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
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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.
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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.
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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