After graduation, my next steps will be to enter the workforce through a series of internships and shadowing opportunities. Over the past few months, my goals have evolved as I've realized my interest spans across many areas, and I am open to exploring any opportunities that come my way.
Through these experiences, my hope is to gain a deeper understanding of which career path aligns best with my skills and passions. I want to explore different environments, such as working in a hospital supporting staff, in a medical practice supporting patients, providing hands-on patient care, and in a non-clinical organizational role where I can contribute to the growth and development of the organization. While I understand I may not be able to experience everything, I believe that I won't know what suits me best until I've tried different roles. These internships will allow me to explore various facets of healthcare until I find the right fit.
To support my long-term clinical goals, I plan to pursue a master's degree, likely in Physician Assistant Students at some point in my career. I believe working closely with clinical staff and patients is crucial to understanding the healthcare system from their perspective. This hands-on experience will allow me to make a more impactful contribution using my background in Health Serivces Management.
In addition to my future degree, I aim to attend networking events provided by organization like the American College of Healthcare Executives to broaden my connections and gain valuable insights from industry professionals. Down the line, I may also explore pursuing a certification in social work to future diversify my skill set and understanding of the healthcare system.
I believe in the importance of gaining exposure to a variety of career fields within healthcare. To do so, I plan to engage in a mix of volunteering, shadowing, additional coursework, and job experiences. By learning from as many roles as possible, I can gain a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape and better understand how different positions contribute to the whole system.