r/publichealth • u/SadBreath PhD/MPH • Aug 28 '19

ADVICE School and Jobs Advice Megathread Part III

All job and school-related advice should be asked in here. Below is the r/publichealth MPH guide which may answer general questions.

See the below guides for more information:

  1. MPH Guide
  2. Job Guide
  3. Choosing a public health field
  4. Choosing a public health concentration
  5. Choosing a public health industry

Past Threads:

  1. Megathread Part I
  2. Megathread Part II
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u/[deleted] Oct 16 '19

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u/chisq Oct 26 '19

#1 is very dependent upon your specific job. #2 - Yes, I did, and while I couldn't relate to all the "fresh out of undergrad" students as well, having practical experience in the field was extremely helpful. Success is dependent upon your job being supportive, though. #3 - This is very market-dependent. Most MPHs in my region don't make what you are making until they've been out several years. However, not having an MPH is likely to be a barrier to you rising higher at some point in the (possibly near) future. I'd suggest you look around at people who have the types jobs you'd like to have in 5 years, and see what those folks' credentials are. If they are approximately your age +5 years, and don't have an MPH or higher, you might be OK without. If they're much older than you'll be in 5 years, or have a MPH+, you know what you should do. Better to put your "life on hold" a couple of years, than be stuck at a career level that you won't be happy with in the long term.