Now that you have spent time getting to know yourself and exploring options. Take the next step and focus and prepare!
Narrowing down options is like the multiplication part of PEMDAS – before you can arrive here, you must first look at parenthesis and exponents, aka, yourself and all possible options.
Previously you may have spent more time engaging your possibilities from afar, now it is time to select a few slides to place under the micropipette. Moreover, this is where the decision making truly begins.
In the earlier steps of this process, you have begun to identify values and non-negotiables when it comes to your career. In each step of the journey, you have asked broader questions to figure out what matters most to you. Now it is time to weigh what matters most against your potential career routes.
Questions for Reflection:
Does this route in healthcare conflict with what matters most to me?
If I were to choose ________ career path in healthcare, would I still be able to achieve my personal goals?
Does the timeline and requirements for this area of healthcare align with who I am as a person and what I want to accomplish?
What are some certifications, licenses, courses, skills, etc. that may be helpful or required to achieve my goal? (EMT, Phlebotomy, CPR, Research Experiences/Publications, standardized tests, prep courses, other graduate programs)
Is there a timeline for admission, interviewing, or something else that I need follow?
Focus:
1. Identify three opportunities you feel most align with your goals.
2. Research your pathways. What are the steps to beginning this journey?
3. Talk to experts in the field, with a specific company, or a program of interest by conducting an informational interview (see our networking guide for specific ways to identify contacts).
Be sure to ask:
What led you to this career?
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
What challenges do you face in your current area of expertise?
Prepare:
1. Establish a list of what you still need.
2. Set a timeline for fulfilling the requirements.
3. Prepare necessary documents (Curriculum Vitae CV, Resume, transcripts)
4. Set-up a meeting with an academic advisor, career advisor, or mentor to discuss your plans.
