new season. It’s ok if you don’t believe it. Even just challenging your assumptions will bring you closer to your humanity. And hopefully you will start to feel in your cells all that you have accomplished thus far. As always, I encourage you to make an appointment with a career advisor to support you in this difficult process.

I wish you a long weekend full of laughter, contented silences, and experiences that fill your cup.

Together in our humanity,
Julia

P.S. More grads have landed this week!

Julia

Dear ones –

Commencement Weekend 2025 has arrived. For many of you this is an incredible milestone in your life. For others, it’s a foreshadowing of what is yet to come. I encourage you to sink into all the goodness in this ritual – whether it’s yours or someone else’s – including the celebration of achievements, the pride in overcoming, the gratitude for support systems, the inspiration from professors, advisors and peers. Let it lift you in hope for your personal future and our collective futures. Because regardless of which atrocity the news is reporting, there are always so many good things happening simultaneously. Let this weekend serve as a reminder that we are complex human beings capable of holding and witnessing difficult truths and delicious pleasures at the same time.

As for the public health job market this week, it continues to persevere! The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced a full hiring freeze as of May 27th which is always challenging. For those unfamiliar, this happens every couple of years and usually lasts 4-6 months. In spite of that our grads continued to get new invitations to interview this week and several have received offers. Use this knowledge as a light if your job/practicum search feels a little dark at the moment, as the data remind us that you will soon light the way for others.

In hope and light,

Julia

Dear ones –

Graduation season is upon us, which is a really joyous season for so many people. What is often hidden is the stress it can bring to those who are not sure what their next step in life is. [Note: This is the MAJORITY in public health.] I’m going to use this space today to share a few tips for you whether you are the graduate or are attending someone else’s graduation.

Your job is to prepare for the conversations that will inevitably take place. You will be asked by multiple people what you are doing now, whether it’s a summer break in your program or life after graduate school. You can dread these convos all you want, but they are going to happen. Why not approach them from a position of strength by taking control of the narrative. Some examples:

Question: Congratulations on your graduation! What are you doing next?
Answer: Thank you so much! I am so excited to finish the program, it’s been a [wonderful] experience. I am in the midst of a job search and it’s going well*. Most graduates in public health find a job after graduation; that’s the norm for the field. We have an [awesome] career office that supports us all summer so I’ll be sleeping in, binging shows, and job searching this summer.

Question: Where are you doing your practicum?
Answer: Great question! I am in the midst of finalizing my summer plans and I’m excited to nail it down now that the semester is finally over.* What are you doing this summer?

*It’s ok if most days you do not feel like the search is going well. Fake it till you make it, channel your inner optimist, take my word for it that you will land, or find another way to tap into your upbeat self. If you respond positively, they will respond in kind. And having a positive conversation will keep your vibes high vs making you feel even more stressed than you already might. When all else fails, deflecting is also an effective technique as most people want to talk about themselves.

I want you to know, we have all been in these circumstances and I guarantee you are not the only one. Project positivity and believe it as much as you can. Then when you’re ready, work with a career advisor and we will support you in making your positive thinking a reality. The market continues to be hot for our students and grads and the interviews are coming, even for those that haven’t heard much before now. Keep at it!

Congratulations, Graduates!
Julia

Are you being ghosted? By employers, I mean.

Dear ones – it sure feels that way. You’ve submitted countless applications and haven’t heard a word, not even a rejection. You’re insulted. And you may even feel disrespected, frustrated, angry, and despairing. The very least they could do is reject you…. Believe me, we know.

The truth is this is how the workforce has been doing things for years now. Sometimes you get a rejection but most often, you just don’t hear anything at all. There is no closure. It’s hard to know when to stop feeling hopeful that you might hear from a recruiter and move on. It can be very demoralizing if you let it.

Here’s the good news: It’s not about you. Truly, it has nothing to do with you. Why is that good? You can stop taking it personally. This is the way the US job market is working at all levels. For senior executives and early career professionals alike. So what can you do about it?

• Expect not to hear back. Stay hopeful but know that for most applications you won’t hear anything and it has nothing to do with your application.
• Don’t take this personally. Really. The more you do, the more negative energy you will absorb. In most instances, the organizations have not even seen your materials so continue doing what you’re doing including tailoring your materials and including a cover letter for all applications, even those that don’t require it.
• Get support. Even if you succeed in not taking it personally, it’s still really hard to do all this work and not hear back. Talk to a career advisor. We will offer you tips and tricks to getting noticed which will likely include upping your networking game.
• Learn from it. When you’re the one hiring, remember how this felt. Take the extra moment to send a quick note saying you’ve moved on with other candidates. Break this cycle.

