Midwestern University’s Student Senate hosted its annual Professionalism Week on the Downers Grove Campus in December, offering students across all colleges a full slate of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen their professional readiness. The week emphasized practical career skills, personal development, and the powerful role of alumni in supporting future healthcare professionals.
Student Senate Speaker Naomi Rajesh (CCOM ’28) spearheaded the program, which offered a multifaceted look at professionalism. “After years of Professionalism Week being hybrid, I wanted to bring everything back in person and highlight different sides of professionalism in new ways,” she said. “Because mentorship is essential in the professional world, I brought in as many alumni as possible to help students start building real networks. My hope is that it becomes a tradition that grows bigger every year.”
Alumni Give Back: Networking Night and Real-World Insights
One of the highlights of Professionalism Week was an in-person alumni networking event featuring seven Midwestern University alumni:
- Annie DeVinney, D.O. (CCOM Class of 2023)
- Jocelin Sisto, M.A., M.M.S., PA-C (PA Program, Class of 2005)
- Katie Lamberty, Pharm.D. (Class of 2024)
- Veeral Vyas, Pharm.D. (Class of 2015)
- Jennifer Kim, D.O. (CCOM Class of 2023)
- Kally Dey, D.O. (CCOM Class of 2024)
- Elisa Kajiwara, D.P.T. (PT Program, Class of 2024)
Through both one-on-one conversations and a panel discussion, alumni offered candid advice on transitioning from student to professional.
Topics included:
“Adulting” after graduation: finding confidence, staying open to learning, and recognizing ongoing growth
Making a strong first impression: the importance of soft skills, introductions, and follow-through
The “unofficial” skills every clinician needs: insurance navigation, logistics management, patient communication, and more
Finding mentors: asking widely, building a team of mentors, and understanding mentorship versus sponsorship
Protecting against burnout: establishing boundaries, choosing supportive workplaces, and nurturing stability outside of medicine
Financial Planning for the Real World
The week kicked off with the seminar Financial Vital Signs: Managing Money for Future Healthcare Professionals, led by guest speaker Nathan Ernst, Director of Student Financial Services & Registrar. His session walked students through core financial skills essential for graduate life and early career planning.
Key takeaways included:
- Protecting credit and understanding long-term impacts
- Planning for loan repayment strategically
- Budgeting effectively through school and into residency or early practice
Communication Through Comedy
For a change of pace, representatives from ComedySportz delivered a lively communication and leadership workshop that challenged students to strengthen team dynamics through interactive exercises. The session focused on five foundational professional skills:
- Getting on the same page – building stronger team connections
- Moving on quickly from failure – recovering and helping others recover from mistakes
- Starting with confidence – taking initiative even in uncertainty
- Listening to respond – improving collaboration with attentive communication
- Operating with a “Yes, And” mindset – fostering positivity and adaptability
“I also brought in Malarkey Comedy for a leadership workshop—every profession needs those skills, and having comedy and leadership together was a nice break from the typical lecture format,” Naomi added.
Polished and Professional: Free Headshots for Students
Rounding out the week, the Student Services and the Student Senate helped more than 200 students receive free professional headshots. “This is a fan-favorite event because having a polished digital presence is more important than ever,” Naomi shared. Photographer Mila Craila of Elevated Headshots led the sessions, giving students a valuable resource for LinkedIn, professional school applications, and future job searches.
Building a Culture of Professional Growth
At its core, Professionalism Week was all about helping students feel ready for what comes next. From alumni offering honest advice to workshops that built confidence and connection, the week gave students a clearer picture of life in healthcare and the support to take their next steps.