On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Danforth campus hosted a special gathering to celebrate the launch of WashU’s new undergraduate program in Public Health & Society (PH&S). The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to mark the beginning of this innovative, interdisciplinary program.
As part of the celebration, alumni Ethan Bradley, Giang Pham, Taylor Butler, and Allyx Davenport Haubner, joined by career coaches from the Center for Career Engagement (CCE), led a public health career panel. These professionals, with expertise spanning health policy, epidemiology, data analytics, and healthcare access, shared valuable insights from their work in consulting, insurance, community health, and hospital administration. The panel highlighted the diverse career paths within public health, offering students a clearer understanding of potential career trajectories and the skills required to succeed.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. T.R. Kidder, co-director of the Public Health & Society program, noted, “The panelists were thoughtful and informative, and it was wonderful to see so many students interacting with them at the reception afterward. The launch celebration and career panel were a true team effort, and we couldn’t have done this without the collaborative spirit of everyone involved. This synergy is exactly what we hope to continue building on as we support our students’ growth and success.” He also expressed gratitude to CCE career coaches Eliza Angarano, Amber Brown, and April Shinell for their essential roles in making the event a success.
Dr. Eleanor Bergquist, Senior Lecturer in Public Health & Society, echoed this sentiment, praising the CCE for its ongoing support. “The CCE has been integral to planning recent events for the Public Health & Society program. Their attention to detail, ability to curate relevant programs, and expertise in facilitating connections between students and professionals have been critical to our success. They ensure that our students leave each event with actionable insights and meaningful connections.”
The collaboration between Public Health & Society and the Center for Career Engagement began in February 2024 when Dr. T.R. Kidder and Dr. Lindsay Stark, co-directors of the program, met with Norma Guerra Gaier, Associate Vice Chancellor for Career Development and Education, and Nan Barnes, Director of Academic & Campus Partnerships. Since then, multiple faculty and staff from both teams have worked closely to create targeted programming and forge a lasting partnership to support students’ career development.
“We place a high value on career development because it’s essential for long-term success in any field. Integrating career development into our curriculum ensures that students are not only academically strong but also prepared for the dynamic professional world. The CCE plays a key role in empowering our students to make a meaningful impact in their careers.”
-Dr. Lindsay Stark, Professor of Public Health and Program Co-Director
Looking ahead, the CCE and PH&S teams are developing a comprehensive career plan for undergraduates, including a four-year timeline with key career milestones. “We place a high value on career development because it’s essential for long-term success in any field,” said Dr. Lindsay Stark. “Integrating career development into our curriculum ensures that students are not only academically strong but also prepared for the dynamic professional world. The CCE plays a key role in empowering our students to make a meaningful impact in their careers.”
Congratulations to the Public Health & Society program on a successful launch and the exciting new major debuting this fall. The Center for Career Engagement looks forward to deepening this partnership and continuing to support students as they transition from academic life to successful careers.
