YOUR PUBLIC HEALTH CAREER
Essential Building Blocks for a
Purpose-Driven Career
A Workbook for Public Health Professionals
Searching for a job is tough— really tough! It has a way of making us fixate on the things we don’t have, and if you haven't job-hunted recently, everything can feel foreign. The whole process can thoroughly drain your confidence, but it doesn’t have to.
It’s time to flip the script!
Instead of dwelling on gaps, this workbook was designed to help you reconnect with your strengths, clarify what you bring to the table, and approach your career search from a place of confidence. This isn't just about landing your next job—it's about building a fulfilling career that aligns with who you are and what you value.
Building a purpose-driven career is about creating
and following a path that fits who YOU are.
The 4 building blocks will help you get there.
Your Foundation: Knowing Who You Are Self-awareness isn't just nice to have—it is your foundation for making strategic career decisions. When you can clearly articulate what you bring to the table and what you're looking for, you'll stand out for the right opportunities and connect with employers who value what you offer.
Your Brand: Presenting Your Unique Self Your professional brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room. You will be building your brand throughout your entire career, so you don’t have to know it all right away. Your brand starts with the way you present yourself online, in job applications, and during in-person interactions. It grows and evolves as your career progresses, painting an ever clearer picture of who you are and what you stand for. A consistent professional brand can help you attract opportunities that align with your values and goals, while helping you stand out in a competitive market.
Your Network: Building Genuine Relationships A lot of people struggle with networking — especially if they think it’s just about selling themselves, which can feel fake and uncomfortable. Having a solid network can help you land a job but it can also provide so much more, including mentorship, insights into your chosen field, support when you need it, and greater exposure to diverse ideas. If you think, “I need to ask people for jobs," try and shift that mindset to: "I want to learn from people and build mutually beneficial relationships."
Your Approach: Securing Jobs that Fit This is where the rubber meets the road — when you are actively applying for jobs, submitting resumes, and, in some cases, attending interviews. The job application process is not designed to build your confidence, and frankly, it won't. A detailed, organized, and thoughtful approach will see you through, but it’s equally important to prioritize your self-care game and remember that rejection is part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.