A strategy to help you move from searching… to securing opportunities
If you are exploring careers in Public Health, you have likely asked yourself:
“Where do I even start?”
The answer is not just where to search, but how to search strategically.
At the University at Buffalo Career Design Center, we encourage students to use a simple but powerful framework:
The 3P Approach — Postings, Prospects, and People
When used together, these three strategies will expand your opportunities, deepen your understanding of the field, and help you stand out.
1. Postings: Start Where Opportunities Are Visible
Most students begin their search here and that makes sense.
Postings are the jobs and internships you find on platforms such as:
- Handshake (UB’s Bullseye Powered by Handshake)
- Indeed
These platforms are essential tools, but here is the reality:
➡️ Many students stop here and that limits their opportunities.
How to Use Postings Effectively:
- Search using multiple job titles, not just “Public Health Intern”
- Set alerts for new roles
- Apply consistently, not occasionally
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role
Example Public Health Job Titles to Search:
Health Education & Wellness:
- Health Educator
- Health Coach
- Lactation Consultant
- Certified Diabetes Educator
- Community Health Educator
- Behavioral Health Educator
Epidemiology & Disease Prevention:
- Epidemiologist
- Infection Preventionist
- Infection Control Specialist
- Public Health Epidemiologist
- Injury Prevention Specialist
💡 Tip: The more flexible you are with titles, the more opportunities you will uncover.
2. Prospects: Identify Where You Want to Work (Before They Post)
This is where your search becomes more strategic—and more powerful.
Prospects are employers you identify before they post jobs.
Instead of waiting for opportunities, you are creating your own pipeline.
Tools to Identify Prospects:
- Handshake (Employer directory)
- Lightcast (available in the UB Career Design Center Studio:
https://careerdesignstudio.buffalo.edu/)
Lightcast allows you to explore:
- In-demand job titles
- Employers hiring Public Health graduates
- Trends at the national, state, and local levels
Example Public Health Employers:
Health Education & Wellness Employers:
- CVS Health
- YMCA
- Sharecare
- Elevance Health
- Weight Watchers
- Cintas
Epidemiology & Healthcare Systems Employers:
- HCA Healthcare
- Kaiser Permanente
- City of New York
- CommonSpirit Health
- Emory University
- Stryker
How to Use Prospects:
- Create a target list of 15–25 employers
- Follow them on LinkedIn and Bullseye Powered by Handshake
- Check their websites regularly
- Reach out even if they are not currently hiring
💡 Many internships and jobs are filled before they are ever posted.
3. People: Build Relationships That Open Doors
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This is the most overlooked and most impactful part of your job or internship search.
People refers to building connections with professionals who can offer:
- Advice
- Insight into roles
- Referrals
- Opportunities you will not find online
Platforms to Leverage:
- Connect-a-Bull (UB’s alumni networking platform)
- Look at joining professional organizations (i.e. American Public Health Association https://www.apha.org/)
Who Should You Connect With?
- UB alumni in Public Health
- Professionals working in roles you are exploring
- Employers on your “Prospects” list
Example Roles to Network With:
- Health Educators
- Certified Health Coaches
- Infection Prevention Specialists
- Public Health Practitioners
- Registered Nurses (IBCLC)
- Peer Recovery Coaches
How to Get Started:
- Request a 15–30 minute informational interview
- Ask about their career path and advice
- Follow up with a thank-you message
💡 Opportunities often come from conversations, not applications.
Bringing It All Together
Most students rely on just one of these strategies.
Successful students use all three.
| Strategy | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Postings | Finds open roles | Immediate opportunities |
| Prospects | Identifies target employers | Expands your pipeline |
| People | Builds relationships | Unlocks hidden opportunities |
Final Thought:
Your job search should not be passive.
By combining Postings + Prospects + People, you shift from waiting for opportunities
➡️ to creating them.
If you are ready to get started, visit the UB Career Design Center and explore the tools available through Bullseye Powered by Handshake, The Career Design Studio (Lightcast), and Connect-a-Bull.
Your future in Public Health is not just something you find.
It is something you build.
