Switching out of NGO global health / USAID world into a high paying job

[Anonymous]

Anyone here who was able to switch from USAID NGO jobs to higher-paying and exciting jobs in Global Health?

I work in Program Management and getting sick of typical USAID work. Want to get out of the USAID world and would like to hear from others on how they did it.
Right now making $120K with a bonus in an NGO focused on Global Health.

[Anonymous]

I would say that you are doing fairly well in terms of salary, but you do not tell us of any degree(s) or how much experience you have. What bugs you about USAID?

Many in global health seek or somehow just fall or luck into a niche area to build expertise (subject matter expert). This can be lucrative if you are interested in one specific region or issue or aspect of global health.

Have you considered other employers like WHO or PAHO locally, a huge org like Save the Children, or a stint abroad if not yet done that?

Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

[Anonymous]

If you want to make more money, go work for a UN agency. It won’t be more exciting (or any more functional), though - probably less so!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

I’m on global health, with and MPH, making 150k in a Director level position. What is your current title? How long have you been in the workforce? What type of work are you doing/want to be doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone here who was able to switch from USAID NGO jobs to higher-paying and exciting jobs in Global Health?

I work in Program Management and getting sick of typical USAID work. Want to get out of the USAID world and would like to hear from others on how they did it.
Right now making $120K with a bonus in an NGO focused on Global Health.

Gates Foundation staff are paid well but it’s very competitive to get hired and they work their staff hard.

[Anonymous]

DD has her MPH and makes 85K at CDC. You are doing really well. Your non-profit puts all their money into salaries, obviously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

I’m on global health, with and MPH, making 150k in a Director level position. What is your current title? How long have you been in the workforce? What type of work are you doing/want to be doing?

I’ve been in the workforce for 15 years. I took a crappy title for a remote position in order to chase my spouse around the country, and now I am ready to find a real footing. How can I compensate for 10+ years of being second fiddle? Is there a career coach out there who helps people like me? Two masters from Ivy League schools, decent experience that doesn’t elevate. I am so frustrated, truly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say that you are doing fairly well in terms of salary, but you do not tell us of any degree(s) or how much experience you have. What bugs you about USAID?

Many in global health seek or somehow just fall or luck into a niche area to build expertise (subject matter expert). This can be lucrative if you are interested in one specific region or issue or aspect of global health.

Have you considered other employers like WHO or PAHO locally, a huge org like Save the Children, or a stint abroad if not yet done that?

Good luck to you.

Thanks! I have an MBA and MPH and 8 yrs of global health experience working for IPs. Just tired of spending summers writing work plans, monthly reports, etc.

I am hoping to switch to Pharma but if you are not a technical staff ex regulatory, QA, etc it is hard to switch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

I’m on global health, with and MPH, making 150k in a Director level position. What is your current title? How long have you been in the workforce? What type of work are you doing/want to be doing?

I’ve been in the workforce for 15 years. I took a crappy title for a remote position in order to chase my spouse around the country, and now I am ready to find a real footing. How can I compensate for 10+ years of being second fiddle? Is there a career coach out there who helps people like me? Two masters from Ivy League schools, decent experience that doesn’t elevate. I am so frustrated, truly.

OP here. Kudos for doing what you did. Here are my tips: Network network network. Get your LinkedIn in shape, reach out to folks you know in the industry you want to work, look on Linkedin (under the anonymous setting) profiles you would like to have jobs like and see what they did to get there, ask people you admire professionally to review your resume, Careers in non-profit offers resume mapping maybe try that. I wish I could connect with you and see how I can help. You got this, it's your time to shine don't let the past dictate your future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD has her MPH and makes 85K at CDC. You are doing really well. Your non-profit puts all their money into salaries, obviously.

It is a pharma-based NGO thus the pay is higher very few can do what we do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

I’m on global health, with and MPH, making 150k in a Director level position. What is your current title? How long have you been in the workforce? What type of work are you doing/want to be doing?

Congrats on getting to the Director level. I have 8 yrs of experience MBA & MPH and work as a Manager. I didn't understand the power of connections and networking in DC which costed me slower growth. I am one of the top performers and my salary is a reflection of bonus-based pay, my base is only $95k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

OP here. Tell me more, what is your title? I ran away from Chemonics, URC, the typical low-paying companies, and focused on companies with niece market. I knew money was important so didn't want to work for a company that thinks I can live in DC at 50k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would say that you are doing fairly well in terms of salary, but you do not tell us of any degree(s) or how much experience you have. What bugs you about USAID?

Many in global health seek or somehow just fall or luck into a niche area to build expertise (subject matter expert). This can be lucrative if you are interested in one specific region or issue or aspect of global health.

Have you considered other employers like WHO or PAHO locally, a huge org like Save the Children, or a stint abroad if not yet done that?

Good luck to you.

Thanks! I have an MBA and MPH and 8 yrs of global health experience working for IPs. Just tired of spending summers writing work plans, monthly reports, etc.

I am hoping to switch to Pharma but if you are not a technical staff ex regulatory, QA, etc it is hard to switch.

Population health to profiteering off illness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, so I have an MPH and I would love to make 120k in a global health position. How did you get started? I am currently stuck at 52k and just need more…that hovers at poverty level in this area.

I’m sorry I’m not helping more. I saw one position at Amazon for maternal and child health, if that helps. I’m sure it pays well.

OP here. Tell me more, what is your title? I ran away from Chemonics, URC, the typical low-paying companies, and focused on companies with niece market. I knew money was important so didn't want to work for a company that thinks I can live in DC at 50k.

AKA Demonics.