IUP’s Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) held a healthcare career meet-up in the HUB Ohio Room on Wednesday, inviting students who plan to work in healthcare after college.
The event doubled as a career fair and a networking event for students who are looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Each of the organizations tabled at the event allowing students to sit and talk with recruiters.
Assistant Director of Academic Career and Success Jeremy Risinger, hoped that the event would form connections between the students and recruiters.
“The biggest thing for me would be helping them [students] feel comfortable connecting with recruiters,” said Risinger, encouraging students to ask recruiters about what their company has to offer.
“Everyone who visits a campus, they’re here because they want to feel connected to students,” said Risinger. “So, just feel comfortable going up and asking and taking that step.”
The event was attended by different health organizations, hospitals and graduate programs. A few of the organizations attended the event include UPMC, Helping Hands Family, The Children’s Room, IUP graduate studies and The Carlow University graduate program.
Helping Hands Family provides play-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and support to children with Autism.
Talent Acquisition specialist for Helping Hands Family Tracy Lewis, hopes that they can help students figure out what they want to do. Lewis offered advice to students who are in the process of finding a job.
“Make sure your resume is clear and concise and make sure your most recent position is first,” said Lewis.
The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh who attended offers six different services to children in need such as adoption, pediatric healthcare, daycare services and counseling.
Children’s Home attended the event looking to recruit nurses and hands-on care providers for their pediatric and specialty hospital.
Human Resources Assistant at the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh Angela Schroeder stressed the importance of a resume when students talk to recruiters.
“Be confident and have a resume ready with you in case there isn’t a posting at that time, the recruiter can reach out to you,” said Schroeder.
Shroeder also included that she hopes that this event allowed students to find out what specific career path they would like to pursue.
“Even if you don’t know what you want, just be open to learning about anything,” said Schroeder.
Mia Cortalis (senior, biology/pre-med) attended the event to take opportunities to network with recruiters. As president of American Medical Student Association (AMSA) at IUP, Cortalis intends to share the opportunities presented at the career meet-up with club members.
Cortalis was able to make connections with the recruiters representing major hospitals in the area. She also spoke to recruiters for companies that are near her home.
“I got a lot of LinkedIns, and I was able to get my name out there,” said Cortalis.
The CPDC will be hosting their next event on Tuesday in Jane Leonard Hall Room B03, focusing on careers in technology.