Career Coaching

Career coaching is the heart of our work at the University of Michigan School of Public Health Careers Office because it provides our team with the opportunity to connect with students about their careers goals and support them in reaching their goals. We provide various avenues for students and alumni to access our career coaching whether virtually or in-person and by meeting with a professional career coach or a peer career coach.

Career Coaching at the Michigan Public Health Careers Office is guided by two principles:

  1. Partnership: We center the student as the expert in their experiences and the leader in determining direction and strategy they want to take. Our role as coaches is to provide information and support in response to students' questions and check in with them about whether that information and support aligns with their goals.
  2. Building Confidence: Regardless of the career topic we are discussing, we aim to find ways to affirm the incredible skills, strengths, and talents of Michigan Public Health students. If we are discussing a resume, we will affirm the great experiences and skills you have (even if you have a hard time recognizing them). If we are talking about your career exploration, we will affirm you for any ideas you have about the path you want to take (even if you wish you had a clearer vision). We know that students often struggle with comparing themselves and feeling behind or lacking, and we aim to challenge those negative thoughts, recognize students' strengths, and build them up.

  • Resume Review: Share your resume and ask for feedback from a coach
  • Cover Letter: Ask about how to create a cover letter or ask for feedback
  • Interview Preparation & Practice: Learn how to prepare for an interview and practice answering interview questions
  • Career Exploration & Planning: Talk about your interests and brainstorm with a coach about career options and how to best prepare for them during your time at Michigan Public Health
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Review a CV (a record of academic and research accomplishments used by researchers and professors)
  • Internship Search: Discuss strategies for finding and applying for internship opportunities
  • Internship Funding: Discuss internship funding opportunities
  • Networking: Learn ways to connect with people who can support you in career journey
  • Job Search: Share with a coach about job search goals and brainstorm strategies
  • LinkedIn Profile: Discuss setting up and using LinkedIn to maximize your internship or job search
  • Graduate School Applications: Talk with a coach about your application process or materials for Masters, Medical, or PhD programs.
  • Negotiations: Talk with us about how to negotiate when you receive a salary offer
  Student Experience: "In my coaching appointment, I really felt heard and the coach addressed everything I brought up and connected me back to a resource. I really appreciate how the coach always stopped to ask how I was feeling and what direction I wanted the meeting to go in. I am so glad I was able to connect today and feel a lot less overwhelmed about my internship search."

Career Coaching Drop-ins

We provide in-person and virtual drop-in hours with our full-time career coaches and our peer career coaches. During in-person drop-ins, students can stop by Suite 1700 in SPH I where we have coffee, tea, snacks, and a space to work on internship and job application materials and searches as well as receive support from coaches. Current students can view our Drop-in Schedule and instructions for joining Virtual Drop-ins on the Heights Authentication Required.

Career Coaching Scheduled Appointments

Students are invited to schedule 1:1 in-person and virtual appointments with our professional career coaches. During these appointments, students can talk with us about career opportunities in the public health field that align with their interests, internship and job search strategies, as well as their application materials and processes. Current students can view information on scheduling an appointment on the Heights Authentication Required.

Career Coaching Schedule, Structure & Accommodations

Current students can access our Drop-ins Schedule, Appointment Information, Coaching Structure & Accommodations information in the Heights Authentication Required.