Networking involves making contacts and building relationships with people who work in the field of public health. The purpose of networking is to gather information to focus your job search, seek advice, expand awareness, gain exposure to the job market, and generate referrals. Networking can be done face-to-face, by phone, by letter, email, and electronic bulletin boards, but personal meetings are most effective. Though it takes time and effort to establish these connections, networking is crucial to finding a job in your chosen field, and well worth the time and energy you invest.
NETWORKING TIPS
- Start by identifying people who might know about the type of job you want.
- Talk to classmates, faculty, friends, former employers, and community members.
- Join professional associations, such as the APHA or student public health associations.
- Contact alumni who are currently working in public health careers through the Husky Career Network.
- Attend career fairs. This year the Office of the Dean, Student and Academic Services career development team will host a career resource and information fair in the Spring quarter. Your departments and programs also host activities that include fairs where you might network with local organizations and future employers. The UW Career Center also maintains a calendar of events and hosts non-profit career fairs.
- Volunteer with community organizations. Resources include:
- Community-Campus Partnerships for Health
- UW Carlson Center
- UW Circle
- UW Whole U