There are a few different resources available for this.
NAU Career Development is more than capable to help you plan, prepare, and secure your dream job.
If you are unsure how to get there, the University of Tennessee has created career pathways that will help you navigate through your career preparation. See the career paths tab for more information
Contact field professionals. One of the best ways to understand how to get your dream job is to cold email professionals in the field you wish to work in. Ask them questions regarding their career preparation.
Fellowships are also an excellent "foot-in-the-door" opportunity for early career professionals.
Graduate Fellowships in Public Health
Public Health Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Cancer Institute- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics
Association for Prevention Teaching and Research Fellowships
Post-Baccalaureate Fellowships in Public Health
APHL-CDC Informatics Fellowship- Informatics
APHL-CDC Bioinformatics Fellowship- Bioinformatics
APHL-CDC Biorisk Management Fellowship- Laboratory
APHL-CDC Food Saftey Laboratory Fellowship-Laboratory
APHL-CDC Quality Management Fellowship- Laboratory
APHL-CDC Environmental Health Laboratory Fellowship- Laboratory
APHL-CDC Infectious Diseases Laboratory Fellowship- Laboratory
APHL-CDC Ronald H. Laessig Newborn Screening Fellowship- Laboratory
ORISE CDC Research Opportunities- General Interest
The Pacific Public Health Fellowship Program- General Interest
Public Health Associate Program (PHAP)- General Interest
Fellowships are short-term programs that can last anywhere from a few months to several years. These programs are similar to internships where you can receive career guidance, institutional support, and professional development; which can help with starting your career. Unlike internships, fellowships usually come with small stipends and some similar benefits to career positions.
Fellowships vary, depending on your degree attainment. Most programs look for post-graduate studies (Masters or higher). However, there are post-baccalaureate fellowships as well.
The application process for any job, internship, or fellowship can be daunting. The typical process includes:
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Letters of Recommendation
Writing a good resume/CV or your letter of interest takes a lot of practice. You may be limited in your experience on what you can write about, but be sure to include practical experiences based on what you are applying for. It is also important to note the difference between application materials. A resume is a snapshot of your recent and relevant qualifications for the position you are applying for. A curriculum vitae is your entire career experience, this is a living document, meaning that as you get new experiences you write this into your CV. Typically, CVs are used at the Master's and Doctoral levels. The experts at NAU Career Development are more than happy to help you with this process and will even review your materials for free for current and former NAU students!
Preparing for an interview can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Luckily, with enough preparation and confidence, you can land your dream job or internship. Career services such as Indeed, Linkedin, and NAU Career Services can provide training, tips, common questions, and interviewee best practices.
Here are a few common tips to get ahead of the game:
If you have access, utilize career services either online or through your university.
Research the organization and position you are interviewing for.
Look up practice interview questions and practice your responses.
Write up a few questions you have about the job or internship you are applying for.
Tailor your resume and interview responses to be reflective of the position you are applying for.
Lastly, when asked, "Is there anything more you would like to share about yourself". This is your opportunity to SHINE! Talk about all of your amazing experiences and SHOW the interviewers that you are perfect for the position.
Professional certifications will not only build up your resume and CV but will also provide: validation of knowledge, increased marketability, increased earning power, enhanced academic performance, improved reputation, enhanced credibility, increased confidence, respect from peers, and increased current knowledge and best practices within the field.
Most popular professional certificates in public health: