Networking Strategies

Effective Networking Strategies For Public Health Students, tailored for academic, governmental, and community-based career paths:

• Build professional relationships with faculty, program directors, and advisors.
• Attend office hours and request informational meetings about career paths.
• Ask for introductions to alumni and professional contacts.

• Treat internships, practicums, and fellowships as long-term networking opportunities.
• Stay connected with supervisors and colleagues after completing placements.
• Request LinkedIn recommendations and professional references.

• Become student members of organizations such as:
  • American Public Health Association (APHA)
  • Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
  • State and local public health associations
• Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars.

• Participate in public health career fairs, research symposiums, and professional meetings.
• Prepare a brief “elevator pitch” highlighting your interests and skills.
• Follow up with contacts via email or LinkedIn within 48 hours.

• Create a professional LinkedIn profile with a clear headline and summary.
• Connect with classmates, alumni, faculty, and public health professionals.
• Share or engage with public health-related content to stay visible.

• Reach out to alumni working in public health agencies, NGOs, and healthcare systems.
• Request informational interviews to learn about career pathways.
• Attend alumni networking events hosted by your institution.

• Volunteer with local health departments, nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Community engagement often leads to meaningful professional connections.

• Join research projects, public health student associations, or service-learning initiatives.
• Take on leadership roles to increase visibility and credibility.

• Schedule short conversations with professionals to learn about their roles and career journeys.
• Prepare thoughtful questions and express genuine interest.
• Send a thank-you note after each meeting.

• Keep a contact list and track interactions.
• Share updates, congratulate contacts on achievements, and check in periodically.
• Networking is about building relationships, not just asking for jobs.

Useful Networking Resources and Links specifically helpful for public health students to build connections, find opportunities, and grow professionally:

 Professional Associations & Organizations

• American Public Health Association (APHA) – Major professional public health organization with networking events, conferences, student sections, and career resources. American Public Health Association (APHA) official website

 Networking Guides & Tips

• Professional Networking in Public Health (PublicHealth.org) – Overview of networking strategies and how to build meaningful connections. Professional Networking in Public Health – PublicHealth.org
• The Networking Guide for Public Health Professionals (PHERN) – Guide with practical networking approaches for students and professionals. Networking Guide for Public Health Professionals – PHERN

 University Career & Networking Resources

• Networking sources are available to connect students with exciting career opportunities, and employers are able to select from a pool of talented students. You can also contact the Tuskegee Alumni Club of the area you are moving to for assistance in getting you settled.

  • internXL.org/Tuskegee
  • Handshake
  • Focus2Career
  • LinkedIn
  • CareerOneStop

 Student & Professional Development Communities

• The Public Health Career Club (PH SPOT) – A community for public health professionals and students to connect, learn, and support career development (membership required). The Public Health Career Club (PH SPOT)