You have invested in your education, and now you are transitioning to the next step in your professional journey: finding employment in the Holistic Health field! This is the goal that you have been working toward, sometimes for years, and now you’ve reached the time when you’ll finally pivot into your profession. It is a process that will be life-changing!
Most new graduates are not sure where to start, and this can be a time of confusion. Luckily, there are many resources available to guide you on your path! The career professionals at ACHS are here to help with this 10-Step Guide to finding employment in the field of Integrative Health!
Step 1: Review Your Resume
Ensure that you have an updated resume or CV that distinguishes your education, degree, and any experience that you have obtained in the holistic health field. ACHS offers resume review services to current students and alumni. If you would like a free resume review, please email your resume to feliciaroyce@achs.edu or schedule a resume review with TimelyCare. You can find resume and CV resources and templates at CareerOnestop.
Step 2: Update Your LinkedIn
Create or update your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool that can connect you to holistic health organizations and professionals, link you to career opportunities, and connect you with hiring managers and employers. ACHS offers guidance for current students and alumni who would like a LinkedIn review or assistance with creating their profile. Please email careerservices@achs.edu to request assistance or schedule an appointment through TimelyCare.
Step 3: Start Networking
It is vital to begin networking as soon as possible! Networking is a crucial step when entering into the holistic health industry. Linkedin is one way to network, however, there are many other ways to meet industry leaders and connect with potential employers and clients. Here are a few networking options to consider:
- Join a networking group. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or find local networking groups, such as BNI if you plan to run your own business.
- Attend health and wellness events in your area. You can keep tabs on your local events by checking sites such as Eventbrite, or even just use Google to see what is happening virtually or in your community.
- Become a member and get involved with industry-recognized organizations such as The National Association of Nutrition Professionals, American Herbalist Guild, or Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Many of these organizations have conferences and ways to get involved in speaking and engagement events. It is encouraged that you can take advantage of these opportunities whenever possible.
- Do market research in your area. Find out where other professionals are practicing and reach out to introduce yourself. Organically network at local events, such as farmers markets or wellness fairs.
Step 4: Find a Career Coach
Look into career coaching! After you graduate with your degree, diploma, or certificate, it can be overwhelming to figure out your next steps alone. Career coaching can offer guidance, support, clarity, and accountability as you step into your holistic health career. ACHS offers career coaching in our Career and Alumni Services departments as well as through TimelyCare. Take advantage of the resources available to you!
Step 5: Prep for Exams
Register and prepare for examinations. If your goal is to become a Board Certified Nutrition Professional, a Registered Aromatherapist, or a Registered Herbalist, there are steps that you must take to earn these credentials. ACHS offers exam preparation resources through our Career and Alumni Services department. You can find more information on exam preparation materials on our website.
Step 6: Get Entrepreneur Resources
If your goal is to be an entrepreneur, it’s recommended that you obtain business support through Career and Alumni Services or find a business coach or legal advisor in your area to help you set up your LLC, establish proper insurance, and set up your business. The Small Business Association also offers free business mentorship through score.org. This resource can also be helpful in taking the steps necessary to build a business.
Step 7: Start Job Searching
ACHS offers job search support for any student or alumni who is seeking employment. You will want to ensure that recruiters are able to find you on Linkedin, and you will want to be sure that your resume is posted where hiring managers can find you. Using specific keywords and job boards in your search can be beneficial in finding the most relevant job opportunities for your industry. You can find more information in this blog to help you be more effective in your search.
Step 8: Consult a Support System
Share your ideas and goals with your friends and family! Venturing into a new career, growing in a current career, or building your business is a very exciting and courageous time. You will want to set some goals and share them with your support system. It is also important to realize that there will be highs and lows when opening a business so reaching out for emotional support can be helpful in managing your emotional wellbeing as well. For current students of ACHS, TimelyCare offers on demand counseling and coaching services. This is a great way to receive professional support while you are building your business.
Step 9: Find a Mentor
Mentorship, internships, and apprenticeships are important ways to gain practical skills in the holistic healthcare field. ACHS offers a free peer-based Mentorship program. Many professional organizations, such as NANP and the American Herbalist Guild, also offer mentorship opportunities. Tap into your network of holistic health providers and ask to job shadow or conduct an informational interview. ACHS offers monthly professional-focused webinars that will inspire you!
Step 10: Celebrate Your Success!
Pursuing your dreams and changing your career path is not an easy task! You will face many moments of joy, fear, discomfort, and pride when you decide to move forward with your career goals. The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to do this alone. Our Career and Alumni Services department offers many options to support your career path, including resume and cover letter review, job search support, interview preparation, career coaching and exploration, and much more!
Please reach out to our team for support: Director of Alumni and Career Services, Felicia Royce at feliciaroyce@achs.edu, and Director of Placement Services, Erica Simpson at ericasimpson@achs.edu. We look forward to working with you!
This article is for informational purposes only. The information included is representative of industry trends as provided in the references. Please refer to third-party sites for additional information. ACHS does not guarantee graduate employment or other placement. Note, that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone.
