Breaking Barriers: The Public Health Skills That Tech Needs Now
Public health professionals, here’s the truth: your skills are EXACTLY what tech companies need. During our Public Health Club event, panelists highlighted the most in-demand skills and how to position yourself for these opportunities. Let’s dive in.
Top Skills to Highlight:
Research and Data Analysis: Public health professionals excel at making sense of complex data. In tech, this translates to roles like data analysts, where interpreting health trends, conducting risk assessments, and presenting actionable insights are essential.
Pro Tip: Brush up on tools like SQL or Tableau to make your skills even more marketable.
Community Engagement: Your ability to mobilize communities and build trust is invaluable in tech. Whether it’s improving user adoption of health apps or designing inclusive UX strategies, your public health background gives you a unique edge.
Pro Tip: Highlight specific campaigns or initiatives you’ve led, and the measurable outcomes achieved.
Strategic Planning: Public health professionals know how to plan, implement, and evaluate programs effectively. Tech companies value this when managing large-scale projects or launching new products.
Pro Tip: Use terms like “project roadmap” and “deliverables” in your resume and interviews to align with tech jargon.
Health Equity Expertise: As tech companies focus more on inclusivity, your understanding of health equity and accessibility can make you a standout candidate. Think about how you can apply this lens to digital health tools or AI systems.
Pro Tip: Share your experience advocating for underserved communities to show how you’ll bring value to their mission.
Policy and Ethics Knowledge: Public health professionals’ expertise in navigating policy frameworks and ethical considerations is a massive asset in tech. From ensuring data privacy to aligning with healthcare regulations, you’re the expert they need.
Pro Tip: Highlight your ability to balance innovation with compliance.
Actionable Steps:
Take Inventory of Your Skills: Make a list of your strengths and how they align with tech roles.
Tailor Your Resume: Use tech-specific language to showcase your experience.
Upskill Where Needed: Short courses in data visualization, UX design, or digital health can bridge any gaps.
Want to see how other public health professionals are breaking into tech? The full workshop replay is available on-demand in the Public Health Club.
