Navigating Career Growth in Healthcare: Tips for Recent Graduates and Career Changers

There will always be a need for skilled workers in the healthcare industry. With healthcare being such a wide field with hundreds of specialities and medical settings to work in, there is always the opportunity to find exactly what you’re passionate about – or what you’ll be passionate about next. But all of these opportunities can feel overwhelming. With our tips for recent grads and people interested in making a career change, you’ll be able to find the fulfilling career of your dreams.

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Getting Started With A Strong Foundation

The first step is to have a general idea of the field you want to work in and have the educational requirements necessary to do so. Your formal education will get your foot in the door, help you obtain a job in the healthcare industry, and start to grant you exposure to everything healthcare.

Many medical staffing agencies work directly with recent graduates as well as with medical professionals at all stages. They have the ability and the connections to guide and place qualified candidates. Once you’re working in healthcare, you’ll start to build up your experience and skills while also being exposed to fields you may ultimately want to specialize in.

For career changers, you may need additional education to make the pivot into healthcare. However, your transferable skills will help give you a “leg up” when it comes to that initial healthcare job. Experience in project management translates beautifully into managing patient care teams. Your customer service background could help prepare you for patient interaction.

Once you’re working in healthcare, in any capacity, you’ll have a better idea of the precise field or job you’ll want. It’s not uncommon for a nurse to start working in the ICU, only to discover they’re passionate about working in the maternity ward. An administrator might discover that they’re fascinated by radiology.

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Strategic Skills Development

Once you have a more precise idea of what specialized field you want to work in, you can begin to advance your skillset. Some of this may come from textbook knowledge and industry certifications, and some will come with internships and hands-on experience. The specific certification, degree, or clinical hours needed for your respective position will vary widely depending on what exactly your goal will be.

The good news is that at this point, you’ll have relationships with people in that field who you can lean on and ask for advice.

Networking and Relationships

Just like any other industry in the labor market, networking and building relationships with others will be a critical aspect of your career advancement. Having these personal relationships and a strong network can help open doors to opportunities before they’re posted on job boards. Start by actively engaging with co-workers in your current role and with those working in your desired field.

Having a mentor can also help. Find someone who can give you personalized career guidance. They’ll advise as to how to make strategic organizational moves, which can save you both time and money.

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Specialized Education and Certifications

Now that you know where you want to go and have some professional guidance on how to get there, it’s time to enhance your qualifications. An advanced degree will open doors to these more specialized roles, more senior positions, and higher pay.

Professional certifications provide targeted training and skill development. Look for industry-recognized certifications. You can enhance your resume with these certs without the time and financial commitment of a traditional degree program.

There are also workshops, conferences, and online courses available. You want to create a portfolio that shows you’re invested in the healthcare field — both in your chosen speciality and across healthcare as a whole. This will help you to stand out when the time comes to apply for your perfect job.

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Setting Up A Career Roadmap

You need to first start working in healthcare to get generalized experience and exposure to areas you might be interested in. Start developing your skillset for your targeted field. Find a mentor and nurture professional relationships with colleagues to help give you guidance. Develop your skills and enhance your resume with additional education and specialized certifications.

If you can do all of that and have a roadmap of specific goals with timelines to keep you on track, you’ll be able to find a role that is both fulfilling and impactful.