Participating businesses encompassed hospitals, long-term care facilities, insurance organizations, health care and wellness/ preventive providers, research facilities, providers, and businesses with operations, management, and/or information technology within a health care-related environment.
The overall event was considered a success, with some students, like Rachael Ignasiak, even securing internship opportunities. Visiting with the various employers brought Ignasiak to UDAC’s table, whereby ensuing discussion secured her a fall internship.
Additionally, the career day provided Nicholas McIntyre the opportunity to get more familiar with Cloquet’s Raiter Clinic. McIntyre connected with Craig Ward, Clinic Manager, at the event. “After the career day, I was fortunate enough to get an interview with Craig and was offered the position as his summer intern. At Raiter, I have gained valuable on-the-job experience working with Craig on a daily basis.
“Healthcare Career Day was very beneficial in helping me find this internship,” continued McIntyre. Having the ability to sit and talk with Craig, as well as other companies that were there really made me more comfortable going into the interview process. This familiarity drove me to ask questions, which has resulted in gaining knowledge both personally and professionally that will help positively impact my career after graduation."
Gaining insight on the employers’ perspective of the event, Emma Hartigan, HR intern with SISU Healthcare Technologies, helped staff SISU’s table. “Health Care Career Day provided me with a better sense of what it's like to be on the other side of the table in a career fair. It was a wonderful opportunity that my internship provided me with, during which I was able to gain valuable experience as well as make connections with other employers in the health care field.”
Not only were the nine participating businesses providing information to the students during the afternoon but they also made connections with LSBE staff and faculty, further strengthening relationships between the LSBE and health care communities.
Beyond the rewarding personal interactions, the day also included two concurrent informational sessions, one on long-term care and one on LSBE’s health care management major, providing a more in-depth look into these areas.
The event concluded with an opportunity for staff, faculty, and the employers to discuss recruiting resources and practices at both UMD and at the businesses.
The health care career day, which was open to all business majors, was a partnership with LSBE’s Internship Program, LSBE’s Health care Management Department, and UMD’s Career & Internship Services. Plans are underway to expand the event for Spring 2018.