Public health is evolving (and fast).

From pandemics to policy, from environmental justice to health education – the work has never been more important.

The honest truth is: many early career professional feel unprepared.

Maybe you’re a recent graduate wondering how to stand out. Or maybe you’re already in the field but feel like you’re missing something.

I’ve been there.

When I first entered public health, I didn’t know what “essential skills” really meant.

I thought it was all about academics and technical know-how. But through informational interviews, tirelessly reading job descriptions, LinkedIn stalking, listening closely during team projects, and simply being curious, I realized that the most impactful professionals combine technical expertise with soft skills – and they don’t wait for someone to teach them. They build those skills themselves.

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. I’ve got you. Let’s break it down.

Here are 7 skills every public health professional needs to grow and thrive in 2025. And how you can start building them today.

1. Clear & Compelling Communications

What it is:

The ability to write, speak, and present your ideas clearly. Whether to a room of public health scientist, a city council, or a community group.

Why it matters:

You could have the best public health idea in the world, but if you can’t explain it well and get support for your idea, it won’t land. Communications (and effective communication) bridges research, policy, and people.

How to build:

• Practice summarizing reports in plain language.
• Volunteer to present in class or meetings (even when it scares you).
• Start writing LinkedIn posts or short articles about what you’re learning.

Real talk: I didn’t think I was a great speaker until I started podcasting. And I didn’t know how to concisely share public health topics until I started posting on social media. Now I know: clarity comes with practice, not perfection.

2. Data Literacy & Interpretation

What it is:

You don’t need to be a data scientist, but you should be able to understand, interpret, and explain public health data.

Why it matters:

Data informs decisions. Whether it’s analyzing trends, creating dashboards, or understanding disparities, data drives impact. You need to be able to grasp what data means to your work and how you can use it to better implement and be effective on a day-to-day.

How to build it:

• Ask yourself: What story is this data telling?
• Review public health reports and try summarizing key takeaways.
• Take a free course on Excel, Data Storytelling, epidemiology, or Tableau.

3. Project Management & Execution

What it is: The ability to plan, organize, and deliver work on time and with intention.

Why it matters: Public health is full of moving parts. Knowing how to manage a team, timeline, or campaign can make you the glue that holds it all together. From small projects to large scale ones – learn project management techniques to keep on top of all your work.

How to build it:

• Practice breaking big goals into actionable steps.
• Use free tools like Notion, Trello or Asana for your own tasks.
• Lead a small project independently, in your community, or school.

Pro tip: Strong project managers often get noticed, not just for what they do, but for how they keep others organized and motivated.

4. Systems Thinking & Strategy

What it is:

Seeing the bigger picture and understanding how different parts of society—housing, education, race, economics—interconnect.

Why it matters:

You can’t solve public health issues in silos. Systems thinking allows you to design more sustainable and equitable solutions.

How to build it:

• Study real-world examples like food deserts or housing insecurity.
• Reflect on your own experiences and how they intersect with broader systems.
• Learn and start to use tools like logic models, fishbone diagrams, or systems maps.

Read: ​Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows​ – a book I read during my MPH coursework that allowed me to starting think more with a systems mindset).

5. Cultural Humility & Emotional Intelligence

What it is:

Being self-aware, listening deeply, and acknowledging the experiences and wisdom of others—especially across lines of difference.

Why it matters:

Public health is about people. Without trust and cultural understanding, even the best programs can fail. We have to do better at being empathetic to others mindsets and their perspective. We have to find space to find common ground, be understanding to move our issues forward.

How to build it:

• Learn about trauma-informed practices and inclusive language.
• Read memoirs or listen to voices (that are different than your identity).
• Reflect deeply on your and others experiences through journaling or peer discussion.

Reminder: Cultural humility isn’t about checking a box – it’s about staying teachable, staying open to learning from your mistakes, and taking accountability for how what you do or say may affect others.

6. Adaptability & Growth Mindset

What it is:

The willingness to learn, unlearn, and stay curious as the field changes.

Why it matters:

Public health isn’t static. Policies shift. Priorities change. You need to be flexible while staying grounded in your values. These are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern public health. Also stay open to the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and effort.

How to build it:

• Set a personal learning goal each month.
• Reflect on your mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Stay connected to current events and thought leaders in the field.

7. Collaboration & Relationship Building

What it is:

Working well with others and cultivating relationships that extend beyond transactional work.

Why it matters:

Public health is collaborative by nature. Whether you’re writing grants, co-leading programs, or engaging communities, relationships are everything. Collaboration boosts productivity and efficiency, while relationship building enhances cohesion on solutions to our issues. Build a culture of trust, support, and mutual respect in all you work.

How to build it:

• Follow up. Relationships take time.
• Attend public health meetups, conferences, or virtual chats.
• Reach out for informational interviews – even if you feel awkward.

Bonus: Storytelling & Public Narrative

What it is:

The ability to share your lived experience, lessons, and insights in a way that inspires others and moves people to action.

Why it matters:

Public health is personal. Storytelling humanizes the data, policies, and programs – and helps you become a trusted voice in your space. Storytelling taps into human emotions which help creates connections and motivating action. Public narrative uses shared experiences and values to inspire individuals and communities to work towards a common goal.

How to build it:

• Practice telling your “why” for entering public health.
• Write or record short reflections about your experiences.
• Learn narrative frameworks like “challenge → choice → outcome.”

Conclusion: Don’t Just Read; Act.

To thrive in public health in 2025, you must take responsibility for your growth—because the workforce is evolving faster than your degree alone can prepare you.

You don’t need all 7 skills mastered right now. But if you care about growing in your public health journey, choose 1 or 2 of these skills to focus on over the next 90 days.

• What skill do you feel strong in?
• What skill do you want to develop next?
• Who can you learn from?

This isn’t about pressure (it’s about your possibility).

You have what it takes to grow.