Byline: Katelin Wiersma, Director of Marketing and Branding, MHA
The healthcare workforce has been a top priority for MHA’s members, an active pillar in the annual strategic action plan for several years. The healthcare profession is arguably one of the most rewarding career fields, leaving lasting impacts on communities. With a strong personal connection to the healthcare field with 15 years under my belt, I found myself working in healthcare by chance, I tried leaving the field for one year and quickly came back to it. Even as a non-clinician, I felt a strong sense of purpose in healthcare. It has given me the opportunity to tell remarkable stories of heroism, provide lifesaving education and most recently, help others discover how rewarding a career in healthcare can be.
One of the first projects I embarked on at the MHA was the MiHospitalCareers campaign. An effort to raise awareness and interest in hospital-based careers. This campaign showcases the breadth and depth of positions within a hospital and the sense of purpose and meaning a healthcare career can provide. This campaign began in the spring of 2023 and has grown to reach new and different audiences. One way of reaching people has been attending in-person events with career-minded high school students. The state of Michigan is fortunate to have many organizations with similar missions working together to help students get exposure to professions and the education and training needed to prepare Michigan’s workforce of tomorrow.
Many of these organizations have events that provide an opportunity to have meaningful conversations and connect directly with students. This spring, I had the opportunity to attend the Michigan HOSA State Leadership Conference held April 17 and 18 in Acme and the Youth Solutions Career Development Conference held May 1 in Lansing. During both events, students offered energy and excitement that is unmatched. They are eager to learn and are still dreaming of what their future will be. I engaged with students who had many questions about opportunities and how their futures may involve healthcare and hospitals. The professionalism and poise exemplified by these students was, to say the least, impressive. Several MHA member hospitals attended these events too, and they shared similar feedback, stating things such as: “I wish I could offer these students jobs on the spot.”
As many of us are entrenched in our daily responsibilities, it is easy to forget that we all have the opportunity to shape the youth and caregivers of tomorrow. It is also easy to overlook that many students are actively seeking guidance, mentorship and insight into their future career and education paths. If you find yourself feeling stuck or lacking enthusiasm for your own career, I encourage you to connect with students in any way you can. Let their excitement for future potential and zest for life be a reminder of why you chose your path.
Students are not only the future of our workforce, they are the future of Michigan and of healthcare itself. Let’s invest in them and make them aware of how we can help guide them. After spending time at several events with these students, I feel proud and at ease knowing that Michigan’s future is in exceptional hands.
Because today’s students truly are tomorrow’s workforce.