Interview Jack Fisher
Using a master’s degree in global health to pursue a career in the World Health Organization
UCPH Global Health Alumni 2015
Finding a unique place within an ‘obvious career path’ for a global health graduate.
Jack Fisher graduated from the University of Copenhagen with an MSc in Global Health in 2015. He is currently working at the WHO as a Technical Officer in the Global Coordination Mechanism on Noncommunicable Diseases, leading projects in knowledge collaboration and meaningful engagement of people living with noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions.
Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in BSc in Human Biology with Sociology and Psychology from the Glasgow Caledonian University. Meeting some Danish friends in Glasgow made Jack look for studying opportunities in Copenhagen:
“I met some Danish guys who were studying in Glasgow. After a few months of friendship, and the odd midnight ‘skål’, my interest shifted west from Sweden to Denmark. I then discovered the course at the University of Copenhagen and it was the only programme which really got me excited (and nervous) when applying.”
Starting on a MSc in Global Health, Jack was not entirely sure what he had gotten himself into:
“To be honest, when I applied, I wasn’t entirely sure what global health was. I was interested in public health and how health challenges can vary from the people living in Glasgow to those living in Gdansk and Goa. I wasn’t aware of the terms international health or disaster management but I was aware of big global challenges such as climate change, globalization, and healthy ageing. I was young, curious and excited to learn. It turned out to be a good fit.”
Global Health is a cross-disciplinary program that comprises several disciplines that supply the students with a strong base for a future career in global health. This cross-disciplinarity provided Jack with a well-rounded knowledge base:
“The diversity of topics covered and experiences provided across the two years was really exceptional. Global health is incredibly broad in its focus and application. Looking back, that well rounded knowledge base, real life context and development of competencies and skills is really appreciated. It feels like it was a great investment of time and energy.”
The MSc in Global Health takes point of departure in an approach that builds interlinkages between health challenges – an approach that has benefitted Jack in his work and career at the WHO:
“One fundamental competency that was developed during the course was to understand and address the interlinkages of health challenges. Arguably, broadly speaking, global health still operates within a vacuum and attempts to address challenges within a siloed approach. I’m pleased to say that within my time at WHO, I see efforts to interconnect projects, teams and departments globally, regionally and at the country level that are focusing on addressing the broad NCD agenda, alongside other cross cutting topics of mental health, HIV/AIDS, health equity, universal health coverage, gender, climate change, health financing, the COVID-19 response and much more. It can be challenging to connect those dots but I’m excited to see this cross-cutting ethos being embraced and country level action and impact being prioritized.”
Jack reminds us that it is important give space for diversity in your career choices instead of only trying to create the perfect CV:
“Be ready to listen and learn from others. Get a variety of experiences under your belt and don’t be driven or directed by what may look good on your CV. Finding your passion is much more important than figuring out your ‘five year plan’. It’s ok if you don’t know everything or you mess up along the way or you aren’t sure what the end goal is. We are all learning, reflecting and growing as we continue this journey professionally and personally.“