Competences for working in health promotion Perceptions of stakeholders

Background Health promoters are essential in the job market. It appears to be difficult for graduates to comprehend which skills are relevant and which are expected in the jobmarket. Objectives It was of interest, which competences are needed from point of view of different stakeholders and how students can prepare for the employment during their studies. Methods In total, 28 qualitative interviews have been conducted with stakeholders from health promotion and have been analysed by categorisation and typification.Stakeholders are defining as individuals who are working in different fields within health promotion, as a personnel officer or as a general manager. Results Occupational health promotion, health monitoring, health communication and coordination and development work are fundamental fields of job placement. There are more similarities than differences in the required competences. Personal and social competences are necessary and can be vital for being employed. Conclusions The promotion of personal and social skills as well as generalised competences in health promotion should be a focus during health promotion studies. Moreover, the students should develop their own profile of competences.