The SIHEC Alumni Network

One of the most enduring and valuable gifts that a SIHEC education provides is membership in a growing, globally connected alumni network. This network is not just a list of names and email addresses — it is a living, active community of health professionals spread across dozens of countries who share a common educational foundation, a common set of values, and a genuine commitment to supporting each other’s professional journeys.

The SIHEC alumni network provides ongoing career support through job referrals, mentorship opportunities, and professional recommendations. Alumni regularly return to SIHEC as guest speakers, sharing their real-world experiences with current students and providing invaluable insights into what professional life in global health actually looks like. Many alumni have gone on to become SIHEC’s most important industry partners — creating internship opportunities, field placement programs, and collaborative projects that directly benefit the next generation of students.

For current students, the alumni network represents a powerful shortcut to career opportunities that would otherwise take years to build. For graduates further along in their careers, it represents a community of trusted peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of working in global health — a community that lasts a lifetime.

SIHEC’s commitment to its students does not end when the final exam is submitted. Career preparation is woven throughout the entire SIHEC educational experience — from the very first day of study to graduation and beyond. Here is how SIHEC actively prepares its students for career success:

Career Services Office: SIHEC maintains a dedicated career services office staffed by experienced professionals who provide one-on-one career counseling, CV and cover letter review, interview preparation coaching, and job search strategy support.

Industry Connections and Guest Lectures: Throughout their programs, SIHEC students have regular access to health industry professionals through guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking events. These interactions build professional relationships and give students direct insight into what employers are actually looking for.

Internship and Field Placement Programs: SIHEC works with a network of partner organizations to create internship and field placement opportunities for students. These placements provide invaluable real-world experience, professional references, and in many cases direct pathways to employment after graduation.

Professional Portfolio Development: SIHEC students are guided throughout their programs to build a professional portfolio of work — projects, case studies, research papers, and practical assignments — that demonstrates their skills and experience to future employers in concrete, tangible ways.

LinkedIn and Professional Branding: SIHEC provides guidance on building a strong professional online presence, including how to present a SIHEC qualification effectively on LinkedIn and other professional platforms to maximize visibility with global health employers.

Alumni Mentorship Program: Current students are matched with SIHEC alumni who are working in career fields relevant to their goals, creating mentorship relationships that provide guidance, perspective, and professional connections throughout the transition from student to professional.

When asked what advice they would give to students just beginning their SIHEC journey, alumni consistently offer the following wisdom:

Embrace Every Cultural Interaction: Do not just tolerate the diversity around you — actively seek it out. The classmate from a completely different background, the professor with field experience in a country you have never visited, the guest speaker whose work challenges your assumptions — these interactions are where some of the most valuable learning happens. Be curious, be open, and approach every cultural encounter as an opportunity to grow.

Go Beyond the Classroom: Switzerland offers extraordinary opportunities for personal and professional enrichment beyond the campus. Volunteer with local community health organizations, attend public health events and conferences in Geneva, visit international organizations, and explore the country and its neighboring countries. Every experience you have outside the classroom adds depth and richness to your education.

Build Your Network Early and Intentionally: Professional networking is a skill, and like all skills it improves with practice. Start building your professional network from your very first week at SIHEC — connect with classmates, faculty, guest speakers, and alumni on LinkedIn, attend every networking event you can, and nurture these relationships with genuine care and consistency throughout your studies.

Be Clear About Your Goals: Students who know what they want to achieve with their SIHEC education get more out of it. Take time early in your studies to articulate your career goals clearly — and then use every assignment, project, and practical experience as a deliberate step toward those goals.

Take Care of Yourself: A career in global health is deeply rewarding but can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Use your time at SIHEC to establish strong personal wellness habits — regular exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and healthy stress management — that will sustain you through a long and impactful career.

Ask for Help: SIHEC’s faculty and student services team are genuinely committed to your success. If you are struggling — academically, personally, or professionally — do not suffer in silence. Reach out early, ask for support, and trust that the SIHEC community has your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do SIHEC graduates find jobs easily after graduation? SIHEC graduates are well prepared and highly competitive in the global health job market. While individual outcomes depend on factors like program choice, personal effort, and the specific job market in each country, SIHEC’s career preparation support, alumni network, and internationally recognized qualification give graduates a strong foundation for career success.

Q: Can SIHEC help me find a job after graduation? Yes. SIHEC’s career services office provides ongoing support including job search guidance, CV review, interview preparation, and access to a network of industry partners and alumni who can provide referrals and opportunities. SIHEC is committed to supporting its graduates not just through their studies but through the transition into professional life.

Q: Is a SIHEC qualification enough to get a job at the WHO or UNICEF? Positions at organizations like the WHO and UNICEF are highly competitive and typically require a combination of relevant qualifications, professional experience, language skills, and personal networks. A SIHEC qualification is a strong foundation, but most successful candidates for these roles also bring several years of relevant field experience. SIHEC prepares graduates to build toward these roles over the course of their careers — and many alumni have successfully achieved them.

Q: Can I pursue further academic study after a SIHEC diploma? Yes. Many SIHEC graduates use their diploma as a foundation for further postgraduate study at universities around the world. SIHEC’s academic team can provide guidance on pathways to further study and how your SIHEC qualification may be recognized for credit at other institutions.

Q: How strong is the SIHEC alumni network? The SIHEC alumni network is active, growing, and genuinely supportive. Alumni are spread across dozens of countries and are connected through professional platforms, alumni events, and SIHEC’s ongoing community engagement initiatives. The network is one of the most frequently cited benefits of a SIHEC education by graduates at all career stages.