Many public health professionals are interested in consulting but are unsure how to make the transition.
Unlike traditional career paths, there is rarely a clear roadmap for becoming a consultant. Universities teach technical skills, but they rarely prepare professionals for the business realities of consulting.
Over the years, I have spoken with many public health professionals who wanted to explore consulting but did not know where to start. Some believed they needed decades of experience. Others thought they had to leave their jobs immediately or establish a formal business before seeking opportunities.
In reality, most consulting careers develop gradually.
If you are considering a transition into public health consulting, here are five practical steps to help you get started.
1. Clarify Your Area of Expertise
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring consultants make is trying to offer everything to everyone.
Start by identifying:
- What technical areas you know well
- What problems you help organisations solve
- What types of assignments you enjoy most
Your expertise might include health systems strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, health financing, programme design, research, or another area of public health.
You do not need a highly specialised niche from day one, but you do need clarity about the value you bring.
2. Translate Your Experience into Services
Many professionals underestimate how relevant their experience is to consulting. Rather than focusing on job titles, think about the outcomes you have helped achieve.
For example, instead of saying:
“I worked on maternal health programmes.”
Consider:
“I have supported organisations to design, implement, and evaluate maternal health programmes.”
This shift helps potential clients understand how you can support their work.
3. Start Small
You do not need to resign from your current position to begin consulting. Many consultants start by taking on small assignments alongside their existing roles, such as:
- Proposal development
- Technical reviews
- Research assignments
- Evaluations
- Short-term advisory support
A gradual approach allows you to build experience, confidence, and professional networks while reducing financial risk.
4. Invest in Visibility
Strong technical expertise alone does not generate consulting opportunities. People need to know what you do and how you can help.
This might involve:
- Updating your LinkedIn profile
- Building relationships with consulting firms
- Sharing insights from your area of expertise
- Participating in professional discussions and events
Many consulting opportunities arise through networks and referrals.
5. Learn the Business Side of Consulting
Technical expertise is only part of the equation.
Consultants also need to understand how to write proposals, scope assignments, price their services, manage client relationships, and deliver projects effectively.
These skills are rarely taught formally, but they are essential for building a sustainable consulting practice.
If you would benefit from a structured way to develop these skills, my Public Health Consulting Essentials course brings together practical lessons and exercises on defining your services, pricing, proposal writing, and managing client relationships. It is designed specifically for public health professionals making the transition into consulting.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning into public health consulting rarely happens overnight. Most successful consultants build their practice gradually, learning and adapting along the way.
If you are considering consulting, investing time in understanding both the technical and business aspects of the profession can make the journey significantly easier.
Looking for Practical Support?
I have developed a collection of practical resources designed specifically for public health professionals interested in consulting. These include tools, guides, and training materials covering consulting readiness, proposal writing, positioning, and building a sustainable consulting practice.
Explore the Public Health Consulting Resource Library here
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