Navigating Pathways Into Public Health: Opportunities and Insights From Government Public Health Workers 35 and Under

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Workforce Development
• Sociology

Background:

• The public health sector faces challenges in understanding and retaining its younger workforce.
• A significant portion of the public health workforce is nearing retirement, necessitating the integration and retention of early-career professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the entry pathways, motivations, and workforce characteristics of public health employees aged 35 years and under.
• To identify factors influencing career decisions and retention among early-career public health professionals.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey.
• Inclusion of 12,839 responses from individuals aged 35 and under, with tailored questions on motivations.

Main Results:

• A higher percentage of younger employees (36%) hold public health degrees compared to older colleagues (17%).
• The majority (60%) of new entrants to the governmental public health workforce transitioned from outside the public health field.
• Despite intentions to stay, perceived barriers to advancement may lead to early departures.

Conclusions:

• There are opportunities to enhance and broaden entry pathways into governmental public health.
• Implementing targeted leadership development strategies can improve the retention of skilled, mission-driven early-career public health professionals.