From classroom to career: LSTM students explore opportunities in global health

Students at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) explored career opportunities across global health, research, public health and humanitarian work as employers, industry professionals and alumni came together for LSTM Careers Day 2026.

The event brought students face to face with organisations and professionals working across the sector, offering an opportunity to learn about different career paths, hear first-hand experiences and make connections that could help shape their futures.

From careers in disease surveillance and scientific research to humanitarian response, biotechnology and consultancy, the day highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to people with specialist knowledge and skills in global health.

Finding inspiration and exploring new career paths

For many students, Careers Day was an opportunity to discover how their studies could translate into a career, and to hear from people who had already taken similar steps.

Williams Undebe, a medical doctor studying for an MRes in Tropical Health and Infectious Disease, was particularly inspired by hearing from a professional who had made the transition from clinical practice into research.

“I’m really happy and glad I came. I’m a medical doctor interested in moving into research so it was really inspiring to speak to a panellist who has done that. This has really encouraged me and I think I’m ready to do it myself.”

For Ffion Griffiths, studying MSc One Health in Neglected Tropical Diseases, the event introduced career possibilities she had not previously considered.

“After these talks I’m now really interested in biotechnology and consultancy. It’s been great to talk to people already in the industry, those who’ve gone from LSTM into brilliant careers.”

Other students used the opportunity to explore specific professional ambitions.

Samuel Meekings, studying for a Master of Public Health, was keen to learn more about careers in field epidemiology, where professionals investigate disease outbreaks and help protect communities from health threats.

“I’d really like to apply for the UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme one day so it’s been great to get some advice about that.”

Elaine Coates, studying for an MRes in Tropical Health and Infectious Disease Research, welcomed the chance to explore different organisations and opportunities.

“I’m very open-minded at the moment so talking to people from different organisations and finding out about volunteer opportunities has really helped.”

Connecting students with the global health sector

Careers Day also gave organisations working in global health an opportunity to meet students developing the specialist knowledge and skills needed across the sector.

Among the exhibitors was MSI Reproductive Choices, an international organisation working in sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Gabriel, representing MSI Reproductive Choices, explained why engaging with LSTM students was valuable.

“We’re here today to spotlight some of the opportunities and professional pathways we have available for those LSTM students interested in working in maternal health. We’ve met some great students today and I hope we’ll be seeing some of them again.”

The event also brought graduates back to LSTM to share their experiences of building careers in global health.

Alan Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Operations at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland and an LSTM public health master’s alumnus, offered practical advice to students interested in humanitarian work.

“My main advice for students looking at the humanitarian sector is do as much as you can in the field, go to the projects and get to know how they work. This will be very valuable for you.”

Hearing directly from professionals and graduates gave students an insight into the different routes into the sector, the experience employers value and the opportunities available beyond their studies.

Developing the skills to tackle global health challenges

For students studying at LSTM, the connections between human, animal and environmental health, infectious diseases and public health are central to understanding some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Careers Day provided an opportunity to see how that knowledge is applied in different professional settings.

Elluna Jane Bigcas, studying MSc One Health in Tropical Diseases, was particularly interested in the discussions around integrated disease surveillance.

“I’m a big advocate for better surveillance systems. The careers insights on integrated surveillance that will allow us to stop human aspect of diseases but also animal and environmental has been wonderful.”

Her experience reflects the growing importance of approaches that bring together expertise from different disciplines to understand and address health threats.

At LSTM, postgraduate students learn from experts working across research, policy and practice, developing specialist knowledge and practical skills that can support careers in a wide range of settings.

Take your next step in global health

Whether you’re looking to build on an existing career, move into research or explore a new direction, postgraduate study can help you develop the knowledge and skills to take that next step.

LSTM offers specialist postgraduate programmes spanning global public health, humanitarian action, tropical medicine, infectious diseases, One Health and research.

Our master’s degrees combine expert-led teaching with insights from research and practice, helping students develop their understanding of global health challenges and the different approaches to addressing them.

Explore our master’s programmes and discover where studying at LSTM could take you.