What we have seen is that after a period of not hearing anything, candidates start hearing back from multiple employers in the same week. Staying the course is key. As always, you don’t have to do this alone. Please make an appointment with us. Our students and grads continue to land!

With certainty,

Julia

Dear ones –

I hope you are feeling ok. I’m going to focus on the good news this week as the bad news is easily accessible in other spaces. So many of our BUSPH job seekers are interviewing right now, including quite a few in final rounds. We had a global health organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) come on campus virtually to share their employment opportunities with our community. And we have more and more practicum opportunities posted with so many students getting interviews and offers. That is a lot of good.

When you are tempted to read more about the cuts to the federal public health workforce, I encourage you instead to get on LinkedIn and read some of this week’s comments from those in the field. There are so many displays of care, concern, love, solidarity, community, and support. Real, practical support in the form of grass-root job boards, reposts of opportunities, and recommendations of peers who are seeking work. This is your public health community.

When the worst happens, it so often brings out the best in humanity. And that love and care can be as contagious as the fear. I invite you to make a conscious choice to let all of the goodness in. To trust it. To trust your path. And when in doubt, join us at one of the many protests that are happening on Saturday, April 5th around the country. You will feel the power in our collective and realize how not alone you are.

With care and love,

Julia

Dear ones –

I am focusing today’s note on the practicum search as we are knee-deep in practicum season. That said, all of this can be applied to a job search if that is what you are currently doing.

Every year in March and April many MPH students report feeling anxious about the practicum search. Did you notice that I wrote “every year”? It is not unique to this class or even this time in the world. Searching for a required internship is full of unknowns and internal questions: Who will hire me? Will it be paid? Will it be what I want? Is it the right opportunity? Might it lead to a job offer at the end?

You may start out feeling confident as you’ve had other internships / jobs before and are sure you can do it again. And then you send out applications and don’t hear back. Doubt starts to creep in and your internal monologue shifts: I am competing for opportunities against my peers who have more experience. I am an international student and employers don’t want to hire me. Am I good enough? Am I going to be the first student to not get a practicum ever?

Your brain is playing tricks on you which is what our brains do. While your confidence has shifted, nothing else has. Please let me assure you after doing this for 11 years that most students go through a version of this. And then it works out. Usually with a lot of effort on your part because that is what is required to find a job. There are enough practicum opportunities for everyone. There is one for you and you will find it. What would make it less stressful is for you to trust the process and believe in yourself. It’s ok to have low moments, that is healthy.

One of the biggest gifts you can give yourself is to learn to tolerate the feelings of fear, insecurity, and not being in control. This requires a lot of grounding and positive self-talk. We can help you with that if you’re not sure where to begin.

We know that many people will give you advice and part of your learning is to determine which advice to internalize. Try following the advice of advisors who know the field, the market, and the employers. We will tell you not to send out 100 applications. While the quantity of applications is important, quality, timing, and choosing opportunities that are a fit are equally important. Meet with an advisor and have them review your materials and your search strategy if what you are doing isn’t working.

When you take a risk and really go for something you want, it’s natural to feel a bit exposed and to fear failure/rejection. And not getting one of the practicums you applied for will happen to 99% of students!! Rejection is just part of the process; it’s not actually a commentary on self-worth unless you make it that. Disappointment is a feeling like any other that comes and then goes. It’s also one that makes the future successes that much sweeter!

Learning how to tolerate these all of these feelings is the work and you don’t have to do it alone. Please reach out.

In confidence,

Julia

Dear ones –

I saw this example of a rejection posted on LinkedIn and I share it with you to draw attention to the circled line written by an HR recruiter to a qualified candidate, “Please know that not receiving a screening call is not a negative reflection of your background or experience; there were so many talented people we were unable to talk to.”

It’s so easy to take rejections (or “ghosting”) by employers personally. Rejection stings and when you receive multiple, they can start to erode at your confidence. This feeling is part of human nature. And yet, now more than ever, it is critical that we remain grounded in all that we, as public health professionals, bring to the world – our skills, lived and work experience, personality, equity lens, and ability to advocate fiercely for what is just. I encourage you to trust in this process as our grads continue to get interviews from multiple employers, some after months of not hearing anything. It is working. This is the process of finding employment.

After spending the last few days at a conference of schools of public health, I am more certain than ever that we were made for this time. Lean on each other. Acknowledge your vulnerability as it is your superpower. To paraphrase a popular meme, you are a dragon slayer in a time of dragons. Find and feed your fire!

