How to get a career started in global health

Global health is a key development issue and one which has seen an explosion in funding and interest over the last two decades. It can also be a diverse and rewarding career offering practitioners the chance to improve the lives of billions of people. So what does it take to break in and make it in the burgeoning realm of global health? Devex spoke to three seasoned professionals to get their insights and tips. Here is what they said. Get on the front lines Whether you want to work in a laboratory, advise a minister of health, or administer vaccines in the field, a first hand understanding of the challenges involved in delivering health services in developing countries is crucial to becoming an effective global health worker. Gina Lagomarsino, CEO at the Results for Development Institute, which founded the Center for Health Market Innovations, said: “Typically, health work done by global development agencies is very project-based and narrow in focus. That's why it's so important to have some formative experience working on the front line in a health care setting so that you understand the challenges involved in delivering services.” Even nonhealth-specific development experience can give candidates a competitive edge, according to Edward Scholl, an independent consultant with more than 30 years experience who previously worked for USAID, FHI360 and John Snow, Inc. “So much of global health is multisectoral now and integrated into other projects such as economic empowerment and education, that most field experience is useful,” advised Scholl, noting the “Peace Corps can provide a great foundation for people working in global health.” Be strategic but don't lose sight of yourself Understanding the global health landscape, identifying the key players as well as thinking about past, current and future priorities, will help you tailor your experience and make you more marketable. “While malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS will undoubtedly remain a major focus of international health spending, chronic diseases are looming larger in terms of the global health burden and so these could be a useful area of study,” shared Scholl. While it's good to be strategic, Susan Higman, a senior technical adviser for John Snow, Inc. and holds a Ph.D. in maternal and child health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, stressed the importance of finding a job which best fits your skills and personality, “You have to know who you are and what you really like to do, and that may not necessarily fit with a grand picture of what you should you be doing or what other people tell you you should be doing.” Think outside the education box While traditionally most global health professionals tend to focus on a specific disease area, Lagomarsino sees a growing need for people who come with a wider perspective. “Now we are seeing a need for “integrators,” people who understand the entire health system and how it fits together. For example, people who understand how to utilize information systems to improve delivery and the need to develop comprehensive delivery platforms to deliver services.” According to Lagomarsino, the best people for these jobs aren't necessarily medical doctors or public health graduates, they may come from consultancies or other non-health related professions. Similarly, Scholl referred to the growing trend of public-private partnerships in the global health space which has opened the door to people with degrees in international business, or experience working in corporate social responsibility. “Now we are seeing a need for ‘integrators,’ people who understand the entire health system and how it fits together.” --— Gina Lagomarsino, CEO at the Results for Development Institute Network, network, network While building a strong network of contacts is useful in any field, it is especially important in global health where even the smallest projects involve a large number of institutions and stakeholders. “My mantra is ‘make friends with everyone,’ partly because it makes life and work more fun but also because it's really crucial if you're going to get anything done in global health where you will normally have a coalition of partners to deal with,” said Lagomarsino. Get comfortable with numbers, hone your writing skills and learn a language In order to get ahead in global health, a world still dominated by doctors and scientists, it is important to know how to analyze and understand data. Then you need to be able to turn that data into well-written findings, especially if you are working with donors. If you can manage both, according to Lagomarsino, you'll be on your way. Being able to translate those findings into another language, notably one spoken in Africa or Asia where most health funding is now being channeled, then that will make you even more desirable to employers, according to Scholl. Looking to make a career move? Visit our career center for expert advice on how to navigate your job search — all you need is a Devex Career Account to get started.