Why Public Health Professionals Should Consider Consulting – And How to Get Started
Public health is evolving. Traditional career paths are shifting, job security isn’t what it used to be, and many professionals are wondering: What’s next?
The answer for many is consulting—a career path that allows freedom, higher earning potential, and the ability to make a greater impact. Yet, too many public health professionals hold back, thinking consulting is only for people with decades of experience or special certifications.
🚨 Let’s clear that up right now: Consulting in public health is not only accessible—it’s one of the smartest career moves you can make in today’s changing job market.
At The Business of Public Health Summit, we’re hosting a panel discussion dedicated to helping you break into consulting, with expert insights from professionals who have already built successful businesses. But before you grab your ticket, let’s dive into why consulting is a game-changer—and how you can get started.
💡 Why Public Health Professionals Should Consider Consulting
✅ You Have Valuable Expertise – Organizations need public health professionals to help them navigate health policies, implement programs, conduct research, and analyze data. What you already know is worth paying for.
✅ More Money, More Control – Instead of waiting for a 3% raise, consulting allows you to set your own rates and get paid what you’re truly worth.
✅ Work with Multiple Organizations – As a consultant, you aren’t tied to one employer. You can work on different projects, with different clients, and expand your impact.
✅ Job Security Comes from Skills, Not Just Jobs – The public health workforce is changing, but consultants stay in demand because they provide specialized solutions that organizations need.
🔑 How to Get Started in Public Health Consulting
You don’t need years of experience or a big business plan to start consulting. You just need a clear plan and the right positioning. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Identify Your Niche
Instead of saying, “I want to be a public health consultant,” get specific. What problems can you solve?
🚀 Examples of Public Health Consulting Niches:
Grant Writing & Funding Strategy – Helping organizations secure funding
Health Policy Consulting – Advising on policy implementation
Data & Research Analysis – Turning complex public health data into actionable insights
Program Development & Evaluation – Assisting with community health programs
🔥 Pro Tip: Choose a niche that aligns with your experience, skills, and what organizations need.
2️⃣ Build Your Brand & Authority
Clients need to see you as a go-to expert. That doesn’t mean you need 20 years of experience—but you do need to showcase what you know.
✅ Optimize your LinkedIn profile with your consulting services
✅ Start sharing insights (blog posts, videos, webinars) to build credibility
✅ Network with decision-makers who hire consultants
3️⃣ Start Small – But Start Now
Many public health professionals think they need a big business plan before they can get started. False. You can begin by:
🎯 Taking on small freelance projects to gain experience
🎯 Applying for subcontracting opportunities (partnering with existing consultants)
🎯 Reaching out to organizations and offering a workshop, training, or short-term consulting project
The key is to get your foot in the door and start positioning yourself as an expert.
🚀 Want to Learn More? Be in the Room for This Conversation.
If consulting has ever crossed your mind, The Business of Public Health Summit is where you need to be.
🎤 Our expert panelists will cover:
✅ How they got started in consulting & landed their first contracts
✅ How to price your services and package your expertise
✅ Where to find contract opportunities (even if you have no experience)
✅ The biggest mistakes new consultants make & how to avoid them
💡 This isn’t just theory—this is a roadmap to getting started.
📅 April 11, 2025 | Atlanta, GA
🎟 Secure your ticket NOW and take the first step toward building your own consulting business.
