Mastering the Business of Global Health: The Good and the Bad News
- Dr. Sharon Rudy
- May 21
- 3 min read
For global health (GH) career strategists, the business of global health offers both promising and challenging news.
First, the GOOD NEWS: The project-driven nature of global health work, despite debates about locally led development, has advantages. Professionals trained in high-income countries (HICs) and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) within this environment often excel if they transition to domestic roles. This aligns with recent trends in the global economy. In a 2023 article, Harvard Business Review (HBR) highlighted that projects, rather than traditional operations, are now the economic engine of our times. By 2027, it is projected that 88 million people globally will work in project management, driving $20 trillion worth of economic activity. HBR encourages organizations to rethink management and embrace a project-driven structure. Other good news is that most employers think academia does a good job preparing people in the competency cluster of “technical or clinical health expertise.” See my website’s Resources for relevant studies.
The BAD NEWS: There is often a disconnect between what employers value regarding global health business skills and the academic training received. Frustrated job seekers reported regret not being taught essential skills like proposal writing or the latest industry software. Employers faced with this skills gap say it forces them to invest in in-service training to fill the void left by academic programs.
This is why, in 2022, I advocated for a competency cluster focused on global health business, proposing it as a core skill set in a project funded by PEPFAR and USAID to build capacity for African clinical researchers. Why not support researchers to fully engage in global health as leaders rather than at best as great consultants to HIC organizations? Unfortunately, this proposal didn’t gain traction with donors. However, the importance of these competencies remains clear.
Why Academia Must Catch Up
It’s time for academic institutions to take seriously the value of these practical business skills—because they should care about what employers want and their graduates' success, right?
Understanding the big picture of the various players’ roles in development.
New business development, including attracting funding via successful proposal writing.
Donor, contractor, partner, and subcontractor relations in live projects.
Managing projects in whatever role you play.
Resource allocation and implementation, including contracts, cooperative agreements, and donor requirements.
Engaging in sustainable, scalable systems.
Yep, technical health expertise is essential but
insufficient to be fully prepared for the job market.
Moving Forward: Chart Your Path
It’s time for academic institutions to take seriously the value of these practical business skills—because they should care about what employers want and their graduates' success, right?
To succeed in global health, one must start by understanding the broader vision of the field and honestly assess how and why the work gets done. From there, it’s up to you, the savvy career strategist, to decide which areas you want to master and influence
If you are ready to create and execute your career strategy,
go to "SERVICES" and....... Let's GOOOOOO!!!!!
What else do you want to hear about??? Let me know at sharon@drsharonrudy.com. Feedback is welcome – Email me your questions and concerns.
THE GLOBAL HEALTH CAREER
A Practical Guide to Finding and Sustaining Your Place in a Changing Field
An essential guide to navigating global health careers with strategies for planning, networking, skill mastery, and achieving personal and professional goals.
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