In deep appreciation,

Julia

Dear ones –

In honor of today’s full moon and total lunar eclipse in Virgo, I invite us to lean into two of the many themes for this time: 1. work to silence our inner critic and 2. expect the unexpected. While neither of these are an easy behavior change to make, the Universe is supportive right now. So what can you do?

· Begin to silence your inner critic: Assess your relationship to perfectionism and self-criticism. Practice replacing the old negative script with one that you might use with a favorite person. I advise writing key words on a sticky note and putting them around your space as it’s easy to forget to pay attention when a habit is so ingrained. It can be as simple as, “Be kinder to yourself” or “the magic is in our imperfections.”

· Expect the unexpected: When there is so much uncertainty in our lives one of the best things for an individual (and therefore the collective) is to regulate our nervous system so we can flow with the changes that are not in our control. The way to regulate is to first be aware of what your body is feeling. Are you tense, closed off, tight, fluttery, activated, defensive, lonely? These sensations may be below the surface for people who are high functioning. I invite you to actively do things that soothe you. Whether it’s a cup of a warm beverage, choosing to be cozy in your home, being with someone that makes you laugh or watching a favorite movie or show, these can have a positive impact on your nervous system. The result is that over time we are capable of handling unexpected (or expected) stress in a healthier way.

As for the job/practicum market this week – it continues to be really good to our job seekers! We heard from 5 who landed jobs and more who landed practicums. And that is in addition to those who are getting first, second, and final round interviews. A couple of these were folks who felt last week like it wasn’t going to happen for them. If this is you, keep doing what you are doing as – I assure you – your turn is coming!

Holding hope for us all,

Julia

Dear ones –

“Do not lose heart. We were made for these times.”

This is the title of an essay written by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes (poet, psychoanalyst, author) back in March 2020 yet is still wildly applicable in this moment. [Google the essay!] One of the many bits of wisdom she offers in this piece is that in moments of darkness in our world, one of the most powerful actions you can do is show your soul. Be your most authentic, grounded self. For in being your truest self, your humanity allows others to do the same and together we become the antidote.

As for the work of searching for a practicum or job? It remains grueling. There continues to be a combination of silence and rejection from employers. Yet this isn’t a sign of the times, but a typical search. Keep going. It typically takes 3-6 months in an active search. Keep reaching out to your network for both informational interviews and for help getting noticed in the pile of applications. If you don’t know how to do that, make an appointment with one of us on Handshake. Trust the process while doing the work. You are going to be ok because you, like all of us, were made for these times.

In hope,
Julia

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. 
– Martin Luther King, Jr

Dear ones –

Another week has gone by and the uncertainty in our world continues. I share the quote above from the great Martin Luther King, Jr as a reminder to us all that the light and love within us will get us through. Amidst the fear, worry, and anger, as public health and people in our communities are under attack, it is an invitation to us to find the good within ourselves and others. I have spoken with students and grads this week that are really struggling with the state of the world. And in their struggle, they shared that they are grounding themselves in the goodness in their lives as a way to find strength and hope. The steadier we are in ourselves, the more we shift the world around us in a positive way.

As for the public health job market, it continues to be strong for our graduates right now. We have worked with recent grads to negotiate offers this week! Still others are getting interviews. This is happening in real time. As you look to ground yourself, let this knowledge be part of that which steadies you. You have support and we are here for you. There is a path for you of love and light.

In grounded hope,
Julia

Dear ones –

I hope this finds you holding on while living this bumpy ride. Holding on to yourself, your loved ones, the truth, the trees, your animal babies, your sense of humor, your joy. Today I am excited to share with you something else we might want to hold onto in these uncertain times.

Our outgoing Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy who, when he left office in January with the Biden Administration, left us with a final publication, My parting prescription for America, which is not a research report but rather a reflection from his experiences, both professional and personal. He posits that, “the loss of community has become one of the defining challenges of our time. In response, we need a fundamental shift in how we build and prioritize community.” He goes on to offer that what makes community possible are 3 core elements: relationships, service, and purpose. And one core virtue: love. After close to 30 years as a public health professional I am confident in saying that bringing love into this conversation is not only not typical, it’s actually radical. And if ever there was a time in the world that called for radical thinking, feeling and action, it’s now.

As we move through February, I will be using this framework for many of my writings as my gut tells me that this definition of community – with explicit love – will move us forward (and fit nicely into Valentine’s season).

