Career Services Manager Highlights Range of Opportunities Available to Public Health Graduates

ATLANTA — In her role as career services manager in the Georgia State University School of Public Health, Evalye Alexander has found that a public health education provides skills that prepare students for a variety of careers in a range of industries.

“Public health graduates are uniquely equipped to be problem-solvers and innovators across industries,” said Alexander, who supports students through her role in the school’s Office of Applied Practice Experiences and Career Services. “The education that our school provides in data analysis, community engagement and creative thinking prepares students to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change in ways that extend far beyond traditional public health roles.”

Data from a national study show that public health majors find careers in a wide range of sectors, with 27 percent of graduates working in healthcare, 24 percent in corporations, 19 percent in academia, 17 percent in government and 12 percent in nonprofits.

Broad-Based Skills for a Lifetime of Success
Regardless of which degree program or concentration public health majors choose, they’ll graduate with the following broad-based skills:

• Data Analysis and Interpretation: The ability to collect, analyze and draw insights from data is valued across many industries.
• Policy Development and Analysis: Skills in policy development, analysis and communication are applicable across government, nonprofit and corporate settings.
• Program Planning and Evaluation: Experience designing, implementing and assessing programs can translate to roles in project management and consulting.
• Community Outreach and Engagement: The ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and build partnerships is essential for government, nonprofit and private sector community relations roles.
• Adaptability and Creative Thinking: Public health professionals are trained to be flexible and innovative in addressing complex challenges, which is valuable in any field.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: The interdisciplinary nature of public health cultivates strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Helping Students Transition From College to Career
Alexander noted that to help students seamlessly transition from college to career, the School of Public Health’s Office of Applied Practice Experiences and Career Services (APECS) hosts career fairs, workshops, seminars and panels with industry experts. APECS recently launched a new digital platform known as ELEVATE to connect students and alumni with internships, applied practice experiences and career opportunities. It also offers one-on-one career services counseling and resume analysis.

“Public health students are passionate about making a difference after graduation,” Alexander said. “And we’re passionate about helping them achieve their goals.”