Career Success

Overview

Students receive career advisement from their first day on campus. The career advisement system is a vertical network of faculty, staff, residents, and student peers following the Careers in Medicine framework. Medical students have access to resources and individuals trained to assist them in their career options through multiple components and venues. The three major components of this system are the Office of Student Affairs, the Departmental Faculty, and the Academic Houses. Combined, these three components serve to comprehensively advise students about their physician careers.

Student Affairs Office Hours

Students with questions related to career advising are encouraged to stop by the Student Services (H Building; 1^st Floor) suite every Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for Student Affairs Office Hours. During these times, students can seek guidance regarding academic issues, career discernment, or wellness advice. The Student Affairs team has blocked off every Thursday from 1 – 2 p.m. to be readily available to students.

Individual Advising

Students seeking individual guidance regarding career discernment, how to become more competitive, building a CV, writing a personal statement, asking for letters of recommendation, applying to residency programs, rank list, and more, can request individual appointments with the Director of Academic and Career Success.

Career Development Events

The Office of Student Affairs sponsors career development events for students at various stages of their academic careers. In Phase 1, at the new student orientation/retreat, students are provided access to the AAMC Careers in Medicine website and attend a session lead by the Student Affairs team. The resources and tools available through the AAMC Careers in Medicine website are promoted throughout the second year in Academic House meetings and activities as well. Several events during Phase 2, such as Career Day and Phase 3 Orientation, give students the opportunity to interact one-on-one with faculty advisors from various specialties to further refine their career options. In Phase 3, students receive targeted coaching and more individual guidance as they apply to residency programs.

Faculty Advisors

Informally, all faculty members serve as advisors to students on specialty selection, but most clinical departments have faculty members who serve a more formal role as career advisors.  These faculty members are familiar with current trends within their specialty and can provide up to date information and guidance to students. The departmental faculty advisors sponsor specialty interest groups for early career exploration, provide advice on participating in various programs throughout the year in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs.