Graduate Profile: Health Sciences (Health Education)

Kristy Schirmer completed a Bachelor of Health Science and gained a position as an Information Officer, Hepatitis C Council of SA.

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

My position is responsible for the coordination of the information services on Hepatitis C and related issues for a variety of stakeholders throughout SA. It involves the development of and management of information development, production, evaluation and distribution systems. My work involve developing, producing and distributing information on hep C to people with hep C, their family and friends, health care workers and the general community. This is through both written resources and through the management of the Hep C Info and Support Line. I need to ensure that information is current, consistent, accurate and accessible. I also oversee the Info and Support Line, Website, Library and Community Newsletter. I am also involved in awareness raising activities such as coordinating the Hepatits C Awareness Week as well having information stalls at Feast Picnic in the Park and Womadelaide. I am also responsible for managing databases which help evaluate the information program at the Hep C Council.

Have the skills you developed at university been an important part of your job? (Have you, or are you planning to undertake further study?)

The skills I developed at uni were important in so far as they gave me a broad understanding of the concepts of health promotion, health education and information. My uni studies also gave me a good knowledge about drug policy in Australia and our health care systems in general which is important when working in this area.

My knowledge of producing health information for consumers did not come wholly from my university studies but from other work in the field in which I learnt these skills on the job.

I am also planning to undertake further studies in public health which I am hopeful will give me a broader perspective on public health issues and epidemiology which was only touched on in my undergraduate studies.

At what stage during your studies did you begin to think about employment choices and options?

I seriously began thinking about study during second year at which point I realised I needed more than just a piece of paper to get a job. I joined the work placement program through the employment centre which helped to find me some relevant work experience. This gave me enough experience to land a short paid contract position in 3rd year. This experience, in conjunction with my 3rd year "work placement" then helped me to get another contract position which ultimately gave me the experience for my current full time position.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

I now realise it is essential to get as much experience in the work setting as you can. I would recommend students studying health promotion to contact community agencies to look for placements or health promotion units in public hospitals. Also use the employment centre for support through the programs there and involve lecturers for added support to find a placement. Don't wait until your third year work placement - start sooner and do as much as you can. It will be worth it in the end.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

Do as much as possible! (but I realize how hard it is trying to work, study and survive as well as other work experience).

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I applied for heaps of jobs advertised in the paper and had a couple of unsuccessful interviews before getting my current position. Although it is disheartening getting knockbacks, the interview experience and practice writing job applications was ESSENTIAL in finally getting a job. I also did heaps of reading on how to apply for jobs and write applications, how to survive an interview etc.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

I simply saw this job advertised in the paper. I was interested in hep C issues as I had studied some policies etc. at uni. I phoned for the job application kit and then spent AGES doing the application (answering selection criteria, updating my CV etc). Then I was offered an interview (which wasn't easy) but survived and got the job!

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What types of questions were you asked?

I did heaps of research on hep C so I didn't look like a complete idiot when I rocked up. I also gave a fair bit of thought to what kinds of questions they might ask (based on the job description). I find that there is always a question on team work, problem solving and planning/workload etc so I had an answer ready for those. I also guessed they would ask about how I would go about producing consumer information and evaluating programs as well as the challenges to writing consumer information. I practiced these questions and I was ready for them when they asked me!

Do you have any helpful hints for graduates?

Apply for all jobs in the sector - it's all practice in writing applications. Realise that you probably won't get offered the first job you apply for or always get an interview but try not to get disheartened - remember you are only starting out and you are probably competing with people who have worked in the area for years.
Apply for the public sector graduate recruitment scheme - essential!
DON'T sell yourself short - you have formal qualifications in health promotion which not many people do and many workplaces are looking for. Concentrate on your skills and abilities - if i can get a job - anyone can!
Go through your application with a friend from uni who knows you and understands the type of work you are applying for. Also get a friend to proofread your applications.
If you are unsuccessful for a position call the workplace and ask for feedback on your interview - this is hard but worth it.
Don't give up!