MPH in Epi to EHS career?
Hi everyone, I am finishing up my MPH degree (Drexel) in March of 2027, which has a specific focus on epidemiology. Becoming an epidemiologist at a health department was my initial goal; however, I have grown to realize that the job market for epidemiologists is very scarce and competitive right now amidst slashes to public health funding.
I am considering getting a job in EHS after graduation partly because those positions seem more plentiful, and I would even consider EHS as a long-term career path.
I do not have the NEHA REHS/RS credential, and I believe I would need 2 years of experience as an EHS trainee to even qualify.
I have about 6 months of experience as a research assistant. We investigated the association of PM2.5 exposure and kidney disease progression.
Here are my questions:
Has anyone else transitioned from epidemiology or from an MPH with an epi focus to EHS?
How competitive are these entry-level EHS trainee positions right now for people with MPH degrees?
If I graduate in March of 2027, how far in advance should I start applying? Honestly, I'm already applying right now but haven't heard back from any of my applications, which could just be because im applying so far in advance.