[Type text]
General Information
MANAGEMENT, POLICY & COMMUNITY HEALTH
Jump Start Your Career
For Recent Graduates & Early Careerist
Alexandria D Stack
2011
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UT SCHOOL
OF
PUBLIC HEALTH
Table of Contents:
General Information
Know the Value of Your Degree
UT-SPH Career Resources
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Resume Boosters
Academic Opportunities
Professional Opportunities
Starting the Job Search
Must-Do Job Search Tips
Web Based Searches
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General information
Know 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.”1
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/Diagnostics
 Affymetrix
 Amgen
 Applied Scientific/Celera
 Boston Scientific
 Genentech
 Roche Molecular Diagnostics
Consulting
 Accenture
 Bain Consulting
 Boston Consulting Group
 Deloitte
 L.E.K. Consulting
 McKinsey and Company
 Navigant
 Tiber Group
 ZS Associates
Banking and Venture Capital
 Burrill and Company
 China Health Venture Capital, Beijing
 IFC/World Bank
 Fog City Capital
 Mitsui Venture Capital
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UT School of Public Health – MPH Degree Programs: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mph/
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General Information
Health Plans, Providers and Services
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Blue Shield of California
The Methodist Hospital System
Epocrates
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System
HealthNet
IMS Health
Kaiser Permanente
McKesson
MD Anderson
Oracle Healthcare
Baylor College of Medicine
Sutter Health
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General Information
UT-SPH Career Resources
Applying for jobs and starting a career can be overwhelming, that is why the UT-SPH offers a
number of career services.
Check it out @ www.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.”2
Career Services include:
 Career Services Library3 - 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 Counseling4 - 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 – Ops5 - 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 –
o Getting the Interview
o Tips on Career Opportunities & Interviewing Strategies
o Tips on Writing the Perfect Resume & Applying for Federal USA Jobs
 Links – 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.
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UT School of Public Health – Career Services Overview: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/current-students/careerservices/
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UT School of Public Health – Career Services: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/current-students/career-services/
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UT School of Public Health – Career Services: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/current-students/career-services/
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UT School of Public Health – Career Services Overview: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/current-students/careerservices/
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Resume Boosters
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.
1. Join a Student Organization…or Create Your Own
Student 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 Association
 International Association of Emergency Managers – USA Student Chapter
 Public Health Students of African Descent
 Student Epidemic Intelligence Society
 Student Society for Global Health
 The Board: A Leadership & Management Organization
2. Make 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”6. 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 Hospital
 Part time Administrative Internships at Baylor College of Medicine
 Part time Administrative Internships at Texas Children’s Hospital
3. Get to Know Your Professors
Professors 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.
4. Do Well in School
As 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 expand
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UT- School of Public Health – Practicum: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/academics/practicum/
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Resume Boosters
your 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.
5. Build a Portfolio
One 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.
6. 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.
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Resume Boosters
Professional Opportunities:
1. Professional Organizations –
Adapted from HigherEdJobs.com: “Why Join a Professional Association” by Kelly A. Cherwin
As 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:
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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 webor 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
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Resume Boosters
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, Academic360.com 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
www.hfma.org
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 Executives
www.ache.org
The 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 Administrators
www.acha.org
Founded 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 profession
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Resume Boosters
American Public Health Association
www.apha.org
The 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 Society
www.himss.org
HIMSS 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 Association
www.mgma.com
MGMA 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.
2. 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.
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Resume Boosters
A complete list of fellowship opportunities can be found at: www.ache.org/postgrad/splash.cfm
Basic Fellowship Facts7:
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/yr
Length: 12 months
Structure: Rotational &/or Project Based
General Selection Process:
Application Review
Round 1: Phone Interviews
Round 2: On-site Interviews
Fellows are selected
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Basic Fellowship Facts applies to many but not apply all organizations. Refer to individual fellowship postings for
details.
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Starting the Job Search
Must –Do Job Search Tips:
Adapted From Bloomberg Businessweek:“10 Must-Do Job Search Tips for Spring 2011 Grads” by Liz Ryan
Graduation 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/rightbrain mix to enjoy and thrive on the quantitative and analytical parts of marketing, as well as
the creative bits."
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Starting the Job Search
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 appropriate
When 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 www.whitepages.com 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.
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Starting the Job Search
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 - Indeed.com. 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.
Indeed.com 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 Payscale.com and Glassdoor.com 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 mockinterviewing time you can snag, the better.
Check out commonly asked interview questions @ http://careeradvice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/100-potential-interviewquestions/article.aspx
10. 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 experience
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Starting the Job Search
Web Based Searches:
Adapted from Livestrong.com: “Pros & Cons of Job Searching Online” by Denise Wang
In 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:
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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 support
Online 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:
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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.
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Starting the Job Search
Employer Career Websites
Many organizations do not post their jobs on such websites as Monster.com or
CareerBuilder.com. 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 System
www.methodisthealthcareers.com
The University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center
www.mdanderson.org/careers/index.html
Memorial Hermann
www.memorialhermann.org/careers/
Kindred Hospital
www.khhouston.com/careers/
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System
www.giantcareers.com/
Texas Children’s Hospital
www.texaschildrens.org/allabout/careers/default.aspx
Baylor College of Medicine
www.bcm.edu/employment/
Other Notable Healthcare Organizations
Kaiser Permanente
www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org
Baptist Health System
www.careers.baptisthealth.net
Advocate Health Care
www.advocatehealthcare.com
Kettering Health Network
www.khnetwork.org
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Starting the Job Search
Ohio Health
www.ohiohealth.com
CareGroup Healthcare System
www.caregroup.org
Common Internet Search Engines
Another way to search for jobs is to utilize large career search engines. This will help you to
find jobs both locally and nationally.
www.Monster.com
www.Beyond.com
www.Careerbuilder.com
www.Healthcaremanagementjobs.org
www.healthcarejobsite.com/
www.hound.com
www.indeed.com
www.jobcentral.com
www.jobserve.com
www.linkedin.com
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