5 answers
Dana
Student
Santa Barbara, California
3
Questions
Updated
489 views
How can I contact professionals to shadow/interview?
I'm a 2nd year bio student and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to pursue. I've been thinking about becoming a physician assistant or medical social worker, but I want to learn more about it before deciding. I volunteer at the hospital rn, but I don't get to interact w any professionals (just the hospitality personnel) I'm not sure how to reach out or who to ask to learn more about their experiences
#fall2024
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5 answers
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
17
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Hi Dana,
If you work at a hospital with the professions that you are interested in, then speak with your HR department about setting up a day. They might offer you some information or a timeframe for you to meet and ask questions with someone who might have some availability. Otherwise, you would have to go through your school to give out forms and waivers to sign during extern/ internships.
If you work at a hospital with the professions that you are interested in, then speak with your HR department about setting up a day. They might offer you some information or a timeframe for you to meet and ask questions with someone who might have some availability. Otherwise, you would have to go through your school to give out forms and waivers to sign during extern/ internships.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
393
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Reaching out to professionals is a great step! Start by utilizing your university’s career center; they often have resources for connecting students with alumni or professionals in your field. You can also attend local healthcare events, workshops, or seminars to network. LinkedIn is another excellent platform—search for physician assistants or medical social workers, and don’t hesitate to send a polite message expressing your interest in their work and asking for a brief chat. Remember, most people are happy to share their experiences! Good luck!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
393
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Reaching out to professionals for shadowing or interviews is a great way to learn more about your options! Start by leveraging your volunteer position; you can ask the hospitality staff if they know anyone in the medical field who might be open to chatting. Additionally, check with your university’s career center for networking events or alumni connections in healthcare. LinkedIn can also be a useful tool—search for professionals in the fields you’re interested in and send polite messages expressing your interest in their work. Be clear about your goals, and many people will be happy to help! Good luck!
Rita Chuang
Physician
207
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Honestly it’s very difficult to shadow a physician. I would reach out to someone you know or college alumni center. If that doesn’t work, I would work as a medical scribe. You get paid and you are seeing what doctors do
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6567
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Dana!
How to Contact Professionals for Shadowing or Interviews
1. Identify Your Goals and Interests
Before reaching out to professionals, clarify your specific interests within the fields of physician assistant (PA) and medical social work. Understanding what aspects of these careers intrigue you will help you formulate more targeted questions when you do connect with professionals.
2. Utilize University Resources
As a student at Santa Barbara, take advantage of resources available through your university. Many universities have career services that can assist you in connecting with alumni or local professionals in your field of interest. They may also host networking events, workshops, or panels featuring guest speakers from various healthcare professions.
Career Services Office: Schedule an appointment to discuss your interests and ask for guidance on how to approach professionals.
Alumni Network: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find alumni from your program who are working as PAs or medical social workers. Reach out with a polite message expressing your interest in their career path.
3. Networking Events and Professional Organizations
Attend local networking events or join professional organizations related to healthcare. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals face-to-face.
Local Chapters: Look for local chapters of organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Membership often includes access to networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Conferences and Workshops: Participate in relevant conferences where you can meet practitioners in informal settings.
4. Informational Interviews
Once you’ve identified potential contacts, request informational interviews. This is a structured conversation where you can learn about their experiences without the pressure of applying for a job.
Crafting Your Request: When reaching out via email or LinkedIn, introduce yourself briefly, mention your current studies, express your interest in their profession, and politely ask if they would be willing to share their insights over coffee or a virtual meeting.
Prepare Questions: Have a list of thoughtful questions ready that cover topics such as daily responsibilities, challenges faced in their roles, necessary qualifications, and advice for someone considering entering the field.
5. Volunteering Opportunities
Since you’re already volunteering at a hospital, consider expanding your role if possible. Ask if there are opportunities to shadow healthcare providers directly involved in patient care or social work departments.
Speak with Supervisors: Discuss your interest with supervisors at the hospital; they may facilitate introductions to staff members who can provide insights into their roles.
Explore Other Volunteer Roles: Look for volunteer positions specifically designed for students interested in healthcare careers that might offer closer interaction with medical professionals.
6. Follow-Up and Thank You Notes
After any meetings or interviews, always send a thank-you note expressing gratitude for their time and insights. This not only shows professionalism but also helps maintain the connection for future interactions.
By following these steps systematically—identifying goals, utilizing university resources, attending networking events, conducting informational interviews, exploring volunteer opportunities, and maintaining connections—you will enhance your understanding of both physician assistant and medical social work careers while building valuable professional relationships.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): A leading organization representing PAs across the United States that provides resources on education pathways and professional development opportunities within the PA field.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world which offers information on educational requirements, career paths, and networking opportunities within social work.
University Career Services Websites: Many universities provide comprehensive guides on how students can network effectively within their fields through career services offices that include tips on informational interviewing and connecting with alumni networks.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
How to Contact Professionals for Shadowing or Interviews
1. Identify Your Goals and Interests
Before reaching out to professionals, clarify your specific interests within the fields of physician assistant (PA) and medical social work. Understanding what aspects of these careers intrigue you will help you formulate more targeted questions when you do connect with professionals.
2. Utilize University Resources
As a student at Santa Barbara, take advantage of resources available through your university. Many universities have career services that can assist you in connecting with alumni or local professionals in your field of interest. They may also host networking events, workshops, or panels featuring guest speakers from various healthcare professions.
Career Services Office: Schedule an appointment to discuss your interests and ask for guidance on how to approach professionals.
Alumni Network: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find alumni from your program who are working as PAs or medical social workers. Reach out with a polite message expressing your interest in their career path.
3. Networking Events and Professional Organizations
Attend local networking events or join professional organizations related to healthcare. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals face-to-face.
Local Chapters: Look for local chapters of organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Membership often includes access to networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Conferences and Workshops: Participate in relevant conferences where you can meet practitioners in informal settings.
4. Informational Interviews
Once you’ve identified potential contacts, request informational interviews. This is a structured conversation where you can learn about their experiences without the pressure of applying for a job.
Crafting Your Request: When reaching out via email or LinkedIn, introduce yourself briefly, mention your current studies, express your interest in their profession, and politely ask if they would be willing to share their insights over coffee or a virtual meeting.
Prepare Questions: Have a list of thoughtful questions ready that cover topics such as daily responsibilities, challenges faced in their roles, necessary qualifications, and advice for someone considering entering the field.
5. Volunteering Opportunities
Since you’re already volunteering at a hospital, consider expanding your role if possible. Ask if there are opportunities to shadow healthcare providers directly involved in patient care or social work departments.
Speak with Supervisors: Discuss your interest with supervisors at the hospital; they may facilitate introductions to staff members who can provide insights into their roles.
Explore Other Volunteer Roles: Look for volunteer positions specifically designed for students interested in healthcare careers that might offer closer interaction with medical professionals.
6. Follow-Up and Thank You Notes
After any meetings or interviews, always send a thank-you note expressing gratitude for their time and insights. This not only shows professionalism but also helps maintain the connection for future interactions.
By following these steps systematically—identifying goals, utilizing university resources, attending networking events, conducting informational interviews, exploring volunteer opportunities, and maintaining connections—you will enhance your understanding of both physician assistant and medical social work careers while building valuable professional relationships.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): A leading organization representing PAs across the United States that provides resources on education pathways and professional development opportunities within the PA field.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world which offers information on educational requirements, career paths, and networking opportunities within social work.
University Career Services Websites: Many universities provide comprehensive guides on how students can network effectively within their fields through career services offices that include tips on informational interviewing and connecting with alumni networks.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.