Jump Start Your Career



centercenterManagement, Policy & Community Health 2011Jump Start Your CareerFor Recent Graduates & Early CareeristAlexandria D StackUT School of Public Health9500095000Management, Policy & Community Health 2011Jump Start Your CareerFor Recent Graduates & Early CareeristAlexandria D StackUT School of Public HealthTable of Contents:General Information Know the Value of Your Degree …………………………………………………..1 UT-SPH Career Resources …………………………………………………………..3Resume Boosters Academic Opportunities ………………………………………………………………4 Professional Opportunities …………………………………………………………..6Starting the Job Search Must-Do Job Search Tips …………………………………………………………….10 Web Based Searches ………………………………………………………………….13Know the Value of Your Degree:I know that many of you, upon applying to graduate school, debated whether to get an MHA, MBA, MPH, or some combination of those previously mentioned. Each degree program offers its students a unique perspective on healthcare management. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your program is a must when applying to jobs. “The MPH in healthcare management at the UT-SPH provides students with a solid foundation for managing in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment. The program provides training for students with interests in administration and management of a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, public health agencies, nursing homes, health systems, pharmaceutical firms, payers and other organizations in the healthcare sector. Students gain an appreciation of all aspects of management, including organizational theory, finance, operations management, law, and strategy, which will help to improve organizational and community decision-making. The program provides a basis for understanding key managerial functions within the broad spectrum of public and private health systems.” Remember that an MPH degree in healthcare management does not mean you are limited to careers in public health. Individuals with this degree have been recruited by a number of different industries/organizations. For example:Biotech/Pharma/Medical Devices/DiagnosticsAffymetrixAmgenApplied Scientific/Celera Boston ScientificGenentechRoche Molecular DiagnosticsConsultingAccentureBain ConsultingBoston Consulting GroupDeloitteL.E.K. ConsultingMcKinsey and CompanyNavigantTiber GroupZS AssociatesBanking and Venture CapitalBurrill and CompanyChina Health Venture Capital, BeijingIFC/World Bank Fog City CapitalMitsui Venture CapitalHealth Plans, Providers and Services Blue Shield of CaliforniaThe Methodist Hospital SystemEpocratesSt. Luke’s Episcopal Health SystemHealthNetIMS HealthKaiser PermanenteMcKessonMD AndersonOracle HealthcareBaylor College of MedicineSutter HealthUT-SPH Career ResourcesApplying for jobs and starting a career can be overwhelming, that is why the UT-SPH offers a number of career services. Check it out @ sph.uth.tmc.edu/current-students/career-services/“The website provides a collection of public health resources that will assist all registered students and alumni in their career endeavors and ultimately in their career success. The purpose of Career Services is to assist you in successfully connecting and building long-term relationships with employers. We invite you to explore the website or stop by Career Services in RAS E-201 and make use of the wide variety of resources and services that are offered.”Career Services include:Career Services Library - In conjunction with the University of Texas School of Public Health Library, Career Services provides students with such resources as: literature on public health careers, career strategies, labor statistics, federal jobs, non-profit jobs, résumé writing, interviewing skills, job search skills, minority organizations and opportunities, and information on fellowships.Career Counseling - Career Services offers career counseling for students providing opportunities to learn how to plan and implement the most effective ways of seeking employment. Assistance in critiquing and writing of résumés and cover letters is also available. Workshops are available during the school year in addition to office appointments. Job – Ops - Job-Ops is the online system UTSPH uses to allow students and alumni to search for jobs, upload multiple résumés, cover letters, reference letters and send online résumé referrals to employers. Employers are able to post and manage job listings, view and make résumé referrals of qualified candidates.? Workshops – Getting the InterviewTips on Career Opportunities & Interviewing StrategiesTips on Writing the Perfect Resume & Applying for Federal USA JobsLinks – The Career Services website houses a number of links to various public health agencies, not-for profit & private organizations. These links will help you determine who is currently hiring and has available job opportunities. Academic Opportunities:What came first, the chicken or the egg? While perusing job descriptions I’m sure you’ve noticed that most positions require at least 1-3 years of related experience. However, most recent graduates have never held a true 9-5 job. But don’t fret! There are a number of ways to boost your skill set and professional experience while still in school. Join a Student Organization…or Create Your OwnStudent organizations are a great way to develop your leadership skills and network with other UT-SPH students. If none of the existing UT-SPH student organizations are of interest to you feel free to start your own. Remember it is not enough to just join a student organization, you must also get involved! Current UT-SPH student organizations include:Biostatistics Student AssociationInternational Association of Emergency Managers – USA Student ChapterPublic Health Students of African DescentStudent Epidemic Intelligence SocietyStudent Society for Global HealthThe Board: A Leadership & Management OrganizationMake Your Practicum Count!