With the overwhelming number of career options available, many may wonder if healthcare is the right choice. Healthcare is a unique field of study offering the opportunity for personal enlightenment, community service, and professional growth. Based off my experience at UPMC this summer, here are a few of the advantages I found to be true about working in the healthcare industry:
Applicability
Regardless of whether you actually choose to pursue a life-long career in healthcare, it is important to have a general understanding of the politics behind it. Healthcare can be complex due to specific terminology and regulations present in its demanding environment. Therefore, any bit of education in this field can be useful to gaining a solid understanding. As healthcare becomes one of the most pressing issues in modern politics, the information gained can enhance one’s educated and informed opinion of these important political matters and how they are going to impact our future.
Giving Back
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare is the fact that it allows you to give back to the community! Whether it is fulfilling clinical or administrative duties, the operation of the system as a whole is what truly matters in changing the lives of others. UPMC specifically has demonstrated its commitment to giving back through its “Dignity and Respect” pledge for inclusion internally and externally. The success of this campaign requires a great deal of commitment to the idea of making a positive difference both directly and indirectly in the lives of thousands.
Personal Repertoire
Due to the complexity of the healthcare system, individuals who work in this industry display a number of characteristics highly sought after by other employers. Healthcare most definitely requires individuals to become accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment that is extremely demanding. Employees who successfully navigate this field are perceived as having great problem solving and critical thinking skills. They are also typically quick learners. Thus, adding this experience to one’s resume enables one to build the repertoire necessary to succeed in other competitive fields.
Career Opportunities
Despite any political connotations, healthcare is one of the most secure industries to work in due to its constant demand for its services. Society will always rely on the services healthcare provides. It is also important to recognize there are tons of career options within this industry. While focus tends to be placed on the medical field, many individuals can find careers in areas such as business, human resources, information systems, and many others. Therefore, healthcare is able to offer job security to potential employees regardless of differences in education, skill level and personal interest.
Nevertheless, working in the healthcare industry clearly has its advantages. It is one of the few fields in which one is able to grow professionally and positively impact the lives of others, it will more than likely prove to be a rewarding experience those who choose to pursue it.
By Morgan Scott, Summer Associate
My Career@UPMC 