<p>I'm considering applying for a masters in health economics. I'd like to apply to Johns Hopkins University, University of Sheffield, Australian National University, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, to name a few. I have a BS in economics from Carnegie Melon University, and I made good grades. I've been working in market research for the past year for a client in the tech sector. </p>
<p>Here's my problem: I've never really had a health-focused job, internship, or class. I came to the realization that this is what I wanted to do fairly recently. In undergraduate, I wrote a term paper about health insurance in developing countries that I can use as a writing sample for schools that request one. Other than that, I don't have much to prove that health economics specifically is my passion. Do you think this is a big obstacle to getting admitted to the schools I mentioned? Is there anything I can do to fill that gap in my application materials? Do you think I need to have a health-related job before I commit to a graduate degree in health economics? Thanks for your thoughts.</p>
<p>Perhaps - it depends on the individual programs. I know in public health (my field), it’s not uncommon for people to come from a non-health background completely - sometimes they’ve never taken a class in health. I had never taken a public health class in college, either, before I got into my program. But I demonstrated my interest in health by writing health-related term papers, doing a mental health research internship and writing a strong statement of purpose that talked about my interest in health research. Other students showed their passion through volunteer work or full-time work after college.</p>
<p>It depends on the program - you may need to demonstrate to some programs that your interest in health isn’t a whim but a focus you’ll stick with. Other programs will take you on faith. But there’s nothing you can do in a short amount of time (i.e., between now and December or January) that will fill that gap - usually showing interest or working in something requires at least a few months. So just apply and see what happens, and in the meantime act as if you aren’t planning grad school next fall - try to find a health-related internship or experience.</p>