Public Health Public health is an interdisciplinary field; many individuals with a wide array of academic and professional backgrounds develop careers in public health. Generally speaking, public health work can be categorized into several divisions: health policy and administration, epidemiology and biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, and community health sciences. Job descriptions for entry-level positions in public health may vary widely, depending on the employer. In the public sector, departments of public health are good places to begin the job search. Similarly, not-for-profits, hospital systems, and academic institutions may offer a range of entry-level opportunities. Private sector jobs may include, but are not limited to, health consulting (in domestic or international health) or research related positions (both scientific/labbased and social science-based). Important factors when considering a public health position ● City, county, and state health departments. Many state and local health departments offer internship programs (check their websites), which will provide important experience after you graduate. Make sure you read position descriptions carefully as some state and local health departments require that you live within their jurisdiction to be considered as a candidate. At the federal level, consider agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ● If you are interested in public health research, explore the hiring websites at public health, medical and public policy schools, hospitals, or public health research organizations. These organizations typically hire research assistants for entry level positions and are a great way to gain new skills. ● Fluency in a second language, familiarity with a particular geographic area, and/or knowledge of basic public health concepts may make you a more competitive candidate. As an undergraduate, try to focus research papers and class projects on an aspect of health in order to build your public health literature knowledge base. Joining an on-campus organization with a health focus or participating in health related volunteer work are great ways to network and gain experience. Resume tips If you have any of the following technical skills include them on your resume: STATA, SAS, SPSS, Reference Manager, EndNote, NVivo, or AtlasTi. Any experience in public health practice (e.g., sexual health educator, balanced health educator, etc.) will help to make you a more competitive candidate. Wellesley Alumnae have attended these graduate programs Columbia University- Mailman School of Public Health Emory University- Rollins School of Public Health Harvard School of Public Health John Hopkins University- Bloomberg School of Public Health University of North Carolina- Gillings School of Public Health University of Washington School of Public Health Resources American Public Health Association Association of Schools of Public Health’s “This is Public Health” Campaign Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Be the Difference ❘ Center for Work and Service ❘ Green Hall 441 ❘ www.wellesley.edu/CWS Paths to employment General Search City, County, and State health departments Clinics and Hospitals Consulting Companies (e.g., The Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Clarion HealthCare) Medical Schools and Schools of Public Health Not-for-profit organizations (e.g., Planned Parenthood) Boston Abt Associates (multiple offices across the US and the world) Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston Medical Center Boston Public Health Commission Boston University School of Public Health Fenway Health Harvard University School of Public Health Massachusetts Department of Public Health Partners Healthcare RTI International (multiple offices across the US and the world) Search Engines Association of the Schools of Public Health Job Site Public Health Employment Connection Be the Difference ❘ Center for Work and Service ❘ Green Hall 441 ❘ www.wellesley.edu/CWS