“A practicum is a unique learning opportunity that allows you to apply classroom learning in a community-based setting. A practicum is a required component of the MPH and DrPH degree programs”. The practicum is an excellent opportunity to showcase your job skills outside of an academic setting. Notable administrative internship opportunities include:Summer Administrative Internship at the Methodist HospitalPart time Administrative Internships at Baylor College of MedicinePart time Administrative Internships at Texas Children’s HospitalGet to Know Your ProfessorsProfessors represent an excellent career resource. These individuals want to help you succeed. They are happy to administer career advice, help you prepare for interviews, and provide academic support. Most importantly your Professors can write letters of recommendation on your behalf, which are a requirement for many internship and fellowship applications. Do Well in SchoolAs you are still a student it is important to learn all you can and to get those grades. Take advantage of the course offerings here at the UT-SPH and take the time to expandyour knowledge, because potential employers will actually expect you to not only know the material but apply it as well. Don’t forget to utilize the UT Health Science Center inter-institutional agreement with other academic institutions. This means you can take classes at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine! So if you are feeling like you want to learn more about a particular topic, for example finance, operations, and/or healthcare law, feel free to pursue opportunities at these other institutions. In addition to learning your craft you must also get the grades. Good grades will help you get your foot in the door as academic excellence is good indicator of your work ethic and attention to detail. Build a PortfolioOne way to stand out from the pack is to create a portfolio highlighting your academic and professional achievements. A portfolio is a great accompaniment to any interview and will help to showcase your skills in a visual way. Have a Plan!Last but not least it is important to have a plan…or at least a general direction. Focus your efforts on building a skill set that will contribute to the type career you wish to have when you graduate. Professional Opportunities:Professional Organizations –Adapted from : “Why Join a Professional Association” by Kelly A. CherwinAs a graduate student, recent graduate, or seasoned professional, joining a professional organization is a great way to further your career. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national, state, and regional chapters available to join. Benefits to joining a professional organization include:Networking opportunities - For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Since most associations have national or local conferences, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn "best practices" or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information. Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs or you may be in a position to become a mentor to someone else. Giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by the association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends with the same interests as you. Career Resources - Another important reason to consider membership to a professional organization is to take advantage of their career resources. Associations often have job listings online or in print available only to their members. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. Additionally, many associations have career resources available such as tips on effective resumes or cover letters, job searching strategies and negotiating techniques. Some associations even have panels of experts that you can contact for specific questions on career issues. Other benefits include information about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done through web- or podcasts so you don't even have to leave your home. And don't forget, listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.Continued Education - Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information such as: case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges. Another reason to join an association is to learn more or stay informed about issues in diversity. For example, includes a list of associations and articles that provide valuable information such as: resource guides for diversity, affirmative action and advocacy, as well as information on new and proposed regulations related to diversity. Additionally, associations provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of all of these issues is important.So, whether you are looking to learn about job postings in your field, network in your professional community, gain access to current events in your career area, or just have some fun while meeting new people, joining a professional association is a step in the right direction!Nationally Recognized Healthcare Management Professional Organizations:Healthcare Financial