The pressure to get it “right” is real.
You’ve invested years in your education. Built your network. Applied to countless jobs. And now, that first offer feels like it has to be the one.
But here’s the truth not enough people say out loud: your first public health job is just the beginning – not the destination.
This journey isn’t linear, and it’s not supposed to be.
Early roles are stepping stones, not finish lines.
Let’s unpack why the pressure to find the “perfect job” is misplaced—and how you can use your early career to explore, grow, and build a future that truly fits you.
The Myth of the Perfect First Job
We were sold the idea that our careers should unfold in a straight, upward line.
Get the degree. Land the perfect job. Rise in the ranks. Retire fulfilled.
But in the current public health landscape, that narrative doesn’t hold up (all the time).
If you don’t get your first job being the “right one”, you are not falling behind.
Here’s why the “perfect public health job” is a myth:
- Titles don’t guarantee fulfillment or growth.
- The job that looks best on paper may not align with your values.
- Most professionals pivot – often multiple times – before finding their fit.
- The “wrong” job often teaches you what’s right for you.
Public health is broad, dynamic, and deeply human.
Most people don’t start in their dream job—and honestly, most people don’t even know what their dream job is at the beginning. What looks good on paper might not feel good in practice. And that’s okay.
Your first job might be underpaid, underwhelming, or unrelated to what you thought you’d be doing—and it can still be deeply valuable. Why? Because it gives you data: insight into what matters to you, what doesn’t, and what kind of environment helps you thrive.
Your first job is data, not destiny. Let it show you what matters to you (and give you clarity) – not define what you’re worth.
Public Health is Everywhere
If you think your only options are “epidemiologist” or “health educator,” think again.
Public health exists in nearly every sector:
- Nonprofits
- City and county government
- K-12 education and universities
- Media and digital health
- Environmental justice and housing
- Food systems and tech companies
You might find yourself working for a grassroots nonprofit, a tech company, or a city council office.
Maybe you’re writing health content, organizing community events, or managing grants.
Just because your job doesn’t have “public health” in the title doesn’t mean it’s not public health. Public health touches jobs everywhere.
Your role might be called something else, but your impact is real.
Don’t box yourself in. Your public health degree gave you both a lens and a skillset—tools that can be applied far beyond traditional roles.
What matters isn’t the job title—it’s the transformation you help create.
🌀 Reflection Prompt: “What kinds of problems do I want to help solve—not just what job titles sound impressive?”
Learn, Adapt, Repeat
Your first job is a classroom and a testing ground.
The lessons and skills often aren’t what you expected.
You’ll learn how systems really operate, how teams collaborate (or don’t), and how funding shapes the work. You’ll learn what kinds of tasks energize you, and which ones drain you.
Here’s what to focus on learning:
- Transferable skills: writing, speaking, managing time, working on teams
- Workplace dynamics: learning what kind of environment helps you thrive
- Systems awareness: understanding how funding, leadership, and politics shape outcomes
- Technical skills: project management, data analysis, facilitation, storytelling
- Relationship building: connecting with mentors, partners, and peers
Also, notice what energizes you vs. what drains you. Keep a journal or digital note tracking:
- Wins you’re proud of
- Skills you’ve practiced
- Values being clarified
- Questions you’re still asking
Be curious. Ask questions. Offer support. Observe the culture.
Every skill you pick up now becomes part of your public health toolkit—and trust me, you’ll use it later. Also don’t forget to use your time to build connections and learn more about the field.
This will guide your next move intentionally, not reactively.
Refine & Reflect as You Go
Career clarity doesn’t come from a single moment of “aha.” It comes from small steps of trial, reflection, and adjustment.
You learn what works for you by doing, reflecting, adjusting, and trying again.
Ask yourself every few months:
- What parts of this job do I enjoy most?
- What’s missing that I want to learn or explore?
- What environments bring out my best work?
- Who am I learning from – and who do I need to seek out?
Use these answers to:
- Shape new goals
- Revise your resume with impact stories
- Position yourself for growth or transition
As you refine your interests and skills, you’ll start to see patterns. Use them. Update your resume. Redo your LinkedIn profile.
Start crafting a story that reflects who you’re becoming—not just who you’ve been.
You don’t need to have a five-year plan—just the next step and an openness to grow.
What Actually Matters in the Long Run
It’s easy to get caught up in the surface-level markers of success. But titles fade. Job perks change. What lasts is alignment.
Careers that last are built on:
- Value alignment: Are you doing work that reflects your beliefs?
- Supportive environments: Are you seen, respected, and mentored?
- Ongoing learning: Are you stretching your skills and growing confidence?
What matters most:
- Doing work that fulfills you
- Contributing to something greater
- Protecting your well-being along the way
Careers that last aren’t built on landing the perfect job. They’re built on intention—choosing environments and missions that align with who you are and what you care about.
You Are Not Behind- You’re Just Beginning
Let this be your reminder: you are not late. You are learning.
No one has it all figured out. No one’s path looks exactly the same. And that’s not only okay—it’s necessary for a field like public health.
Some people jump from fellowship to fellowship. Others take a break and then re-enter with renewed clarity. Some pivot into brand-new sectors and build bridges no one saw coming.
There is no singular path—only the one that makes sense for you.
So if your first job isn’t perfect? That’s okay. You’re gathering insight.
If you’re unsure what comes next? That’s normal. You’re not rushing into someone else’s dream.
You’re not behind. You’re just beginning.