How a Master of Public Health can help students get a role in government

If you’ve ever thought about a career in public health, especially in government, this degree helps you build the knowledge, networks, and practical experience to make it happen.

After studying as a Dietitian in Peru, Maria Mariscal worked with NGOs on community health programs before volunteering across Asia. She eventually chose to study the Master of Public Health and now works for the South Australian Government’s Department of Human Services.

Her story shows how powerful a Master of Public Health (MPH) can be if you want to transition into a public health career in Australia.

Benefits of a MPH for a public health career outcome

The beauty of the Master of Public Health is its mix of theory and practice. You’ll dive into social determinants of health, health promotion, policy and advocacy, global environmental health, and research. Along the way, you’ll learn how to analyse health data, design practical interventions, and evaluate programs that aim to improve whole populations.

Maria says her subjects on health promotion planning and evaluation were game-changers. “Through these, I learnt how to design programs with clear objectives, logic models, and evaluation frameworks.”

She also credits her health policy and advocacy subjects with giving her the tools to work effectively with diverse communities, from First Nations peoples to culturally and linguistically diverse groups. These skills aren’t just academic. They’re what employers look for when hiring graduates for Master of Public Health career outcomes across NGOs, government departments, and research institutions.

Transitioning to a government public health career

A Master of Public Health opens doors for graduates to work in various fields, including government positions. If you’re coming from a clinical or private sector role, moving into government might feel like a leap. But with a Public Health degree, it’s more of a natural step.

Maria is living proof of this. “My Master of Public Health gave me skills and knowledge in policy, advocacy, and program evaluation. These are all areas that the government prioritises. I demonstrated that I could move beyond individual care to designing and supporting initiatives that impact whole populations.”

Government public health careers in Australia often focus on shaping policy, conducting research, and coordinating programs. A Master of Public Health will prepare you in:

• Public health policy and research: Developing evidence-based recommendations and writing briefs for decision-makers
• Program planning and evaluation: Building logic models, measuring outcomes, and reporting on impact
• Equity and cultural competency: Showing awareness of the social determinants of health and experience with diverse communities
• Communication skills: Writing reports, presenting findings, and advocating for change
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Working with agencies, NGOs, and community groups to deliver outcomes

These are exactly the skills that make a candidate stand out in government job applications.

Beyond the technical know-how, employers are also looking for graduates who can demonstrate initiative and resilience. Government work often means managing competing priorities, responding quickly to emerging health issues, and adapting to policy shifts. Showing that you can balance evidence-based decision-making with real-world constraints will help you stand out and prove you’re ready for the challenges of a public health role.

Maria's advice is to use assignments, placements, and volunteer opportunities to practise writing policy briefs, conducting evaluations, or working with community organisations. and after graduation, highlight these examples in job applications to show that you’re ‘work ready’.”

How to build a government career in public health

According to Maria, creativity and flexibility are must-haves for anyone in public health. “Cross-team collaboration is also essential,” she says. Her advice for future Master of Public Health graduates is to lean into teamwork and be ready to engage with stakeholders at every level. In government, no project is a solo effort. Graduates often find themselves in environments where collaboration is the norm.

Whether it’s policy teams, program delivery groups, or inter-agency networks, everyone shares their expertise to improve community wellbeing. Her advice during studying is to combine technical knowledge with collaboration and communication skills. As government roles value people who can analyse data and policy, but can also work across teams and share knowledge to deliver outcomes for the community.

With the right qualification like a Master of Public Health, you'll not only gain a strong academic foundation but also the hands-on skills that employers expect. From NGOs to health departments, there’s demand for people with a Master in Public Health across Australia, and the opportunities keep growing.