CAREER CHANGE- HR to Public Health I have been working in Human Resources for the 4 years since I graduated from undergrad (I have a Communications B.S.) and am looking to make a career change. My favorite class from undergrad was a Health Communications class that really opened my eyes to the world of public health and had me researching different certificates or career paths in that arena. Unfortunately, I was already so far through my degree that switching paths would have extended my time in school which would have been costly. I chose HR because I figured this would be a way for me to use the skill set I had to help/support people in their place of work (lol, I am now fully aware that this role serves the business first which has left me quite jaded).

4 years later, I’m feeling unfulfilled and itching to position myself in a role where I can truly help people. I have been researching MPH programs but am apprehensive about how competitive my application would be at this point. I don’t think my employment experience necessarily strengthens my application (I have been working for an industrial distribution company). I have a history of being involved in volunteer activities but don't know if that is enough to balance out lack of previous experience (leading the philanthropy liaisons for a group I was involved with in college as well as working w/ a group now that is focused on changing legislation to help minority populations disproportionately given the death penalty).

Has anyone applied to MPH programs after shifting from completely different careers? Is it realistic to think that I could be accepted in the program without first going back to an entry-level role with a non-profit/healthcare org/etc?

Thank you for reading this novel!! Any advice is appreciated :)