The field of public health is all about professionals in the sector improving the well-being of the population. Individuals who work in the public health sector outside of the United States are in the global health field, and these global positions offer a variety of different benefits to both society and the professionals. If you are studying to enter the public health arena and you want to work in an international occupation, there are several entry-level options that will help you build up your work experience and climb up the ladder. Read this guide to global health opportunities and how you can find open opportunities that match your lifestyle, so that you are ready to apply as soon as you earn your degree.
Further Reading: 10 Best Online MPH Degree Programs
What Types of Public Health Opportunities Are Located Outside of the U.S.?
Knowing the opportunities that exist is imperative when you are graduating from college. There are both paid and unpaid entry-level positions that can open up at any time for new college graduates with a health-related degree. You will be identifying your strengths and preferences when you are in college, and once you know this personal information, you can decide which position you should apply for. There are 5 different types of organizations that you can work for if you want to work outside of the U.S. and these opportunities include:
* Corporations: Corporation may be located within the private sector, but they can contribute to public health by creating products and services that benefit public health while making a profit.
* Governmental agencies: Each country has a governmental agency that oversees health programs that keep the people within the country healthy. You can work for these agencies or for domestic agencies that are located oversees for employees of the government.
* Intergovernmental: The United Nations is an Intergovernmental agency that has many sub-agencies that oversee the health issues internationally. Positions in global health are available within these sub-agencies.
* Schools Teaching Public Health: Some international schools teach public health professionals how to deliver services abroad. These schools also teach students how to improve care. If you want to be part of the education field, you could work in one of these global schools.
* Non-profit: Non-profits can research health issues in specific countries and come up with solutions to these problems.
What Types of Positions are Available in These Organizations?
Now that you know what types of organizations employing public health professionals on a global scale, you need to distinguish between different types of opportunities. If you have little experience and you are still attending school, there are several unpaid short-term internships advertised for college students and new graduates. These internships can be found through college posts or also through non-profits like the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations.
If you are looking for paid opportunities, there are entry-level temporary and permanent positions to choose from. Temporary positions are typically internships that are paid like opportunities with the Peace Corps or Americorps. Community Healthcorps and FoodCorps are also organizations offering temporary positions in public health for periods of 2 or 3 years in length. If you are willing to relocate, you can find governmental, intergovernmental, non-profit, or corporate positions in public health.
The health sector is growing at a rapid pace, and with more countries focusing on improving public health, finding a new opportunity in global health has never been easier. With growing demand, you can experience new cultures and live in various countries as you do what you love to do.