Gustavus Adolphus College: Where Success Stories Begin
Alaskan Career Exploration
Major: Exercise Physiology
Minor: Public Health
Tell us more about your accomplishment.
This past January, I had the incredible opportunity to be a student observer at the Capstone Clinics and other surrounding clinics in Wasilla/Palmer, Alaska, as part of a health professions career exploration course. It was such a valuable experience, and I earned college credit for it. While I was there, I got to see a variety of specialties in action, including family medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, and podiatry.
Why did you choose Gustavus Adolphus College?
I decided to attend Gustavus for a few reasons. I was looking for a small, walkable campus and a change of scenery from my hometown of Minneapolis, and Gustavus offered the perfect mix of both. The chance to take part in high-level soccer and track competitions also played a big role in my choice. When I first visited the campus, it just felt like home, and now it truly has become my second home.
Which college course prepared you for your career and why?
I’ve had so many great courses in my major that have been helpful for my future career in health care, but the one that stands out the most is “Exercise, Diet, and Chronic Disease.” In that class, we used to start most days with a quick two-minute practice interview with a partner. It really helped us get better at thinking on our feet and speaking professionally, even when faced with unexpected questions like “How many pianos are in Vermont?”. We also got to improve our presentation skills with four 20-minute presentations throughout the semester, where we explored different topics and learned how they are impacted by diet and physical activity.
How have the Center for Career Development & Office of Health Professions assist you?
The Center for Career Development (CCD) and the Office of Health Professions (OHP) have been instrumental to my success at Gustavus. During my sophomore year, I reached out to OHP, and they helped me secure shadowing opportunities for the following summer. They also connected me with Emilie at CCD for a career assessment. After my initial meeting with Emilie, she assisted me in updating my resume and encouraged me to apply for a job in the CCD. I’ve stayed in touch with OHP and found out about the J-term career exploration opportunity. Heather and Heidi in the OHP do a fantastic job organizing opportunities and leading students down the right path toward futures in healthcare!
What advice would you give to other students or prospective students?
Get in on the action early! Whether it’s joining a sports team or a student club, finding work on campus, or simply attending events, there’s tons of cool stuff waiting for you at Gustavus. Make the most of these opportunities, and you might be surprised at the doors that will open for you when you get involved!
