Following my graduation at Indiana University Indianapolis, I plan to return home and begin my career near the Chicagoland area. Staying close to this area after graduation is important to me because of my personal ties in addition to the abundance of job opportunities available near a large city. As for the healthcare setting I will choose to work in, I am still open to different options especially in the beginning of my career. Prior to my internship, I have developed an interest in long term care and am hopeful to start in that setting. If I choose to pivot in a different direction, I am additionally interested in the hospital administration setting, or administration in a smaller medical practice setting. Regardless of the setting however, I am confident that I'd like to continue in a patient facing role. As I feel the most fulfillment when I am able to see the impact I am making, it is important to me that I can directly interact with patients, making a difference in lives and being the advocate I know healthcare patients will always need. 

Future Learning

Aside from my professional goals, I know that there is still work to be done after graduation when pivoting from a student to my career as a qualified leader. Generally, I know it is imperative that I continue being a confident and positive person in an out of the healthcare world. I also believe is is very important in continuing to take advantage of any hands-on experiences that are available to me, where I will be able to understand through doing that certain thing myself. Additionally, I'd like to further my knowledge as a healthcare leader, no matter which career path I choose. For example, to stay competitive I am interested in pursuing different credentials. Depending on the healthcare setting some include; Certified Medical Manager, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and various other specialties that could potentially give me an upperhand in management. Further, it has been a prevalent topic throughout my college career that one of the most imperative things to do as a healthcare leader is to network. In the future I plan to be involved in networks like LeadingAge Illinois, as well as the American College of Healthcare Executives to build stronger connections and continue my growth. Attending certain events such as conferences, career fairs, and other group networking opportunities will also be a part of my next steps in staying up-to-date as a new leader in the healthcare world.