As for the job market – it continues to be very, very strong in many sectors of public health (federal government and global health notwithstanding). I am finding many interesting jobs shared by people on my LinkedIn feed that are not actually posted on LI. That means it is important for job seekers to be “following” people at organizations of interest. “Connect” with people in your network and “Follow” those of interest who are not. And continue to take comfort in the fact that, regardless of your certificate or specialty, a degree in public health is in demand.

Be kind to yourself (and others) this week. And please reach out if we can help you.

In solidarity and (dare I say it) love,

Julia

Dear ones –

This week has brought new challenges to the field of public health. I will use this space to update you on what we are seeing in real time. In addition to the overall federal hiring freeze we saw last week, we have seen a significant layoff or freeze of funding to the international aid community in Washington DC over the past few days. This has affected thousands of workers including BUSPH students and alumni. In the Career and Practicum Office we have heard from some of these affected folks and have reminded them of what I want to also remind you: The skills of public health professionals are vast and varied and are transferrable to many different employers and issues.

To be clear – there continue to be plenty of public health jobs in the US. Those who have specialized in global health can obtain positions in domestic health. Program and project management; quantitative and qualitative data analyses; program development, implementation and evaluation; strategy, operation and fiscal management; these are highly sought after skills in for-profit, nonprofit, and state and local governments. Our graduates continue to land new positions.

As you move through this uncertain time in our world, I encourage you to find ways to ground yourself. We need each of us in this work. When you need support, please reach out. When you are feeling hopeful, please offer support to others. From my personal experience, we will each have days of needing support and days of being able to offer support. It’s ok if you are in one state more than the other. We are in this together. The power of public health has always been in the people. I continue to be so grateful that I am part of the BUSPH community.

In solidarity and hope,

Julia

Dear Students and Grads –

Welcome to you new ones in each category – congratulations to those joining SPH and congratulations to those leaving us.

It is part of my job to tell you that at this moment, the public health job market remains very strong. The major change in the market we have seen this week is the implementation of a hiring freeze at the federal level. That means that any internship or job that has a start date after January 20th, or applications for positions, have been officially frozen, whether at the VA in Boston or at the CDC in Atlanta, and anywhere else. All federal jobs. Please reach out if this affects you and we can support you. SPHCareerOffice@bu.edu. All other hiring remains a go!

The other part of my job is to offer you hope in a time of darkness. While it may not be included in my job description, I believe it is a requirement for all who carry hope to offer it to others. I tend to strengthen my own hope by reading the words of the activists and poets and this week is no different. So today I offer you the January 20th blog post by the wise and wonderous adrienne maree brown entitled, “it is our turn to carry the world”. This post encompasses truth and pain, hope and beauty, and love and an action for each soul who chooses to partake. For me, her words are both a balm and an invitation to connect to the collective of human goodness that is ever present.

I am sending you love and light and an offer of support. You can find appointments with advisors on Handshake. You can join us for a free community lunch on Wednesday, January 29th from 12:30 – 2pm in Talbot 2 East. I hope to see you soon.

With deep care,

Julia

Dear BUSPH Students,

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester! Whether you’re returning to campus or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to support you as you embark on this next chapter. This semester is filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and connect—both academically and professionally. Remember, the entire SPH community, along with the Career & Practicum Office, is here to support you every step of the way.

We have several in-person and virtual recruiting events this semester, including the highly anticipated SPH Career & Internship Fairs. These are a fantastic opportunity to connect with employers hiring for jobs, internships, practicums, and fellowships nationwide. Over 30 employers are already registered, with more signing up daily. Last year we had over 100 employers join us, and we look forward to connecting you with our alumni and employer partners!

Save the dates, register, and follow the career fairs on Handshake for updates on participating employers. Need a resume review or want to practice speaking with employers? Let’s connect. I speak with employers and alumni daily, and they consistently praise BUSPH students and grads as standout, highly skilled, and competitive candidates for practicums and jobs.

We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish this semester!

Warmly,
Caroline

Dear lovely students and grads –

As we come to the end of 2024 and publish this final CPO Newsletter of the year, I want to offer three thoughts:

1. Let’s support each other in not borrowing trouble. We know there will be sizeable changes in US policy and culture in 2025 and we don’t know yet what they will mean for public health jobs. The market is still hot (minus the dip for the last half of December that is true every year) so we will assume it will continue that way for the foreseeable future. If and when that changes we will absolutely communicate it to you along with advice on navigating the landscape.

2. There will always be a need for the work of public health. Public health is an essential field regardless of what politicians say or choose to fund and the field has been unpopular with politicians many times throughout history. Trust that all you are learning and have learned will serve you well for your entire career. These skills are transferrable and taking the public health framework into other industries (if that is a path you choose) can only be a positive.

3. The ripple effect is in full force. I truly believe that the more grounded and full of love we are within, the more grounding and loving vibes we give off to the world around us just by being ourselves. I invite you to take time as the year ends and another begins to fill your cup in whatever way you choose. The human experience involves hardship and joy, often at the same time. Remembering in the midst of difficulty that there is also much to be grateful for can be a superpower and a beacon of hope for others.

I look forward to our work together in 2025. And I wish you love and joy and rest during this holiday season.

With a full heart,
Julia

Hello dear ones –

I have been reflecting on the conversations I’ve had in the last month with many of you about the future of public health. What will it look like in 2025? What will the jobs be like? And what about the state of federal health policy? We don’t yet know.

I wonder if in these months of transition we might take a different approach to our uncertainty. What if we turn inward and ask ourselves what it is we truly want to do next? Not what we thought we wanted but what we actually want to do as of today. And, even more importantly, determine if we are aligned in our efforts to get there. This self-assessment requires honest inquiry and the courage to face the truths we uncover.

In exploring this topic recently in my advising sessions, your answers have taken some of you by surprise. Right now, many want to do less. No extra internship. No long travel over break. No unpaid research experience in the Spring. For some who had wanted to pursue a job in the private sector that pays higher than other sectors, you are now longing to work in and with your community. For others, it feels too intense to work in your community and are craving a job where you can be a level or two removed. These are truths! They are likely not forever truths but they are true today.

I can’t help but wonder if more of us were to seek to live in our today truths, might we create a ripple of contented, peaceful energy during this interim time that will shore us up and help us maneuver the bumps that will inevitably come our way? It feels possible and I, for one, am game to try. Wanna join me? (Feel free to book an advising appointment using Handshake if you’d like support!)

Wishing you the best in your final days of Fall classes.

With hope,

Julia

Dear lovely students and grads,

Many of us go into this holiday break from school or work with a vague notion that we will use this time to rest. And then we travel, we cook and bake, we try to meet the social demands of our families and friends, we get lured into the Black Friday madness, and in the back of our minds we feel the pressure of a deliverable that we were planning to work on during the break. And without realizing it, the break is over. And while there are often moments of joy in all that I described, we often get to the other side still feeling tired.

My colleague, Justine, shared something she saw on IG:

X posting from jspark3000: My therapist, instead of saying “Happy holidays,” says, “May you have a gentle holiday.”

Her reason: The holidays are not happy for everyone. The hope is that they’re gentle for us, that we are gentle on ourselves.

This is what I wish for you all – a gentle holiday. Filled with just the right mix of fun, stress, joy, rest, food and laughter.

With gratitude for you all,

Julia

The ebbs and flows of ambition

Dear Students and Grads –

This week I have had some very interesting advising conversations with your peers. In thinking about what is next for them (in jobs, internships, or life in general) the conversations all centered in one way or another around ambition. Here are three examples:

• One recent graduate had received two strong job offers with one position that will undoubtedly push her out of her comfort zone, giving her new skills, visibility and experiences quickly, while the other will entail doing a bit more of the work she’s done in the past although with added responsibilities. She shared that her gut was saying that after working full time for 2.5 years while going to grad school in the evenings, the latter position sounded better, although she felt like she’d be letting herself and her family down a bit if she didn’t go for the higher profile position.

• A second year student shared her resume with me and on it I saw a profile of someone who had graduated with honors from an elite undergraduate institution, was excelling academically at SPH, and who had done 5 amazing internships in the past 3+ years. When I asked what she planned for Spring 2025 ahead of her May graduation, she paused and said, “I’m really tired. I may want to be a barista and not use my brain.”

• A new student shared that she was so excited about the MPH program so far and couldn’t wait to get a summer practicum at a consulting firm. She is already interning at a public health firm in DC part-time and is ready to take on more.

It is clear from their resumes and experiences that all three of these people are ambitious. And yet, they are all in different places in their lives. I would argue that ambition isn’t a characteristic that you either have or don’t have – as many will have you believe – but rather a state of being that either drives you at a given moment or doesn’t. And not being driven by ambition doesn’t make you less successful or less worthy. What I heard this week is that sometimes choosing the less ambitious path will get you the closest to your own version of success and, certainly contentment.

When in doubt, my advice is to give yourself permission to accept wherever you are and choose alignment with your gut feelings. Over time, as your feelings change, so too may your ambition.

