Top 5 Skills to Survive and Thrive in Public Health: Secure Your Job in 2025

Current Landscape

The job market is abysmal. Political shifts and funding cuts are eroding public health jobs at every level—federal, state, local, and nonprofit. This is very concerning for newcomers to the field and seasoned veterans alike. As someone who has spent over 15 years in the public sector, dedicating my life’s work to addressing health inequities and advocating for improved health outcomes in underserved communities, I share in the collective anxiety and frustration. As a current business owner of a public health consulting firm, I know the struggle is real out here to remain viable, secure contracts, and maintain business relationships when everyone is feeling the heat. But here’s what I know for sure:

Public health is still a viable and valuable career path. You can make money and pursue your passion. 

Public Health is Essential

The very essence of public health is prevention, protection, and empowerment. As public health professionals, we safeguard communities from chronic disease, prepare for and respond to health emergencies, and advocate for equitable access to care. Our work may not always make headlines, but its impact is profound and enduring. I think the COVID-19 pandemic taught the world that! In case you need a reminder, we matter and our work is valuable. 

Why we matter:

• We speak for communities who are often unheard.

• We design systems that prevent illness before it starts.

• We address the root causes of disease, not just the symptoms.

• We push for policies that prioritize people over profit.

Now more than ever, our presence, our skills, and our leadership matter.

Top 5 (Plus More) Skills Needed to Secure Your Position

One thing is certain—you must be nimble and ready to pivot with the changing times. Think of your skills as transferable. You can switch industries, shift your niche or focus area, or even pursue adjacent roles in consulting, academia, tech, or advocacy.

The landscape is evolving, but your value remains.

Here’s a list of critical skills and strategies public health professionals should prioritize right now:

 1. Tech Savviness and Digital Adaptability

If you’re not using tech, you’re going to get left behind. From artificial intelligence (AI) to machine learning, public health is rapidly becoming more digital. AI is now used for workflow automation, research support, disease modeling, and real-time communication. Master platforms like:

• Virtual facilitation tools (Zoom, Teams, Miro)

• eLearning design systems (Articulate, Canva)

• Data dashboards (Tableau, Power BI)

• Telehealth platforms

• Generative AI (ChatGpt, DALL-E, Gemini)

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Get curious. Tech isn’t just a tool—it’s a career booster, just use it ethically and responsibly. 

 2. Keep Up with Your Certifications

Professional development isn’t optional. It’s essential. Continuing education shows that you are committed to your craft and evolving with the field. Invest in yourself:

• Earn and maintain certifications like CHES, MCHES, or CPH

• Join professional associations like APHA or SOPHE

• Attend conferences, webinars, and trainings

• Read peer-reviewed journals and trend reports

Make learning a habit, not a checkbox.

 3. Data Literacy and Epidemiologic Skills

Data is the heartbeat of public health. Whether you’re working on community assessments or impact evaluations, knowing how to use data to tell stories is powerful. Learn tools such as:

• Quantitative: Excel, SAS, R

• Qualitative: NVivo, Dedoose, Quirkos

• Visualization: Tableau, ArcGIS

The ability to make sense of data—and use it to guide action—is a skill every employer wants.

 4. Effective Health Communication

You can have the best research, but if you can’t communicate it clearly, it won’t reach the people who need it. Health communication is about translating science into actionable insight. This includes:

• Writing clear, plain-language materials

• Developing culturally tailored messaging

• Managing social media and public outreach

• Speaking confidently to stakeholders like policymakers and community members

Meet people at their place and communicate in an authentic, clear, and meaningful way.

 5. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Partnership

Public health is people-centered. Your technical skills will only take you so far if you can’t build and maintain relationships. Learn how to:

• Authentically partner with community organizations

• Engage advisory boards and coalitions

• Build trust with historically marginalized populations

• Foster cross-sector collaboration with other sectors like schools, housing, transportation, and business

People remember how you make them feel. Relationships fuel sustainable change.

Bonus: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

You don’t need a fancy title to be a leader. Leadership is about how you show up, listen, and influence others. High-performing public health professionals have:

• Self-awareness and cultural humility

• The ability to resolve conflict and manage stress

• A growth mindset and a collaborative spirit

The best leaders lead with both head and heart.

Bonus: Health Equity Mindset

In 2025, if you aren’t centering equity—you’re missing the point. Public health must work for everyone, not just the privileged few. A health equity mindset requires:

• Valuing lived experience

• Understanding systemic oppression

• Applying trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices

• Designing interventions that meet communities where they are

Join a Community of Changemakers

If you are ready to transform your career and get the support you need to get to the next level, join our community of changemakers. At Beacon Public Health, we know that achieving health equity requires both skill and soul. That’s why we created the Public Health Impact Academy (PHIA)—a transformative learning experience designed to build up leaders like you.

Ready to deepen your impact? Join a PHIA course and sharpen your cultural competency, communication, and leadership skills. Visit: www.beaconpublichealth.com/phia

Let’s build a future where all communities are seen, respected, and supported—because culture isn't a barrier to health, it's the bridge.

Explore our educational resources, training opportunities, and community campaigns at www.beaconpublichealth.com, and follow us on social media to join the conversation.Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: @BeaconPublicHealth

About the Author

Dr. Jovonni Spinner, CEO and Founder of Beacon Public Health and Maryland Healthcare Commissioner, is an award-winning health equity strategist, TEDx speaker, and thought leader. She is dedicated to advancing public health through equity-centered research, training, and real-world impact.