Midwife Connection

by Cassie Moore, ACNM writer and editor, and Christian Ornburn, CNM

If you’re a midwifery student, you may not want to even think about trying to get a job yet, given the state of the US economy. You may be more than happy to put it off until next semester, or next year, or after graduation. After all, the economy might turn around, health care reform might create better prospects, or your perfect gig might serendipitously appear right around the time you graduate.

But it’s a good idea start thinking about finding a job now, while you’re still a student and have access to the professors, career centers, and contacts that come with your midwifery program. That’s the lesson Christian Ornburn, CNM, ACNM’s former Student Representative to the Board of Directors, learned last year when she graduated from midwifery school. In an upcoming Quickening article, Ornburn writes, “I knew all along that I needed to find job, but the how, where, and when had not thoroughly been planned, or really planned at all. I had placed ‘finding a job’ as one of those distant tasks that would eventually work itself out. However, [after graduation] my bills and looming school loans reminded me that I needed a new job, and soon.”

The good news is Ornburn landed on her feet and found a great position. Check out the fall issue of Quickening for her whole story. In the meantime, here are Ornburn’s tips for getting a job. It’s never too early to begin your job search!

1. Start thinking about jobs before you graduate—this will enable you to use any career or networking services your school may offer.

2. Come to a clear understanding of what you want out of a job—what is important to you? Proximity to your family? Working at a hospital or birthing center? Flexible schedule? Small or large practice? You may not get your dream situation, but you’ll get a sense of direction.

3. Use the resources available at www.midwifejobs.com.

4. Go to meetings and networking events and don’t be afraid to talk to people! And while at these meetings, act as if you’re on a job interview with everyone you speak with—smile, be friendly, act professionally. You never know where your next opportunity might come from.

5. Reach out to your professors for references or job leads.

6. Follow up after you submit an application by e-mail or phone call (but not if the job ad requests no phone calls.) Sometimes employers just need a little extra reminder to ask you in for an interview. And after the interview, send a thank-you e-mail to let them know you enjoyed meeting them.

Any tips we missed? Tell us in the comments!