Frequently Asked Questions.
When should I start thinking about my job search?
Job searches can take an average of 3-6 months of seriously looking. For career changers, it may take longer. The CPO urges students to work smarter, not harder in their search to ideally reduce the time it takes to find a role. Ensuring your resume and cover letter are strong is the first step in that process.
How do I know that my resume & cover letter are strong?
The best resumes and cover letters are targeted to the position, accomplishment-driven, and focused on the value you can bring to the organization (not why you want a role). In addition, it is important to use key words from the job description so that online HR systems will “pull” your resume from the hundreds they may receive. This also helps hiring managers more easily make the connection that you are the right person for the role. To have your resume and cover letter reviewed, and for any other general career advising, please contact sphcareeroffice@bu.edu.
How do I connect with alumni for networking & informational interviewing?
You will have the opportunity to meet and network with SPH alumni throughout your time at BUSPH. In addition, we encourage students to be proactive and meet with alumni outside of these events and especially during your job search for informational interviews. These can be invaluable as you fine-tune your career goals and seek to build networks in your chosen field. Explore LinkedIn to see whom you may be connected with — don’t forget to join your college’s alumni group, as well as, BUSPH’s, & BU’s. Also – talk with your professors to see who they may know in a particular area of interest.
I am unsure of the kinds of public health settings &/or functional areas I should explore. Can the Career & Practicum Office help me with career-related research?
The Career & Practicum Office has a web-based Career Resource Library broken down by field-specific career paths. Visit our Career Resource Library to learn more. We are also happy to meet to discuss career options in your area of interest.
How do employers post jobs with the Career & Practicum Office?
Employers post jobs on Handshake. This tool also allows employers to search for resumes of BUSPH students and graduates. Most jobs stay posted for ~30 days, unless otherwise noted.
I am interested in working at a consulting firm. Is there a specific recruiting cycle/timeline?
Generally speaking, larger consulting firms who recruit MPH candidates tend to require applications (resume, cover letter, and/or transcript) in early-mid September to begin the following June. Selected candidates often start with a phone screen in early October, and if selected, conduct in-person interviews through the fall (behavioral and case interviews). Job offers are extended in late fall for full-time positions that start the following summer. For summer consulting internships, application deadlines vary from fall to early January, with interviews and offers extended by February. For smaller “boutique” consulting firms, generally speaking, recruiting can be on an as needed basis and/or January-March for summer positions including internships. It is highly recommended to:
- Network with alumni and other connections to learn about individual firms’ expertise and work cultures, and express your interest — internal referrals go a long way. LinkedIn is the #1 resource to find contacts.
- Attend Employer Information Sessions and Career Fairs to learn more about firms and meet with representatives face-to-face. Events are posted on Handshake and updated regularly. Additionally, attend external networking events featuring consultants as guest speakers. Propel Careers and Boston Young Healthcare Professionals often host great events.
- Research the different firms out there and check each individual consulting firm website for specific recruiting timeline information.
- DO NOT WAIT to start preparing for case interviews. Management Consulted has some great free resources to help you prepare.
- Participate in Career & Practicum Office workshops and schedule a mock interview to prepare for both behavioral and case interviews. Also, visit our Career Resource Library under the General Career Resources/ Interview Section for additional resources that include great tips and techniques.
- For more information about Consulting, visit the Consulting section of our Career Resource Library.
Does the practicum have to align with BOTH the functional and context certificate areas?
No. The practicum must align with 5 school-wide learning competencies. Your deliverables should be connected to these learning competencies and ideally align with your Functional Certificate. Check out the Practicum Section of our website to learn more.
Can the Career & Practicum Office help me find a practicum or internship?
Yes, the Career & Practicum Office has many resources available to help students with their practicum or internship search. Visit the Practicum Section of our website for more detailed information.
What is a fellowship? Are these for current students or for graduates?
Fellowships are for BUSPH graduates, and often feel like a cross between an internship and a job. They are designed to give you additional training in the field of public health – typically with strong professional development aspects, and may lead into a permanent position with an organization. Read more about fellowships.
Do you have any tips for applying for a government job?
- Be thorough — government applications can be long. Don’t forget to fill out every part of the application.
- Include all of the attachments you are asked for (resume, cover letter, writing sample). Leaving any off may get you overlooked!
- Know your KSA’s (the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) of the position. Fit your experience to meet the KSA’s of the job. Use the language of the job listing as a way to talk about your experiences.
- Network with your federal friends and acquaintances. Finding someone who has been through the system can be helpful with the application and interview process.
- Meet the deadline application. Miss it and you will miss out on this opportunity!
- Be patient! Government hiring can take a long time to move through the system.
I have applied to some jobs of interest to me. Is it okay to contact the organization about my candidacy?
Unfortunately, many organizations do not have the resources to follow up with every job candidate who applies to their openings. If you have a personal or professional networking contact there, it can be helpful to ask them for an update. Some Human Resources departments are open to receiving a follow-up call or email. While you may try that route, do not take it personally if you don’t receive a response.
Can I apply to jobs that require more years of experience than I have?
It depends. While the organization may not consider you at first, if they don’t receive a lot of applicants of interest, they may decide to consider you despite your being less experienced. If it is a sought-after organization, then likely they will not consider you since they will have many qualified applicants from which to choose. The best strategy here would be to use your networks to refer you.
An employer asked me to submit a writing sample. What should I send?
- The writing sample needs to be your own work (unedited).
- It generally is 3-5 pages.
- This could be something you have written professionally (job or internship) or course work.
- The topic should be as relevant to what you are applying for as possible.
- If it is part of a larger document, the section you use should make sense on its own.
- Samples include a section of a research paper, strategy document, policy brief, grant proposal, donor communications, or marketing content.
Do you have a list of temporary agencies & staffing firms?
There are many temporary and permanent staffing firms that specialize in administrative, clinical research/affairs, and healthcare management types of positions. See a few listed below:
- Aerotek (global)
- Beacon Hill Staffing Group (national)
- Bullfinch Temporary Service (Temp Positions Across PartnersHealthcare)
- Kelly Scientific Resources (global)
- Kelly Services | Healthcare Resources (global)
- Kennison & Associates (Boston)
- Manpower(Global)
- Propel Careers (Boston)
- PSG (Boston)
- Randstad (global)
- Spherion (U.S. & Canada)