Management Association HFMA is the leading membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders. Its more than 37,000 members value the Association's role as a respected thought leader on top trends and issues facing the healthcare industry. American College of Healthcare ExecutivesThe American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 35,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE? credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE's established network of more than 80 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine, Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its goal of being the premier professional society for healthcare executives dedicated to improving healthcare delivery.American College of Health Care AdministratorsFounded in 1962, ACHCA is a non-profit professional membership association which provides superior educational programming, professional certification, and career development opportunities for its members. Guided by the vision that dynamic leadership forges long term health care services that are desired, meaningful, successful, and efficient, ACHCA identifies, recognizes, and supports long term care leaders, advocating for their mission and promoting excellence in their professionAmerican Public Health AssociationThe American Public Health Association is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families?and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities.Health Information and Managements Systems SocietyHIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. HIMSS includes over 540 corporate members and more than 120 not-for-profit organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of information technology and management systems. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise, professional development, research initiatives, and media vehicles designed to promote information and management systems' contributions to improving the quality, safety, access, and cost-effectiveness of patient care.Medical Group Management AssociationMGMA is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources and political advocacy for medical practice management. The Association started as a small network of clinic managers, called the National Association of Clinic Managers, which met for the first time in Madison, Wis., in 1926. The name was changed to the Medical Group Management Association in 1963 to reflect the diverse management roles found in group practice.Healthcare Administrative Fellowships: A healthcare administrative fellowship is a postgraduate opportunity that provides hands on project experience at some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations and academic medical centers. Fellows work directly with executive management to develop high level projects and are included in a number of leadership/strategic endeavors. This is your chance to shine, make a name for yourself in the organization, and improve your job skills. Such experience will undoubtedly give you a leg up on the competition. More often than not fellows are retained within the organization upon completion of the program. Initial job placement occurs at the managerial level. Please note that these fellowships are EXTREMELY competitive. Most organizations only accept 1-2 fellows per year, so be prepared to bring you’re A-game. If you are serious about obtaining a fellowship it is recommended that you apply to at least 7-15 different organizations. A complete list of fellowship opportunities can be found at: postgrad/splash.cfmBasic Fellowship Facts:Deadline: September 30th **Please pay close attention to the details surrounding the deadline. Some organizations ask that they receive your application by the deadline and others will accept applications postmarked by the deadline. Start Date: June or July of the following year Salary: ~$50,000/yrLength: 12 monthsStructure: Rotational &/or Project BasedGeneral Selection Process:Application ReviewRound 1: Phone InterviewsRound 2: On-site InterviewsFellows are selectedMust –Do Job Search Tips:Adapted From Bloomberg Businessweek:“10 Must-Do Job Search Tips for Spring 2011 Grads” by Liz RyanGraduation is fast approaching! Hopefully you have taken the last 2-3 years and prepared yourself both academically, professionally, and mentally for this day. Now all you have to do is start applying…but where to start? Here are some tips on how to start your job search:1. Choose a Direction, or Two, or Three The biggest job-search mistake new grads make is to hit the market without a clear direction. Let's say your new degree is in marketing. Do you want to do marketing for a consumer products firm or an accounting firm? I know, I know—you'll take any job you can get. Still, employers need to see direction and focus. Choose two or three job-search "prongs" that meet our three-way job-search direction test. (Would you enjoy the work? Does the career direction make use of your talents? Are there jobs available?) Then focus your search on those few areas, avoiding the "spray and pray" approach that frustrates so many hopeful new grads. 