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Forum Hopeless or just Me?

Posted by felixca, 17th December 2025

4 Reply

Hello everyone! May 2025 MPH graduate (environmental health) here.

I don’t know how to feel at this point. I do acknowledge that the job market and 4th quarter is very hard ti get a job and luckily I am in a job but earning $18 and not in my major. Although I am glad and feeling stressed from my current job, here is the main thing I want to vent.

I’ve applied to many environmental health state positions in georgia (maybe about 5 locations?) = but with no luck. I don’t know if it is how I talk, how I answer the interview but it just seems like my education background doesn’t cut it…heck I drove 1 hour to a place, just to get an email yesterday that I wasn’t qualified.

I do want to work in federal or state but at this point I felt like I wasted not only my parent’s expectation and survival but also burning a quarter of my life for nothing…I wish the best for everyone who is in public health, life feels like a burning trashcan.


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  • I was like $18 per hour that’s not legal! Then noticed you’re from the US, and as this is an Australian website I cannot see a lot of people having any specific advice for you. But when it comes to career I have always considered it to be a balance between lifestyle and money. Get your foot in the door, by keeping at it and gradually fine tune things, nothing happened instantly.

  • I note your mention of Georgia; that suggests you’re in the USA. This is an Australian website, which is going to color the responses you get. I suspect it is particularly hard in your industry, in your country, at present. I can only suggest that getting work experience in any area (as you’re doing) will ultimately help you to get a job in the industry you want.

  • I’m so sorry to hear how hard it has been for you! I’m going to honestly say that I know nothing about this sector etc BUT I do know a lot about not giving up and making your dreams come true. I’d definitely try putting your situation into chat gpt and getting some personalised advise. Hopefully it can give you guidance on how best to succeed in this industry. Wishing you all the best with it! Keep focusing on what you want and you will get it!

  • It’s completely valid to feel frustrated, disappointed, and even burned out after all the effort you’ve put in. Graduating with an MPH in Environmental Health and navigating the current job market, especially in a specialized field like yours, is tough. Many people don’t realize how competitive state and federal positions can be, and rejection often has little to do with your abilities or value.Being told you’re “not qualified” often means your resume didn’t perfectly match keywords, not that you’re unworthy or unprepared. Tailoring your application to include exact phrasing from the posting can sometimes make a huge difference. I f you suspect interviews aren’t going well, practice is key. Record mock interviews, review common environmental health questions, and focus on concise, confident answers that tie your education and experience directly to the role. Sometimes the difference is just framing your story in terms of outcomes and relevance.

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