Tufts Graduate Programs Rethinks Career Support for a Changing Job Market

Finding a job today can feel like a job in itself. Candidates often submit dozens of applications through online systems designed to help employers manage high volumes of applicants. While these tools can make hiring more efficient, they can also leave little room for the human connections that help candidates stand out.

Tufts University School of Medicine Graduate Programs Career Services is taking a more personal approach with Employer Connections, a new service that combines individualized career coaching with targeted employer outreach to help students pursue opportunities more strategically.

"The trend in candidates applying to many more jobs with the help of AI and employers rejecting candidates quicker again with the help of AI got my attention," said Katie Donovan, director of career services, "The story that made me know we needed to act soon showed there may be a connection across employers who use the same underlying AI technology and their rejecting candidates. So, if company X rejects me, the likelihood that company Y will automatically reject me increases. The best way I could think of to counter that is the personal touch—Employer Connections was born."

Currently available to Physician Assistant (PA) and Public Health (MPH) students, Employer Connections helps students move beyond online applications to build meaningful connections with potential employers. The team plans to expand the service to additional graduate programs at the School of Medicine within the year.

Students work with Career Services to strengthen their resumes and professional stories, prepare for interviews, and identify employers aligned with their goals. The Employer Relations team then contacts up to three target employers on each student's behalf, advocating for their candidacy and exploring opportunities for an introduction.

As AI and automated screening tools continue to shape hiring, Employer Connections adds a more personal, relationship-driven approach to career support. Students work with Career Services to strengthen their resumes and professional stories, prepare for interviews, and identify employers aligned with their goals. The Employer Relations team then contacts up to three target employers on each student’s behalf, advocating for their candidacy and exploring opportunities for an introduction. 

Employer Connections reflects Tufts Graduate Programs Career Services’ commitment to adapting career support to meet students’ evolving needs. By pairing personalized preparation with proactive employer outreach, the service helps students translate their graduate education and experience into meaningful professional opportunities.

"Students' careers are our priority," emphasized Donovan. "Career Services supports students, so they learn how to repeatedly get the next job in their desired career progress. These can be internal promotions or with new employers during good, average, or poor job markets. One of the first questions we ask groups of students is, 'Who plans to retire from the first job you get after graduation?' We ask this to highlight these are repeatable skills since no hands ever go up. It's also why are graduates have access to Career Services till retirement."

Learn more about Employer Connections.