Explore Public Health Careers

Where Will You Make an Impact in Public Health?

Public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of people across all communities from local neighborhoods to global populations. Individuals working in various public health fields and sectors contribute to this aim. At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we support you in identifying the public health career field that will best align with your interests and goals, as well as identifying opportunities to prepare for that field.

Michigan Public Health Career Exploration Support

  • As a Michigan Public Health student and alum, you have access to Public Health Career Exploration Coaching from our Careers Office professional staff who can administer career assessments and offer career coaching tailored for your specific interests in public health.
    • To schedule a Public Health Career Exploration appointment, log into the Careers Gateway, click on Appointments and schedule a "Career Exploration" Appointment.

  Student Experience: "It was helpful to talk through what career paths are possible for me and what might be best suited to me. It was also very helpful to see different worksheets and resources I can use to help me with my future job search."

  • Each year, the Careers Office hosts Michigan Public Health alumni for a variety of panels and events where they share about their career journeys and offer advice for students interested in pursuing their career field.
    • Department Career Exploration Panels: Virtual alumni panels for each academic department offered during winter semester.
    • Public Health Industry Career Exploration Panels: Virtual alumni panels corresponding to the 7 public health career fields.
    • Career Fair Alumni Insights Presentations and Virtual Alumni Chats: In-person presentations and virtual 1:1 meetings offered 3 times throughout the academic year. View our Career Fairs page for more information.
    • Alumni Networking Night: In-person networking opportunity offered annually during the Winter semester.

  Student Experience: "I attended several career exploration panels because I was seeking honest information from the panelists about why they joined the position they're in and why they're staying, as well as some information about their daily activities and duties. Knowing this information is helpful for me to determine what jobs I may remain interested in applying for."

Public Health Career Fields Overview

Learn about the job titles, responsibilities, employment sectors, and average salaries

Public Health Hiring Trends

Discover the hiring trends including job outlook and employment petitions for international applicants

Preparation for Public Health Careers

Gain insights into the core skills, relevant coursework, research opportunities, and campus and local engagement opportunities

Employment of Recent Graduates

Review employment information of Michigan Public Health graduates including the employment sectors, employers, and salaries

Alumni Career Insights

Explore public health careers by reading about the daily tasks and advice of Michigan Public Health alumni working in each field