Go beyond classroom learning and become a standout to potential employers, graduate schools and professional programs through study abroad, undergraduate research, internships and more. Faculty and staff in the College of Health and Human Sciences are here to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your career interests, whether you’re looking to find an internship or job or are navigating the process of applying to graduate school and professional programs. Start by exploring your interests and find a major that allows you to design the career path that is right for you.

HHS Career Development partners with Purdue Center for Career Opportunities and Pre-Professional Advising to help you understand your career interests, get one-on-one advising, find job opportunities and make decisions about your future.

Map Your Four-Year Career Plan

The following small steps can help you explore your interests throughout your college experience and as you start planning for your next giant leap after graduation.

First-Year Students

  •  Discover your interests through student organizations, volunteer opportunities or on-campus and off-campus employment and part-time jobs. 
  • Explore career options within your major and talk to individuals working in careers of interest.
  • Create a career plan and consider study abroad options.
  •  Visit the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO), and attend fall and spring career fairs to secure a summer internship or research experience.
  • Develop a resume displaying your Purdue education and new experiences.
  • Attend information sessions to know what to expect next year.

Sophomores

  • Review your career interests and adjust your career plan as needed.
  • Begin to research qualifications for graduate school or professional programs.
  • Consider student leadership roles, and take on projects in student organizations.
  • Update your resume and myCCO profile with summer experience.
  • Create a LinkedIn account, join the Purdue HHS Career Development group and build your profile.
  • Participate in alumni networking events.
  • Attend a job fair preparation workshop.
  • Attend fall and spring career fairs to secure a summer internship or research experience.

Juniors

  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • Review your career plan and discuss it with a career consultant or advisor.
  • Expand your network through information sessions and career/graduate fairs.
  • Consider research with faculty in your area of interest.
  • Develop quality relationships with faculty and employers for references.
  • Practice your interview skills.
  • Research graduate school or professional programs, and prepare for graduate school admissions exams at the end of summer if choosing further studies.
  • Attend fall and spring career fairs to secure your next summer internship or research.

Seniors

  • Review your career plan and decide on full-time employment or advanced studies.
  • Create a timeline starting two semesters out to accomplish the steps in your career plan.
  • Update your resume according to your future goals.
  • Develop your personal brand and practice providing examples of your strengths, interests, values and abilities.
  • Polish your cover letter or personal statement to communicate your brand.
  • Identify best job resources, such as myCCO for on-campus interviews and job postings or the Purdue University Career Research Portal.
  • Set aside time each week to look for employment or research graduate programs.
  • Determine your best references, and meet with your references/mentors to discuss career plans.
  • Complete the First Destination Survey to let HHS know your future plans.

HHS Departments and Schools 4 Year Plans

Stay Connected

Follow @HHSStudentLife on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on career advice, student experiences and more

For Employers

Hire HHS Students

We offer a variety of engagement options for employers to connect with HHS students, from career fairs to information sessions. If you have additional questions about hiring undergraduate students or other recruitment opportunities, please contact Stephanie Farlow, Director of Career Development, HHSCareers@purdue.edu or 765-496-2803.  

Online Job Board

Post part-time community jobs, internships and full-time positions through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities to reach current students and alumni.

Career Fairs

Help students find their perfect fit at your company by participating in one of our HHS career fairs. To learn about fall and spring events, contact the following:

  • White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Division of Consumer Science – Career Day, contact Maggy Leitch maggy@purdue.edu and Paul Whitehurst pwhitehu@purdue.edu, 765-494-4729
  • School of Nursing career fair, contact Roxanne Martin, martinrj@purdue.edu, 765-494-4003

For all other undergraduate academic units and majors, contact Stephanie Farlow, Director of Career Development, HHSCareers@purdue.edu, 765-496-2803.

Additional Recruitment Opportunities

Contact Us

Career Development Office

Matthews Hall, Room 117

812 W. State Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907

Phone:

765-494-8533

Email Address:

HHSCareers@purdue.edu

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

8 a.m.-5 p.m.