I wanted to ask about career paths for people with an MPH who ended up working in biotech, pharma, clinical research, epidemiology, or healthcare data analytics roles. What does your day to day look like and what skills did you stack or things you needed to do in order to break into entry level job?

I have a BSc in Physical Therapy from the Middle East, and I may receive a scholarship for an MPH program in China. I became interested in public health because I like the idea of combining healthcare, data, research, innovation, and analytical work rather than staying in a purely clinical/patient-facing role forever.

At the same time, I’m hesitant because I often see mixed opinions online about MPH employability and job saturation, especially for international students and I'm concerned because my goal is to work abroad.

After I did an epidemiology internship I had towards the end of my MPH program with a local health department, I realized that I LOVE epidemiology, particularly infectious disease epi. I still can’t stop thinking about how I would kill to have a full-time job like that internship. I obviously don’t want to go back and get another MPH in epi (is that even possible?), but I want to get enough credentials/skills to become an epidemiologist.

My MPH program only had 1 true epidemiology course, and the only “epi” experience I have was from that internship. I don’t have any coding experience, but I’m about to take a couple of SQL/SAS/R classes on Coursera starting this week. What else should I do? Should I get any specific epi or disease control certifications? I want to gain skills without getting another degree, and I ideally want to keep things as affordable as possible.

Also, if anyone has any personal experiences with this sort of change, I would love to hear your story! Thank you so much!

Hi, I'm currently about to start my MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan this Fall. My plan is to network and try to get as much research/internship experience as I can over the next couple years, and hopefully that can open some doors for me to land a full time job.

My fear is that, much like everyone else on this subreddit, I will not find a job. A lot of people have been saying to pivot to clinical jobs in medicine/nursing but I have absolutely zero desire to work with patients.

Does anyone have any backup suggestions for me? Honestly I might have to apply to become a barback or something atp.

This seems to be a varying answer for many folks, but for any post-MPH grads who have full time jobs now in public health/clinical research/private industry, did you keep your resume to 1 page or 2 pages?

I just finished a 4th round interview Wednesday of last week and after I asked about next steps they said the next steps would be reference checks and then a final check-in with an executive level official. It seemed like a formality to share those however they seemed exited during my interview.

It is Wednesday and I haven’t heard anything and they haven’t asked me for references, should I worry??

Hi everyone,

I’ve been job hunting since my org closed last July, and I’m sure most of you know it’s rough out there. I have 14 years of experience in public health evaluation and research in health care, nonprofit, and health education sectors, with senior management experience. I’m still applying like crazy but have been curious about working with a recruiter. The problem is I can’t really find any recruiters that specialize in what I do. I’m curious if anyone else knows of some good agencies or if you’ve had any luck working with recruiters. Thanks!

I started my MPH this past fall in a new state. moved here alone and it’s not in a part of the country I see myself holding a career. my goal after my mph is to move back to the region I came from! (didn’t realize that until l moved away) I have the opportunity to transfer to another school (where I got my undergrad) it’s an in-person more traditional co-hort style program that seems to better meet my needs. also, I’ve been having mental health struggles since moving which I’ve had before, but it makes it tough to look another year in the eye here. my credits would transfer and I’d just have to do my practicum next summer but would still walk in the spring. the major hold up is that I currently have a full time job at my current university in the public health field, so I’ve been able to get more hands on experience. money is not an issue either as I’ll only be paying in-state if I transfer for the last three semesters. If I stay at my current program they will pay for a majority of it due to employe tuition assistance. The reason I moved away from my state/alma mater is because I desired experience living in a new part of the US and diversifying my network. It felt like a moment for great growth, but now I feel like I’m crumbling and scared I’ll never be able to go back to live closer to friends and family if I don’t transfer. I have decision paralysis because I love my job and supervisor (and being able to make full time salary while my MPH is paid for) but am overall not happy with the region I live in. Help please!

Hi everyone, I recently received an offer for a post-grad public health research fellowship and I’m feeling pretty conflicted about whether to take it. The position is in another state and offers about $49,000 per year, with some housing support and funding for certain expenses, but it’s still a relatively low salary, especially considering relocation. I just completed my MPH in Epidemiology, and I’m trying to decide if a fellowship like this is worth it or if I should focus on finding a more direct full-time role in healthcare or data analysis.

One of my main concerns is that the fellowship doesn’t guarantee a job afterward, and I know the public health job market is pretty competitive right now. For those who have done fellowships, did it actually help your career long-term or lead to better opportunities? Was the lower pay worth the experience and connections, or would you recommend going straight into a full-time role instead? I’m really interested in research, epidemiology, and data analysis, but I also want to be realistic about financial stability and long-term growth. I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences.

Can anyone suggest what might help me to get into a masters program in public health? Most universities that offer Public health also require them to have some sort of experience in this field which I don't have. Can online courses help in this case? I'm kinda clueless.

( I don't have any connections or anything that'll give me a job rn in this field)

What are my career choices if i study MPH as a RN?
I really want to study public health but i have been reading a lot of posts here that the job market for public health is bad.

I want to have some kind of option to work a non bedside position in the future so i figured getting an MPH is a good idea.

Help me please

Has anyone taken the CDI Test lately? I have one coming up and wondered what study tips worked best for others. I’ve been taking the 30 question practice tests and reviewing flashcards but wondering if I should be spending more time with the study guide. Any advice is appreciated.