2. Customize Your Resumés It's fine to construct more than one resumé, which you'll need to do if you settle on more than one job-search prong. If you choose three areas of focus (consumer products marketing, professional services marketing, and health-care marketing, for example) you'll need a dedicated version of your resumé for each prong. Each resumé will brand you as a great hire in a particular focus area, in three ways. First, the resumé summary at the top of the document will tell the reader why you're interested in the field and why you're a great choice for it. Second, the stories you choose to highlight in your resumé bullets will relate specifically to the prong you've selected for that resumé. Finally, your descriptions of each role (what we call "framing the role") will emphasize the aspects of each job you've held, even part-time ones, that are most relevant to the prong in question.3. Examples Marissa is a new grad who is following three avenues in her job search (consumer products marketing, professional-services marketing, and health-care marketing). Here are Marissa's three resumé summaries, each focused on a specific job-search prong:Consumer Products Marketing: "I started paying attention to smart marketing around the time I began browbeating my mom for an American Girl (MAT) doll. Now that I'm out of school, I'm eager to learn consumer products marketing from the ground up. Fresh off an internship at an organic chocolates company and with a huge appetite for on-the-fly learning, I'm excited to join a product marketing team and help expand audience, buzz, and revenues."Professional Services Marketing: "The last project in my marketing program at the University of North Carolina was a group consulting project for a local accounting firm, where we overhauled the firm's marketing plan to shift into a new, lucrative practice area. I'm chomping at the bit to help a service business rev up its revenues as an in-house marketing pro. I'm comfortable with everything the social media world has come up with so far, and enough of a left-brain/right-brain mix to enjoy and thrive on the quantitative and analytical parts of marketing, as well as the creative bits."Health-Care Marketing: "What's fascinating for me about health-care marketing is the combination of quantitative analysis and simple, old-fashioned listening it entails. I'm a new grad from the University of North Carolina with a passion for accessible health care and for better communication about how patients can use the resources around them. I'm excited to join a health-care marketing team and learn its craft while helping patients learn about wellness and nutrition for themselves and their families."4. Use a Human Voice…when appropriateWhen developing a resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile it is important to take into account the culture of the organization you are applying to. Are they a relatively young/hip organization? If so, a conversational tone can be used. Is the organization more traditional in their approach to business? If yes, then a more traditional formal tone might be appropriate. In general, there is a movement in business away from the formal writing style to a more conversational approach. However, when in doubt err on the side of caution and stick with the tried and true! No matter which writing style you choose make sure “you” are still visible in the document. This will help you to stand out from the dozens of other applicants. 5. Get LinkedIn If you're not already on the mega-popular social networking site LinkedIn, what are you waiting for? Granted, it's not as colorful and gossipy as Facebook, but it's far more effective for businesspeople and job-seekers of all stripes. A basic account is free and a great, professional photo (head and shoulders—no bikinis, bongs, or beer steins please) is a must for your LinkedIn profile. Get connected to your schoolmates, your parents' friends and the friends of your parents, along with high school buddies and anyone else you know who's already using LinkedIn or could be induced to join. You'll use the site (with some 100 million members in the business-focused social networking space) for research, to reach out to hiring managers and others, and to increase your knowledge of industries through LinkedIn's Groups and Answers functions.6. Assemble Your Network As a new grad, consider everyone you've met in your life a possible conduit to your next job. Make a list of 100 people (you read that right—it may take an hour, but it's worth it) who should know about your job search, including the lady you used to babysit for and the folks whose lawns you mowed back in high school. Don't leave anyone out: Scoutmasters and high school musical directors, every boss you've ever had, and former co-workers all count as networking contacts with value. If they're not on LinkedIn and you don't have their e-mail addresses, find them on and send a snail mail letter. People who knew you as a toddler are undoubtedly game to help you launch your career. Don't be shy. There is no statute of limitations on human relationships.7. Research Employers Which employers are hiring in your area or the city you plan to move to? Use web based job search engines to find out, example - . Plug in keywords to spot job opportunities in the geographical areas you're focusing on. If you find interesting employers that don't now have perfect-fit jobs available for you, go back to LinkedIn and sign up to follow these employers so you'll get a heads-up when they have news or leadership appointments. also lets you create alerts that will ping you when new jobs crop up. Jump on those. If you can compile a list of 20 or 30 likely employers to follow, you'll be way ahead of the new-grad job-search pack.8. Know Your Market Value What are new graduates getting paid in the geographic areas