Thinking about a career in public health? Explore our top tips for transitioning into this dynamic field.
Did you know that on average workers change jobs every five years and hold 12 jobs in a lifetime? If you are thinking about switching your career, you’re not alone. And the field of public health is as exciting as it is dynamic, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of populations worldwide.
Below are some of the things you may wish to consider when making your decision…
Public health professionals help to prevent and track illness, raise awareness of health issues or promote health initiatives at a community, national and sometimes even international scale. With such a broad scope – geographically and societally – there are lots of potential employers and different roles. It is important to do your research so you understand which type of role suits you best.
Some of the more generic roles include becoming a community health worker, community outreach coordinator, community service manager, public health specialist, policy analyst, health services manager or health education specialist.
Alternatively, you may already be in a position – or prepared to undertake the additional training required – to pursue a more specialist role. This could range from a biostatistician to an environmental health scientist or epidemiologist. Possible employers include local authorities, governments, nonprofits or healthcare organisations.
The importance of networking and building professional relationships as part of continuing professional development is widely accepted and understood by those currently working. But have you considered that meeting professionals working in public health roles before you enter the profession could help you decide which roles interest you most?
Search online for public health conferences and you will find events being held in countries all over the world, which you can shortlist based on your location and budget. The next World Congress on Public Health is due to be held in South Africa in September 2026.
However, the UK’s Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), American Public Health Association and European Public Health Association organise a variety of public health related events throughout the year, both in person and online. These and other relevant professional bodies have lots of information online.
Becoming a member can potentially give you access to international networks of thousands of public health experts, which may offer opportunities for mentoring to help your career transition.
Once you have decided which area of public health you want to work in, you can visit careers websites or search for jobs and download the job descriptions to get a clear sense of the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to apply.
You may find that you already possess experience, education or training that can demonstrate some of the essential transferrable skills required for careers in public health. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but gives you a good idea.
Studying our MSc in Public Health is a great way to kickstart your public health career and develop the knowledge and skills to lead on initiatives to maintain health and well-being on an individual, local, national, or global scale. The curriculum is informed by our own world-class social and health science research to better understand and to improve health outcomes, systems, and care both locally and globally, with particular focus on disadvantaged and marginalised populations.
Depending on your existing experience and personal circumstances, you may be able to apply for part-time work or an internship within the public health sector, which you could complete while studying our online MSc.
Many public health related charities and government organisations also offer volunteering opportunities, which is a great way to gain experience and build you professional network. Search online to identify paid or voluntary job opportunities closest to home. UK examples include Reach Volunteering (for the RSPH), the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action and NHS Volunteering.
Are you ready to take the next step towards your new career? Delivered 100% online and studied part-time over two years, our MSc in Public Health gives you the flexibility and expertise to realise your ambitions: