4 Benefits of Working in Public Health

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Considering a career change, but don’t know whether a career in public health is right for you? We’ve got you covered. Deciding to transition into any new career can be a little daunting, and it’s always a good idea to have a solid sense of what you’ll be signing up for before you take the plunge.

Happily, when it comes to working in public health, there are plenty of upsides that can make the decision easier. We’ve put together a short list of some of the key advantages that might just help convince you that it’s the right career move for you. 

It Makes a Difference

We should clarify; it makes a positive difference. In fact, there aren’t too many careers that we can think of that make more of a positive impact on the planet than a career in public health. Through your work, you’ll be doing more than helping to improve the lives of individuals — you’ll be helping to improve whole communities, making healthcare strong and more accessible. It’s not an exaggeration to say that your work could contribute to the saving of thousands of lives over the course of your career. 

There’s a Lot of Demand

In an age when it seems that even historically secure job markets are beginning to look a little bit shaky, public health — and healthcare roles in general — stand apart, and it’s anticipated that there will be significant public health role growth in the coming decade. According to one report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be around two million new openings each year between now and 2033.

Working in public health also provides a stable career choice. Once you have your foot in the door, you’ll likely find that you have as close to a job for life as is possible these days. After all, healthcare will always be a top priority. 

There Are Opportunities for Advancement

What’s fascinating about public health is that it offers myriad career pathways. You might begin your career in the sector working as a health education specialist or research assistant, but there’s no telling in which role you might end up, especially if you pursue higher education. Completing a Master of Public Health course, for instance, can make public health professionals eligible for a wide range of advanced roles that include Health Director, Policy Adviser, and Health Education and Development Leader. Ultimately, undertaking a career in public health allows you to take your professional life in a near-endless number of fascinating, engaging, well-paid directions. 

It’s Dynamic Work 

Finally, one of the often underrated qualities of working in the public health field is that it’s never dull. This is a cutting-edge field that never stands still, and that can ensure that work never becomes boring. From helping to overcome age-old challenges to managing the next public health crisis, it’s a job that continually demands the best of its workers. If you like intellectual stimulation that leads to meaningful outcomes, then it might just be the right career for you.