The Dynamic Public Health Workforce: Who Is a Young Professional?

Résumé

The interdisciplinary and inter-professional nature of the public health field has made it difficult to clearly define career pathways, which impacts those trying to enter the field, especially young public health professionals (YPHPs). Indeed, the regular use of the terminology "young professional" warrants discussion regarding its definition, significance, and the roles it encompasses. This study utilized an exploratory qualitative approach to explore the insights and underlying contexts that shape the perspectives surrounding YPHPs through a general survey followed by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Findings suggest that the term "YPHPs" appears to associate the individual's role in the workforce, focusing on their years of practical experience. The terms and criteria of what fits its profile vary between organizations, countries, and contexts. Young professionals are attributed with enthusiasm for public health and are required to have numerous professional and human-centric competencies. There is a need for cooperation between schools of public health, employers, and young professionals to understand and meet the future public health workforce's needs. As public health is dynamic, defining and streamlining opportunities for young professionals in public health is necessary to strengthen the future of public health systems.