Experiences of a journey along winding roads: a qualitative study of public health students’ professional identity formation

Introduction The transition from higher education to employment is a critical stage in professional identity formation and the development of sustainable careers, particularly within interdisciplinary fields where professional roles are less clearly defined. However, little is known about how public health students develop a professional identity and envision their future professional roles. This qualitative study explored how public health students and alumni reflected on their professional identity formation and envisioned their future professional roles. Method Four focus group interviews were conducted with 13 participants recruited from a public health bachelor's program at a Swedish university. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Professional identity formation emerged as a dynamic, highly individual process shaped by supportive learning environments, interdisciplinary learning, and experiences before, within, and beyond higher education. Participants envisioned future professional roles characterized by collaboration, adaptability, and contribution across organizational and professional boundaries. Discussion The findings extend current understandings of professional identity formation within interdisciplinary higher education and suggest that learning environments supporting reflection, collaboration, and exploration of possible professional futures may better prepare students for sustainable careers. The study also illustrates the value of future-oriented qualitative approaches for exploring professional identity formation in higher education.