Wishing you a restful weekend!
Julia

Hello dear students and grads –

I wonder how you are doing on this side of the intense week? My sense is that the range and level of emotions we are feeling is robust. If you haven’t already read Dean Galea’s note On Understanding, Patience, and Finding Clarity to Do Better, I offer it as a way to begin digesting the election as both a human being and as a human being invested in public health. I’ll highlight where he calls for “Patience with the moment, with each other, with ourselves.” I do this because what I know to be true from more than a decade in a profession where I get to have 1:1 conversations with people about their hopes and dreams is that 99% of us are the harshest of critics when it comes to ourselves. Because of this, I encourage you to truly offer compassion, tolerance, and patience to yourself right now. Whether you are feeling desperate to do something or feeling unable to do anything at all. Whether you are craving the presence of others or can’t stand the thought of people. Whether you are in mourning or in celebration. Honor wherever you are.

The job (and practicum) market has been and is very good. And it’s ok if you can’t seem to care about any of it today. Opportunities will be here tomorrow. And the next day.

Today, take radically good care of yourself. The kind of care that requires you to think intentionally about what you will do. Why? Because creating a world where all humans are valued and loved is an inside job. In order to care about others, we have to care about ourselves. Loving yourself today – your most frustrating areas for growth included! – is actually the first step in creating a more loving, just, and healthier world. ❤️

In solidarity and love,
Julia

Happy Friday, Students and Grads!

As we begin November and anticipate Election Day in the US, I know many of us are swirling with emotions. If that is you, you are not alone. There is so much to be hopeful for! Stay in this as much as you can – be with people who bring you joy, who uplift your spirit and who can talk about the hope and possibility that is on the horizon. While there may also be a backdrop of anxiety as well as some fear, it’s key that we don’t stay in it. Let’s each do our parts to keep positives vibes the next few days and as the votes are being counted. For me I find it’s a good time for creative outlets – crafting, making art, and writing to name a few. And also, offer acts of service big and small. This could be doing your roommate’s dishes, picking up a piece of trash outside, or offering someone in need a hand. Finally, when all else fails to keep me positive I escape into a good book, series, or uplifting music.

Finally, check on your loved ones and offer kindness to yourself as much as possible. If you would like to be in community the day after the election, please plan to attend the Post – election debrief with Dean Galea at 3pm on Wednesday November 6th in Hiebert Lounge or online.

Together we go forward.

With hope,

Julia

Hello lovely students –

And that’s a wrap on Practicum Panel Week! We were so excited to see so many of you at these events asking great questions and soaking up the wisdom of your peers. Speaking of that wisdom, here are a few highlights from the week:

“Every small skill you acquire is a stepping stone to something greater. In the internship process, it’s not just the big achievements that matter but the resilience to embrace each task, learn from every moment, and push forward when things get tough. Growth happens in the details, and persistence transforms challenges into opportunities.”

“Your practicum is meant to be an opportunity for you to apply yourself outside of your coursework. Apply to programs and positions to expand your horizons and learn about the industry you want to join. Make connections. Talk to people. Collaborate. Lean in and learn. That’s how you get the most out of it.”

“Don’t wait until you panic to ask for help. The school has so many amazing resources to guide and support you. Take advantage of them while you are here. You don’t have to do this alone!”

I want to reiterate the last one – we are here to ensure the process works for you. Making an appointment with an advisor is not a weakness or even admitting that can’t do it yourself. Rather, it’s taking advantage of the expertise that is part of the BUSPH experience. Just as you’d ask a professor a question in class, you are asking a career expert for the tips that make the process more effective. Hope to see you on Handshake!

Happy weekend!

Julia

Hello students –

This writing is going to be about the practicum search ahead.

We are hearing from many of you that you are starting to get stressed about the practicum search and you don’t know where to begin and you want to start planning. I am thrilled to share that you are right where you need to be – your timing is perfect!

First, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to attend the workshop entitled, “SPH: Thriving in the Practicum Process – Navigating Stress With Success”. This workshop is offered multiple times so if this one that I linked to doesn’t work for your schedule, please register for another. This will give you the overview of the process and answer your questions. Students report feeling much less anxious after attending one of these.

Second, next week is Practicum Panel Week and we are hosting 8 different student-led, in-person panels on a variety of practicum topics you including Policy and Advocacy, Government, Community Health, Research and more. This is a great opportunity to learn from students who just finished their practicums and hear their advice. The last one is a virtual panel of Practicum Supervisors so you can hear what they expect and offer in a practicum experience. I linked to a few of the panels but they are all in Handshake under events when you search by SPH. All of them are in person except for the Practicum Supervisor Panel and I would say that they are worth coming to campus for even if they are on days that you don’t have classes.

