As a Health Sciences major, much of my academic life focused on understanding healthcare systems, patient outcomes, and the science behind human wellbeing. What I didn’t expect was how much working at Career Services would shape my professional development, particularly through networking, event coordination, and connecting with people across campus and beyond.
From my time as a front desk student assistant to my current role as an Events Student Assistant, each position has strengthened skills that are just as essential to a future in healthcare as technical knowledge.
Building Connections Beyond the Classroom
Health Sciences is a broad and interdisciplinary field and identifying a clear path within it can feel overwhelming. Working at Career Services has allowed me to interact with students from a wide range of majors and career interests, as well as employers and campus partners from diverse industries.
Through career events, workshops, and daily interactions, I’ve been exposed to career paths I might not have considered on my own. Varying from public health, healthcare administration, research, nonprofit work, and more. These experiences have helped me see how interconnected many health-related roles truly are and have encouraged me to explore opportunities beyond a single, linear path.
Networking no longer feels intimidating. Instead, it feels purposeful. I’ve learned how to introduce myself professionally, ask meaningful questions, and build connections that go beyond surface level conversations skills that are critical in collaborative healthcare environments.
Learning People Skills at the Front Desk
Earlier in my time at Career Services, I worked as a front desk student assistant, often serving as the first point of contact for students seeking help. Some arrived confident and prepared, while others came in unsure or overwhelmed.
That role taught me how to communicate clearly, listen actively, and respond with empathy. I learned how to remain calm and professional in fast paced settings and how to make students feel welcomed and supported. These early experiences laid the foundation for my people skills and reinforced the importance of approachability, qualities that directly translate to patient centered and team-based healthcare settings.
Growing as an Events Student Assistant
In my current role as an Events Student Assistant, I support the planning and execution of career fairs, employer information sessions, and workshops. This position has given me the opportunity to network more intentionally with employers and professionals while strengthening my organizational and communication skills.
Being involved behind the scenes has shown me how much coordination goes into creating meaningful career experiences for students. I regularly interact with employers, assist students during events, and help ensure everything runs smoothly. Through this, I’ve gained confidence in professional settings and learned how to represent both myself and Career Services in a polished, approachable way.
These experiences have also helped me better understand how to prepare for events myself, from crafting strong introductions to following up with connections afterward.
Networking With Purpose
Working at Career Services has reframed how I view networking. It’s not about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections; it’s about building genuine relationships and learning from others’ experiences.
As a Health Sciences major, this has been especially valuable. Talking with professionals across different sectors has helped me reflect on my own interests and better articulate how my skills and experiences align with various healthcare related roles.
Final Thoughts
Being a Health Sciences student has taught me how healthcare systems function. Working at Career Services has taught me how to navigate professional spaces and connect with people in meaningful ways. From my early days at the front desk to my current role as an Events Student Assistant, each experience has strengthened my confidence, communication, and networking skills.
In healthcare, knowledge is essential but so is the ability to connect, collaborate, and lead with empathy. And those are skills I’ll carry with me long after graduation, thanks to Career Services.
