Table of Contents:

General Information

Know the Value of Your Degree …………………………………………………..1

UT-SPH Career Resources …………………………………………………………..3

Resume Boosters

Academic Opportunities ………………………………………………………………4

Professional Opportunities …………………………………………………………..6

Starting the Job Search

Must-Do Job Search Tips …………………………………………………………….10

Web Based Searches ………………………………………………………………….13

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

Health Plans, Providers and Services

  • 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 @

“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 Library[3] - 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[4] - 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[5] - 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 Interview
  • Tips on Career Opportunities & Interviewing Strategies
  • 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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General Information

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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

  1. 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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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 Centerinter-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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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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General Information

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:

  • 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

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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

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

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

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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American Public Health Association

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 familiesand 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

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

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.

  1. 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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General Information

A complete list of fellowship opportunities can be found at:

Basic Fellowship Facts[7]:

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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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.