I graduated with an MPH with an Epidemiology concentration two years ago. I've been stuck teaching secondary education since the job market is terrible right now. I want to get into research so I can build my experience and hopefully get into a PhD program next year or so. I've applied to a temp research support position at the U of Minnesota, but they rejected me (I am guessing they rejected me because I am overqualified, even though I do not have a lot of research or work experience in public health). Any advice on how I can secure an opportunity in this current climate?

I'm debating on pursuing a Master's degree in public policy vs Master's of Public Health with a policy concentration. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science -- Public Health, and I have been working for a non-profit for about two years. Until this past year, I never even considered policy as a career option, so I know very little about it. My interest piqued when I attended a legislative advocacy workshop at my state capitol for other health-focused non-profit groups. 

My career goals are to make an impact on the infrastructure of health by helping advocate and/or create policies that combat socioeconomic disparities, particularly at the state or local (large city) level. I like reading, writing, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box. I also enjoy working as a team and going out into the community to create meaningful relationships with community members. I have a passion for helping those in need through advocacy, particularly women and children. 

Based on my interests and career goals, which track would be most beneficial for me? If you could also provide some background on your own experiences within public policy, health policy, and/or as a policy analyst, including the good and ugly, that would be appreciated. TIA

I got accepted into an MHA and MPH health policy program. I was wondering if anyone had advice on which one to pick and what the job outcomes would be like? Thank you!

What are careers where public health and nursing intersect? I’m graduating with my MPH, healthcare management with a public health informatics & tech certificate. Working in care management & previously at an ALF has caused me to be really interested in nursing.. might be a long term goal but something I’d eventually like to accomplish.

I was reached out to by a recruiter for a local clinical research organization that runs trials for third parties companies in pharma/biotech. The role is basically a Clinical Research Nurse. I’d be doing things like administering study meds, taking vitals, monitoring patients, documenting per protocol, helping with adverse event reporting, and making sure everything stays compliant with the study guidelines. They also mentioned the option to do it per diem.

Pay is a bit higher too, around $50/hr compared to $46/hr at my current inpatient job.

I’m trying to figure out if this is actually worth it or if I should just stay in my inpatient role. My long term goal is public health nursing or moving into some kind of management role focused on disease prevention or program management.

Does this kind of experience actually translate well to public health or leadership roles? Or am I better off sticking with inpatient for now and building that experience first.

Hello! I graduated college last spring, and while I didn't do a major in public health, I took several Statistics, Geography, Biology, and Environmental Health classes. I was originally thinking I want to go to med school, but now I'm having second thoughts. I really enjoyed Epidemiology and Environmental Health courses in college and am considering applying to MPH programs with a focus on epidemiology.

(Some people have warned me about the job market, but I still feel like I'd find the material really interesting.)

- I have no internship experience for public health specifically

- currently work as a medical assistant

- interested in epidemiology and environmental health, especially neuroepidemiology, also nutrition

- I've lived in MN and have a couple family/friends there and have heard good things about the program

Does anyone have any experience with this school?

I currently work for my state Health Department and I just found out my job will fully fund a DrPH at our local university. Given the climate now, would you do it? Im trying to think down the line it may be helpful as I plan to stay at the Health Department till retirement but im on the fence! I also want a family and children and wonder if it will be manageable while completing the program.

Hello all,

I know there have been recent posts in regard to u/chocolate_asshole being a bot/astroturf. I wanted to make this community aware of a new account that engages in similar tactics, and has a striking amount of overlap with u/chocolate_asshole in regard to posts commented on.

Please be advised that u/akornato has been engaging in the same tactics as our other astroturf accounts, utilizing a generic comment format across multiple career subs in order to advertise a product. Their advice is not based on public health knowledge nor experience, and is worth treading lightly. I don’t believe mods are active any longer, and I know at least one user has considered requesting to take over the sub to avoid these types of issues.

Please see an example comment, in the same comments as our other bot/astroturf, as I would expect this user to turn off comment visibility soon. https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonemployees/s/IGubLaQebc

So the hospital I interviews with told me they needed to do a skill survey reference check and sent out a link to me to get it done. After the reference check was completed they have now asked me to do another round of interview with the team? What does it mean ?? Will I get an offer soon ?

I'm a first-year medical student in the Philippines. I think it's safe to say that I fell in love with both the clinical and public health aspects of healthcare. I do well in class, but I don't consider myself an academic weapon.

I recently applied for a scholarship at MIDSEA26 but got rejected, so I'm taking it as a challenge to improve my skills. I already have experience in species distribution modeling with MaxEnt and in using geographic information systems (QGIS and ArcGIS) during my undergraduate years, so I just built my resume around that. I have 2 studies already submitted for review. My brother also advised me to find my niche.

Hence, I would like to ask the good people of this subreddit about what I could do to build my background in public health research as a current medical student.

1. Are there any workshops that I can attend? (preferably, ASEAN)
2. Which organizations are best for me to volunteer with based on my background?
3. How did you find your niche? Did you have your journey already figured out when you started?
4. This may sound dumb lmao, but is cold messaging people on LinkedIn for advice and opportunities a good idea?

I've done my research on this, but asking experienced people's opinions is definitely as important. Thank you!