Ep 8 | Breaking Into Public Health Careers: Lessons from New Grads with Jason Yen

Welcome back to the Sunflower Squad Podcast. I’m Lena Clark, founder of Sunflower UX, and I’ve got another amazing episode for you from New York Tech Week. I’m especially excited about this conversation with Jason Yen, a recent Columbia University graduate in Public Health and co-host of the Hack Cafe podcast.

As many of you know, my own background is in public health. I earned my master’s degree at Texas A&M, where I was honored to be inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society for helping innovate the master’s-level curriculum. What you may not know is that the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the time, Dr. Amy Fairchild, was leading the project I was working on, and she was also a graduate of Columbia University. My admiration for Columbia’s program runs deep, and this conversation with Jason felt like a meaningful full-circle moment.

Jason’s story shines a light on what it takes to step into a career in public health, as well as the unique challenges international students face.

If you’re studying public health or just starting your career, this episode is for you. We’re diving into:

• How to prepare for life after graduation

• Why networking and storytelling matter as much as technical skills

• The specific challenges international students face in public health

• Practical advice for jobseekers entering a changing healthcare landscape

Jason’s Path into Public Health

Jason recently completed his Public Health degree with a focus on Health Administration, studying hospital operations, insurance, and healthcare consulting. Like many of his classmates, he’s stepping into the healthcare industry to contribute to a system that’s rapidly evolving. His next stop: life science consulting.

Why consulting? Jason sees it as the best place to sharpen both technical skills and soft skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability. In his words, consulting provides the opportunity to build the toolkit you’ll need to thrive in a healthcare system that’s changing faster than ever.

Practical Advice for Public Health Students

Jason shared some thoughtful advice for current students and new grads:

• Use your time to learn. Public health intersects with some of the most complex and difficult systems in healthcare. Graduate school is the time to study those structures deeply.

• Build soft skills. Attend events, join competitions, and practice engaging with professionals. These are the experiences that prepare you for real-world collaboration.

• Network intentionally. Talk to alumni from your program. They can share insight, offer guidance, and sometimes even open doors to job opportunities.

I added my own perspective here too: understand your professional story. Reflect on your past roles, identify what worked and what didn’t, and practice telling that story clearly. If you can explain your journey to a five-year-old at Thanksgiving dinner without them asking “But what does that mean?” you’re ready to ace a job interview.

The Realities for International Students

Jason also opened up about the challenges international students face in today’s climate. With funding cuts and ongoing immigration hurdles, it’s harder than ever for international graduates to secure jobs in the U.S.

He’s using social media to share his experience navigating networking, American small-talk culture, and career-building as an international student. His goal is to support others who are walking the same path.

I love this, because public health thrives on diverse perspectives. Our field is stronger because of the voices of international students. They bring insight, dedication, and innovation that we all benefit from.

If you have the power to help, whether through funding decisions or by extending your professional network, please do. The future of public health depends on it.

What It Takes to Build a Career in Public Health

• Invest in both technical and soft skills. The healthcare system is complex, success requires both knowledge and adaptability.

• Communicate your story with confidence. Practice explaining your professional journey with clarity and confidence.
  Networking is essential. Alumni, mentors, and peers can open doors to opportunities that are difficult to access on your own.

• Support international students. They are vital to the future of public health, and their contributions strengthen the field for everyone.

• Healthcare is changing fast. Healthcare is evolving rapidly, making this the ideal time to contribute your skills, perspective, and energy.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing

Want to hear more from Jason? Check out his podcast Hack Cafe, where he and his co-host dive into education and personal growth.

And if you’re building your own public health or healthcare career, remember that Sunflower UX is here to help organizations design smarter, safer, and more inclusive systems.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Sunflower Squad Podcast, follow us on social, and share this episode with someone who’s navigating their career journey. Together, we can drive innovation to build a healthier future for everyone.