Goals & Learning

Since starting my internship at LHSI, my career aspirations have evolved. Initially, I aimed broadly at healthcare administration, aspiring to become a CEO of a hospital. However, my experience working in research on end-of-life decision-making has deepened my understanding of healthcare operations, patient advocacy, and ethical decision-making. This has reinforced my desire to work in hospital administration, but I now have a clearer interest in financial management and operational efficiency within healthcare settings.

I feel more confident in using my self-knowledge and preferences to make career-related decisions. Through my internship and coursework, I’ve realized that I enjoy structured environments where I can analyze data, optimize workflows, and create solutions to logistical challenges. My role managing schedules and events at Listen to Our Future has also strengthened my ability to coordinate complex tasks; something that will be invaluable in hospital administration.

Goal 1: Enhance Communication Skills  

Relevance: Effective communication is crucial for a CIO role in hospital administration. I need to communicate complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical staff, ensuring everyone is aligned with organizational goals.  

Tasks:  

•    Practice adapting communication styles to different audiences by participating in diverse team projects.  

•    Seek feedback on my written and verbal communication through presentations in my LHSI internship and Intro to Theatre class.  

•    Enroll in a workshop or seminar on professional communication to further refine these skills.

Goal 2: Strengthen Financial and Analytical Abilities  

Relevance: As a future CIO, a strong foundation in finance and analytics is essential for managing budgets, forecasting, and strategic decision-making in a healthcare setting.  

Tasks:  

•    Apply for internships in finance and accounting, like the ones at A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Services, Inc., and Indiana Black Expo, Inc., to gain hands-on experience.  

•    Continue competing in financial literacy challenges and take on financial tasks in my current role to improve real-world application.  

•    Engage in online courses or certifications in healthcare finance or analytics to enhance my understanding.

Goal 3: Develop Problem-Solving Skills in Ambiguous Situations  

Relevance: The role of a CIO often involves tackling complex, uncertain situations where decisive action is required. Developing comfort in ambiguity will prepare me to handle high-stakes challenges in healthcare administration.  

Tasks:  

•    Work closely with my LHSI internship team on projects involving ethical decision-making in end-of-life care, focusing on how to resolve conflicts and make balanced decisions.  

•    Take on more responsibility in projects with minimal direction to practice problem-solving independently.  

•    Reflect on case studies or scenarios where healthcare administrators faced tough decisions to learn from real-world examples.

Progress from Last Year and Future Plans 

A year ago, I set goals focused on gaining healthcare experience, networking, and developing leadership skills. I have made significant progress in these areas:

• Gained research experience in healthcare decision-making, deepening my understanding of patient-centered care.

• Developed leadership and organization skills by managing HR responsibilities, such as scheduling and event planning.

• Strengthened my financial knowledge through my role as Chief Information Officer in my hospital assignment.

Looking ahead, I plan to:

• This summer: Gain more hands-on experience in finance or hospital administration, possibly through internships.

• During the rest of my time at IU Indianapolis: Pursue additional internships in financial or administrative roles, refine my research skills, and explore mentorship opportunities to learn from hospital executives.