Plan your health experience - Health Careers Center, University of Minnesota

Wondering how to find a volunteer, internship, part-time job or other experience in health? Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Q. Which health profession/s am I considering? What have I heard, read, or experienced that made me interested?

Q. Have I had any volunteer, internship, or work experience in health? Where and what were my duties?

Q. Have I had experiences where I have helped or taught people? (i.e. tutoring, summer camp counselor or recreation center activity facilitator, coaching a sport, etc.) What were my duties?

Q. What did I enjoy about the experiences? What did I find challenging or difficult?

Q. What skills did I use in my experiences? What skills would I like to work on?

Q. Where would I like to work on my next experience in health? Hospital, neighborhood clinic, government agency, local non-profit organization or other places?

Q. Do I know organizations that I would like to work with? Which ones?

Q. Do I have or do I plan to get certifications? (i.e. certified nursing assistant, EMT, CPR, first aid, others)

Suggested next steps:
Use web sites to identify specific positions and organizations you want to consider. Keep in mind that many positions require experience or training. You may have to start at a basic level and move up to more skilled work as you gather experience. Some good sites to review are: Health Careers Center Volunteer Resource Listing, Volunteer Twin Cities, Minnesota Council of Non-Profits, U of M Community Involvement & Service Learning, U of M Learning Abroad Center, U of M Alumni Association Mentor Connection, U of M Student Job Postings, and U of M GoldPASS.

Attend the Health Careers Center Step Into Health Careers Fair (volunteer, internship, part-time job fair) held February of each year.

So, what is your next step? Maybe get started by contacting a volunteer coordinator, or by scheduling an informational interview with a health professional. A great way to think of ideas is by brainstorming with your academic advisor or career counselor. Most importantly, write a to-do list and hold yourself accountable for making progress on it.