Virtual Coffee Chats Matter in Public Health
I did not hop on LinkedIn because I understood its impact. I did it because my professor made it an assignment. At that time, LinkedIn had just been sitting there for years, untouched. So I updated my profile, followed organizations that inspired me, shared posts, and started adding my voice. I honestly had no clue what I was doing. I just showed up.
Graduating with my Bachelor’s in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic was a plot twist no one prepared me for. No graduation stage. No celebrations. Just uncertainty and Zoom links. That season pushed me to take LinkedIn seriously. I used it to meet new people, learn from professionals in the field, and apply for opportunities. Sometimes folks replied. Most of the time, they didn’t. Still, I kept going. I refused to disappear. That consistency carried me forward.
Fast-forward, and now I am the person students and early-career professionals reach out to for advice. I don’t respond to everyone (especially not when it’s a random sales pitch or a “be your own boss” pitch). However, when I see a student or someone genuinely trying to break into the field, I feel that old familiar energy. I respond. I share insight, guidance, and resources. I remember what it felt like to be on the other side, hoping someone would answer.
And recently, I had a moment that reminded me why staying connected matters. I said yes to a virtual coffee chat, and it left me feeling seen, validated, inspired, and discovered an amazing opportunity. Public health can feel invisible at times, especially when legislation, public sentiment, and politics seem to be working against our mission. It can feel like the value of public health is constantly misunderstood. Those conversations remind me that our field is full of passionate people doing the work and willing to lift each other up.
So here is your reminder:
Make the connection. Send the message. Say yes to the virtual coffee.
Your network matters. Your voice matters. Your career deserves community.
If you ever want to chat, learn more about public health pathways, or simply connect with someone who gets it, I’m always open to virtual coffee. You are welcome here.
Let’s grow together. ☕✨