What if students could explore health careers early to make better choices about their future? That’s the idea behind the Health Professions Pathways Program (H3P). It’s designed for students from all backgrounds who are considering graduate studies and careers in health care. This program offers alumni connections, valuable resources, and guidance to help students apply for competitive programs in the health field.
Julie Wolter, dean of the School of Health Sciences, wants her students to feel confident in their journey. She emphasizes mentorship as a key part of H3P, giving students the chance to learn through hands-on experiences. “It’s crucial for students to see what a career looks like early on,” Wolter explains. This firsthand knowledge helps them make informed choices about their pathways.
ZagsConnect is also part of this support system. It’s a professional network just for Gonzaga alumni, similar to LinkedIn, but everyone on it is a Gonzaga graduate. Katherine Brackmann, the Associate Director of Academic Engagement, highlights how ZagsConnect helps students connect with alumni to explore different health career paths. “It’s a low-pressure way to reach out,” she says.
Tiffany Moussa, a human physiology major, used ZagsConnect to find mentorship with Meghan Mora, a Gonzaga alumna and practicing physician assistant. “The platform made it easy to connect,” Moussa says. This mentorship has been crucial for her, helping her gain practical insights and decide that she wants to pursue a career as a physician assistant.
With her mentor’s guidance, Moussa is ready to apply to physician assistant school this year. Her experience shows how essential mentorship and alumni support are for students at Gonzaga, an institution that values service and lifelong learning.
Wolter mentions that there are shortages in health professionals, especially in rural areas. “We want to develop leaders in fields where they’re most needed,” she notes.
Mentorship programs like H3P and ZagsConnect aim to turn academic training into real-world impact. Brackmann encourages all pre-health students to use ZagsConnect as a starting point for networking. Small conversations can lead to long-term relationships, which are invaluable for future careers.
This emphasis on mentorship and networking is more crucial than ever. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 88% of employers prefer candidates with internship experience, which often comes from networking and mentorship opportunities. Programs like H3P are vital in bridging that gap, helping students transition smoothly from education to a fulfilling career in health care.
In short, H3P and ZagsConnect equip students like Tiffany with the confidence and connections they need to succeed. It’s a powerful system that encourages exploration and growth, benefiting both students and the communities they will serve in the future.
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Gonzaga, School of Health Sciences, Health Professions Pathway, H3P