you're targeting, as well as in your functional area? You've got to have this information before you hit the talent marketplace. Use and to learn who's getting paid what and where. You may have a range of salary targets if your job-direction prongs vary—for instance, social work jobs pay less than finance jobs—but in every case, you've got to know the prevailing salary levels before you get hit with the question: "What do you expect to earn?"9. Practice-Interview, a Lot There's nothing like interview practice to iron out rough spots in your stories and help you overcome perfectly normal job-search jitters. Get used to answering such standard interview questions as "why are you interested in our company?" and "what are your goals for your career?" When your parents and friends make introductions to working people who are willing to have coffee with you, grab those opportunities, too. The more mentoring, advice, and mock-interviewing time you can snag, the better.Check out commonly asked interview questions @ . Get Your Spiel Down Imagine that you're a middle manager who needs help in your department this summer. You meet a couple of new grads at a neighborhood event. You ask each one: "What are your plans, now that you're out of school?" One new grad says, "get a job, I guess." The other one says, "I plan to go to law school down the road, but right now I need some practical experience to understand how the business world works. I'm especially interested in how companies negotiate contracts." Which new grad is going to get a second look? The one who has a sense of direction, no doubt. Whether or not your department's extra-help need involves contracts, you're likely to bring the second new grad in for an interview. So get your spiel down- now- to answer the question, "so what's next for you?" Your clarity and conviction are more impressive to a hiring manager than specific experience in his or her functional area. After all, you're a new grad. No one expects you to have years of experienceWeb Based Searches:Adapted from : “Pros & Cons of Job Searching Online” by Denise WangIn the age of technology, use of the internet is one of the most popular ways to search for a job. However, despite its convenience, the internet also comes with its downside for job seekers. Learn the pros and cons of job seeking online so that you know what to expect, what to watch for and how to follow up on job leads you find online.Pros: Convenience - You can hunt for jobs online at any time of the night or day, dressed in your pajamas or your birthday suit, and no one's going to know. Local, long-distance and global job hunting can be done from the comfort of your kitchen table or bed, enabling you to view multiple listings and research companies offering the position before you apply, according to Career Services at Virginia Tech. Most companies these days have access to downloadable application forms that you can print at home and mail, or return via email.Specific Job Search - You can narrow down your hunt for a job by entering specific keywords or keyword phrases into your favorite search engine to find jobs suited to your education, desires and long-term career goals. Specialty job sites may focus on specific industries, then break jobs down according to popular positions within that field, offering you choices in administration, service, IT or supportOnline Resume Submission - Many employers searching for employees on the Web offer online resume submission services and access, affording convenience and speed to individuals interested in their positions.Cons:No Callbacks - Millions of people may be looking for the same job you are online, making competition fierce. You often don't know how many people are applying online, though numbers are often much higher than for those applying through traditional methods due to the immense volume and reach of the Internet. Because of the influx of individuals applying for the same job, you may never hear back from a potential employer.Understanding Keywords is a Must - Individuals searching for a job online must use relevant keywords or keyword phrases to narrow down their job search to save time and find desired work. If you don't know how to use keywords properly, based on your job search goals and criteria, you may end up wasting your time. Keywords may include skills, job titles and qualifications. Take the time to determine the keywords or phrases that will best meet your online job search needs.Employer Career WebsitesMany organizations do not post their jobs on such websites as or . It is necessary to look at their career website page directly. This is true for many healthcare organizations locally and nationally. This is especially true for organizations within the Texas Medical Center.Texas Medical Center:The Methodist Hospital SystemThe University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Centercareers/index.htmlMemorial Hermanncareers/Kindred Hospitalcareers/St. Luke’s Episcopal Health SystemTexas Children’s Hospitalallabout/careers/default.aspxBaylor College of Medicinebcm.edu/employment/Other Notable Healthcare OrganizationsKaiser PermanenteBaptist Health Systemcareers.Advocate Health CareKettering Health NetworkOhio HealthCareGroup Healthcare SystemCommon Internet Search EnginesAnother way to search for jobs is to utilize large career search engines. This will help you to find jobs both locally and nationally. ................
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