HHS Career Development helps students stand out, achieve successful career outcomes

Written By: Rebecca Hoffa, rhoffa@purdue.edu

A student shakes hands with a recruiter at the fall 2023 HTM/CSR Career Fair.(Photo by Tim Brouk)

Of the 1,070 Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) students who graduated in May 2022, 97.7% of those students had successful career outcomes, or post-graduation plans in which the student is doing what they wanted or planned to do, according to data from Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities (CCO). These outcomes include careers, graduate school and military service, among others.

From classroom presentations to career fairs, HHS Career Development has played a role in shaping students’ confidence in their career skills as early as their first semester.

“When I’m in front of a 100-level classroom with students, I always say, ‘I hope that I introduce you to a career or profession you’ve never heard of because I want you to be aware of what’s out there and what you can go and do,’” said Stephanie Farlow, HHS director of career development. “The most amazing thing is when I watch students develop confidence and poise and be able to communicate or articulate what they have to offer.”

HHS Career Development offers a variety of resources targeted toward undergraduate students to help them learn valuable career insights and skills and ultimately help them find their next giant leap after graduation. While the HHS Career Development webpage and email newsletter offer information for HHS students to explore on their own, Farlow also puts together college-specific career events, classroom presentations, workshops and networking events all HHS students can benefit from. In addition to these, Farlow collaborates with faculty throughout the college to help make additional hands-on experiences and professional development opportunities available to students.

Beyond the college, Farlow makes direct and indirect connections between employers and students, helping to maximize those relationships, whether that be at a career fair, through the CCO, on LinkedIn or another avenue.

“Building connections and relationships is my superpower — both with the students and every employer, graduate school or the right person who is the next person the student needs to talk to,” Farlow said.

Beyond HHS, Farlow works closely with the Center for Career Opportunities as well as Pre-Professional Advising to help students get individualized support. This includes anything from finding the right internship and workshopping a resume in the CCO to understanding the timeline and requirements for pursuing professional school in Pre-Professional Advising.

Logan Murray(Photo provided)

For Logan Murray, a junior studying retail management, working with HHS Career Development helped him build up his LinkedIn profile, find connections and uncover his passion within the sweeping retail industry. Currently at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Murray noted attending events such as the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s career fair and talking through any challenges or concerns with Farlow have really helped him feel optimistic in his major as he faces graduation next spring.

“It really boosted my confidence in that it doesn’t matter if you grew up in Indiana and don’t have any prior experience in this luxury market,” Murray said. “As long as you stick with it, take the advice that’s been given and understand your own capabilities, you really can do whatever it is you’re looking to do.”

Shivani Naayak(Photo provided)

Like Murray, Shivani Naayak, a junior studying biomedical health sciences, also explored the power of networking through HHS Career Development. As part of HHS Student Council, Naayak is working with Farlow to develop the Feb. 20 Health and Human Sciences Networking Night, which helps HHS students connect with alumni and employers whose interests align with one or more of the college’s 22 majors. The event helps students learn how to talk with professionals across health care, business, education, social services and other industries, which Naayak noted can ensure they feel prepared when it comes time to interview for a job or graduate school.

“It makes a really big difference for students because a lot of first- and second-year students can be really intimidated by things like on-campus jobs, internships, summer research or anything like that,” Naayak said. “I think having a lot of companies that really enjoy speaking to Purdue students makes a difference because students can relate and connect with them.”

Lydia Farmer(Photo provided)

Lydia Farmer, a senior double-majoring in developmental and family science and psychological sciences, noted the career services, both on the university level and within HHS, have played a role in shaping her journey toward occupational therapy school. She said the resources available help you become more than just one in a sea of applicants but rather a top candidate for a career or graduate program.

“I’ll ask people the same interview questions and get the exact same answers, and it’s always the ones that are very unique and personal that stand out, so I think through working with the CCO, Pre-Professional Advising and all the staff and faculty within HHS, they set you up for success in that they make you stand out and really hone into your own abilities,” Farmer said.