The Career & Professional Development Center provides you with the tools and resources necessary to successfully manage your career, beginning when you first enroll as a student and continuing as you become an established public health professional.

Services/Resources

• Workshops
• Online Resources
• One-on-One Coaching
• Social Media
• Job Postings
• Employer Engagement

Competencies

Career Development: Self-Assessment (i.e. Strengths, Interests, Personality) | Resumes, CV’s, and Cover Letters | Networking Strategies | Informational Interviews | Personal Branding | Job Searching | Interviewing | Negotiation Strategies | Advanced Education | Personal Statements

Professional Development: Communication Skills (i.e. Presentation, Writing, Interpersonal) | Leadership and Team Development | Conflict and Stress Management | Work/Life Balance | Professional Etiquette | Emotional Intelligence (EQ) | Managing Up | Decision Making | Career and Time Management | Cultural Awareness | Generation Topics| Conference Preparation

Robust Alumni Network

With more than 10,500 School of Public Health alumni, students have access to a deep network of public health mentors and professionals.

Connect with Alumni
Join our LinkedIn network
Participate in our award-winning Mentor Program

Meet Us

Vic Massaglia

Director
victorm@umn.edu
Visit Vic’s LinkedIn profile

Vic Massaglia has extensive experience in career, leadership, and organizational development in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about working with SPH students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employers regarding all phases of the career development process. Massaglia consults on topics including building effective resume and cover letters, interviewing and networking skills, and other career and leadership related issues. He holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to working for the School of Public Health, he was at the University of Minnesota Law School Career Center.

Darren Kaltved

Associate Director
dkaltved@umn.edu
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Darren Kaltved provides services supporting the development of job search and career management skills of SPH students. He works to provide tools that enable each student to assess skills and interests and assume responsibility for career goals. In addition, Kaltved works with each student on enhancing their marketability and developing a competitive edge in today’s job market. Kaltved has a Masters of Education in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, and is currently working on his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

Maija Braaten

Assistant Director
mbraaten@umn.edu
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Maija Braaten is an experienced career counselor and higher education professional committed to empowering students and alumni to achieve their career goals. She is a relationship builder who creates partnerships and opportunities between internal and external stakeholders to support and guide SPH students and alumni on their career journeys. In addition to providing career development and job search consultations, Maija manages and executes a wide range of programming and events. Prior to joining the SPH Career Services team, Maija worked in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, medical school, and undergraduate higher education settings, including TRiO programs. She is dedicated to increasing access and equity, advancing antiracism, and creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all. Maija holds a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance Services from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington.

Mission

We believe that every individual has unique potential and should have the opportunity to pursue a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Vision

As dedicated leaders in career and professional development, we prepare individuals to be their best while addressing the grand challenges of public health.

Values

• Integrity
• Diversity
• Relationships
• Evidence-based approach
• Quality