Finally, I encourage you to start working on your resume and cover letter format. The Career and Practicum Office provides drop-in support Monday-Thursday from 1pm-6pm every week in the Talbot 2 East wing. Students report feeling much more confident about the practicum search process when they are happy with their materials.

All of this to say, you are not alone in being unsure what to do to prepare for your practicum. Every single student feels unprepared or anxious to some degree. If you put in the time now, it will pay off in the end.

I look forward to seeing you at the practicum panels next week!

Warmly,
Julia

Hello dear ones –

The topic of rejection and how to support people in the experience has come up in our office this week. How are you feeling about the possibility of rejection, particularly in a practicum or job search process? The idea of taking a risk and putting yourself out there feels scary for many of us. And yet, rejection is a rite of passage into your true self. Rejection is a part of being human.

I know the fear can be so big that it can prevent you from trying. It can keep you stuck in a place where you can’t move forward because of the fear of failure. I have seen it among your peers. And yet, here is the truth: every single human experiences rejection – countless times – in their life. You will too. And the sooner you can walk straight towards that fear and go for it, the sooner you will see that you will be ok no matter what happens.

You may be searching for the first time (use job or practicum interchangeably, as it applies to you) or you have done this before. The job search process is one of the most stressful things in a human’s life, mainly because rejection is built into the process. This is as true at the start of one’s career as it is in the peak. You will be hard-pressed to find anyone that has gotten every job they interviewed for.

The US culture is organized around the principles of capitalism and scarcity that posit we have to be the best to get an opportunity because there aren’t enough opportunities. I am here to share with you that it’s just not true. There are enough opportunities. There is one for you. It may not be in the location you want or at the pay grade you want or with the title you want, but there is one for you. And I can bet that in the course of your life, when you look back on the job you got or school you went to, there will be something in that experience that contributed to the person you are today.

To that end, I propose that we celebrate the rejections as much as the successes. Because in order for you to be rejected, it means you tried, you went for it. And THAT is the huge success. Most of the time you can’t control what happens, only the effort you put into it. If you put your energy and commitment into the trying and then release it into the Universe, that is a huge win. And if you are open to feedback from an organization that rejects your candidacy after interviewing you, you can ask if they can provide feedback so you may improve. You won’t always get it, but it can be a gift when you do.

I invite you to go against the masses and believe that your life is going to be glorious. To believe that any path you take will teach you multiple lessons and give you many gifts. And that if you trust your instincts – not the voices from the outside – you can live in more ease and contentment.

Wishing you a wonderful long weekend.

In joy and courage,
Julia

Hello delightful people –

I hope the beginning of October is going well for you.

Here’s what I’ve heard this week:

• Students who attended the Careers in Governmental Public Health Panel enjoyed it so much! They networked, listened and learned a lot.
• Several May grads who were frustrated in their job search just two weeks ago are now interviewing, and three others have accepted jobs!
• First semester students are starting to think about their practicum search which is right on time as we get ready to host Practicum Panel Week throughout the week of October 21st.
• Finally, I’ve heard a lot of folks talk about their favorite parts of Fall in Boston including pumpkin spice flavored everything, great sleeping weather, some beautiful leaf colors, and the annual debate (in the US) of this year’s Halloween costume.

I understand it’s not all positive in life right now, and yet I wanted to make sure I highlighted some of the joy-filled things going on in the lives of SPH community members.

If you haven’t felt much joy these days, I offer you the strategy that I use the most in low moments: I get down to basics and find things to be grateful for. A few of my go-tos: my pillow (which makes me smile thinking about it); my cats who seem to know when humans in my life are human-ing and thus offer me abundant feline love; and my morning chai latte. That’s a lot of gratitude right there and it usually pulls me one level up and out of my gloom.

Once again, you don’t have to do any of this alone – share the joys and/or lows with someone else as that act of being in relation with another often has a buoying effect. When in doubt, head into Talbot 2East and find a kind soul.

Wishing you your favorite Fall things this week.

In all things cozy,
Julia

Dear students and graduates –

Here is my wisdom to share this week (and I wish I had thought of it):

Too many people think the grass is greener somewhere else but grass is green where you water it, remember that.

It’s so easy to think other people have it better than you – whether it’s their job/practicum, their location, their friend group, any/all of the things we compare to other people. And you are certainly not alone in feeling this way as it is part of the human experience.

