Important Factors When Choosing a Career in Public Health

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the factors perceived to be important and not important when students are choosing a career. Factors derived from the literature review and suggestions made through the processes of content validity and reliability testing were included when developing the four-point Likert scale survey instrument. The instrument was reviewed by a panel of experts for content validity. In the survey, respondents were asked to indicate the level of importance of statements identified as being influential in making career decisions. Methods: The survey instrument was distributed to 258 Loma Linda University School of Public Health students following a short introduction of the study at the New Student Orientation which took place in Loma Linda, California. A total of 103 surveys were returned. Results: Descriptive statistics were used to report results. Frequencies and means were calculated for each variable and variables were ranked to determine level of importance. Correlation Analysis examined the relationship between variables in the study and Exploratory Factor Analysis determined the factors that emerged from the data. Discussion: The service-related statements showed the highest level of importance for choosing a career in public health. Demographic variables were found to have some impact on responses. Findings from this study should aid in the development of a strategic marketing plan for Loma Linda University School of Public Health.