Making Choices/Finding Your Career Path
Vocational opportunities are increasing at a rapid rate in the health-care field with
the Department of Labor projecting a significant increase in the number of positions and
variety of careers in the health care arena. Increased job opportunities are due to many
factors such as the dramatic increase in the aging population, the input of new
innovative technology, and the projected retirement of the “baby boomers.” Most health
professions have robust futures with significant projected increases in careers in health
care (search the Bureau of Labor statistics). As you search for a career
some considerations that might be important to you are the following:
- balance in work vs. personal life
- intellectual stimulation
- opportunity for continuing education and learning
- security and stability
- geographical mobility
- vertical mobility allowing advancement
- independence
- interaction with people
- science base
- satisfaction in a job that makes a difference
- values - what matters most in your life
- skills - what do you do well?
- where you want to work and live
- how you enjoy spending your time
- what are your interests
- what academic subjects do you excel in and enjoy
Many students utilize a “gap” year between college and a career in the health profession. Many short-term possibilities exist which will allow introspection and future career guidance. Some vocations in the health care arena require a BA and further graduate study is not needed.
Many resources are available as you initiate this journey which optimally will
merge your passion with your vocation. Many resources are available in the Biomedical
Resources Area, which is in the Science Library. For example, an American Medical
Association publication, Health Professions, A Career and Education Directory, is
published each year. The internet is a very useful source of information with the website called Explore Health Careers – especially
useful as you begin your search.
As you initiate your search you will usually undergo a four-phase process as you take responsibility for our future. The four phases are as follows:
- Self-assessment and reflection
- Career exploration
- Decision making
- Implementation
Information concerning careers in the health professions can be acquired from career fairs, career panels, informational interviews, job shadowing, internships, mentoring, volunteer activities, and work experience. Many of these activities will be discussed later in this manual. A Biomedical Studies Concentration may help you in your search.
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