If/when that feeling hits you, I invite you to take a moment to find the little things you are grateful for in your world. And then take some intentional time to identity things about your current situation that you might be able to change to make it just a little better. Sometimes, the most impactful thing – and the one that we have complete control over – is our attitude.

As always, you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to your trusted people at BUSPH or beyond to support you in this reflective work. It often helps to share it with someone who cares.

Wishing you a happy start to Fall as we move into October!

With joy,
Julia

Hello, lovely ones –

I often get asked by students, “How do I know I am making the right decision? What if I choose the wrong certificate? Or select the wrong practicum/job?”

Here is what I know to be true based on my life experience and from the countless conversations with you. There is no wrong decision. There may be decisions that are an easier path, with more flow. That will get you closer to your purpose on this earth. But if you are meant to do something, you will find it regardless of the path you take to get there. And you will learn and grow so much on every path.

When students ask me about the right decision I tell them this: The fastest way to finding the “right” decision, is to listen to your gut. Which, in all of the noise in this world, is often the most difficult voice to hear. Because of that, I encourage you to find someone who can reflect back to you what your instinct is telling you. Hint: Career advisors are really good at this!

If it’s helpful, use these 5 steps:

Step 1: Share with that person what lights you up

• What is your heart calling you to do (ignoring the outcomes for a moment)?
• What makes your heartbeat quicken with excitement?

Step 2: Sit in that for a few moments. Just be in it. [Trust that you will make space for the rest of it.]

• Describe it in detail. What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like? What will you be doing? With whom? What is this energy of possibility? What could it mean for you and the world?
• Write down a few notes to capture these feelings so you can remind yourself of them at a later time.

Step 3: Now share with that person what is making you nervous

• Describe it in detail. How do the fears feel? Are they yours? Be honest with yourself. Maybe they are. Maybe they’re not. No judgement. What would happen to you if the fears came true? What would that feel like?
• Then imagine you went with a safer option. How does that feel
• Make some notes.

Step 5: Make a decision. [It doesn’t have to be in that moment and it’s often better to sleep on it.]

Dear one, you get to decide. You get to take a safer option if that is best for you in this moment. You get to listen to other people’s voices if that is what you feel you need to do. You get to go for your own dream in this moment if you decide to. Remember, whichever path you take will (eventually) get you to where you need to go. If something or someone is meant for you, they will find you. It will come to you. It will never be too late if it’s meant for you.

And you will have the support of the Universe as you go. If you ask for it, you shall receive it. There is so much support if you are open to it. Here at BUSPH. Outside. Take a breath and try to quiet the fear a bit and shift into a mindset of abundance. The world has convinced us that the resources are scarce and if we don’t make the right decision we will miss out. It’s not true. There is enough for us all. Enough money, enough jobs/practicums, enough success, enough love. All of it.

With compassion from a true believer in abundance,

Julia

A Message to Thrive.
Starting afresh, by doing

You’ve made it through a full week of classes – congratulations! You have the roadmap of what the Fall will look like and you are in full go mode.

New beginnings, whether it’s a new program or a new semester in an ongoing program, bring opportunities to do things differently. What are your hopes for this time? New friendships? A more robust public health network? A new skill (or two)? Strong grades? Successful job applications? Building healthier habits to sustain you through the stressful times? Making a connection with someone at SPH that can support your journey? There are so many possibilities that can further your growth.

I encourage you to be intentional about whatever you choose to manifest and put your energy into at this time. Make a commitment to it. To yourself. Take some bit of action towards your goals every single day. As the saying goes, nothing changes if nothing changes. What will you need to do to get to where you want to be? These don’t have to be big changes, as even the smallest of stones causes a ripple when tossed in the water. And you certainly don’t have to do it all on your own.

My advice is to seek out someone to support you in these changes. Whether a peer coach, a new healthcare provider, a career advisor, or a friend who can serve as an accountability partner, having someone to guide, provide, advise, celebrate successes, be there in the low moments, or share a cup of tea will make the journey a little more manageable and maybe even more enjoyable. If this is your first semester at BUSPH, know that there are so many people here to support you. New students, you will have received an email from your Thrive Liaison this week to check in with you. We want to hear how you are doing. Returning students, continue to advocate for yourself and reach out! Your professors, advisors, Graduate Student Life and Career & Practicum Office team are here for you.

In the coming weeks life will continue to get even more busy for you. I will share some advice on how to discern which opportunities to say yes to and how to stay grounded. Until then, I hope you find joy in the little things and I really hope you find a yummy cup of coffee/tea.

With excitement,

Julia