Lessons I’m Taking Into 2026
Image of Jonta in an office space. Her head is slightly titled to the left.
Starting in January 2024, I have written a blog post sharing some tips I am taking into the new year. Given last year’s changes in the global health field, here is what I have learned and some insights for you as you navigate your career. If you would like to read my tips from other years, here is the 2025 blog post, and here is the 2024 blog post.
Don’t let your job consume you: Nurture your interests beyond your job, as your employer’s decisions are out of your control. Your employer can unexpectedly decide to reduce the workforce, and you will be forced to pivot. I am grateful that I started this blog and creating public health content and was also part of a youth advisory group, which I have continued contributing to despite unexpected changes in my employment. Start or continue building and nurturing your interests outside of your work hours.
Always have a pitch ready: You never know where you will meet the right people, so always have a pitch ready. Spend some time thinking about your brand, the kind of work you want people to know you for, and have those thoughts at the top of your mind. That way, when you meet someone in your field, you will know exactly what to say about yourself. This is also something you can practice and request feedback from peers.
Pitch yourself: If your work aligns with someone else's or another organization's mission, reach out. You never know what this could lead to. I am glad that I reached out to Adama, the founder of The Catalyst in Me (TCIM), and we have been doing collaborative event posts on Instagram, and I now contribute to the events calendar. Similarly, if you are a good fit for an award that allows self-nominations, nominate yourself or ask someone to nominate you for it.
Ask for help: Building my brand while simultaneously managing other commitments taught me that I cannot do everything alone. Sometimes, you will reach out to someone, and they may not respond; that is okay. Do not be discouraged and reach out to someone else. I knew I needed help designing social media content and scheduling posts. Knowing this, last year I hired for a position, and I have also reached out to people in my network for help.
Less Is more: You do not always have to do the most. What may seem like minimal effort can actually be very impactful. Doing something small and being consistent is enough.
Always have savings: While working, we tend to focus on skills and careers, but financial management matters just as much. Save a small portion of every paycheck, as it will be your safety net if you unexpectedly lose your income or do not have a steady source of income.
What lessons are you taking into this year?
This year, I am shifting my focus to social media and service offerings rather than maintaining this blog. Keep up with me on my other socials.
LinkedIn: Jonta Kamara, MPH
Bluesky: @jontakam.com
Instagram: @jonta_kam
