Titans CAREER CONNECT
go EXPLORE get EXPERIENCE be INSPIRED
In This Issue.....
In this issue, we will go deeper into the following pathways:
- Upcoming Events
- HEALTH CARE FACILITY SUPPORT - careers in Biomedical Equipment Technician & Mechanical Engineer
- What you can do now in HS to prepare
- Tartan Alumni and other professionals
- NE Metro 916 - explore deeper through the MENTOR CONNECTION program
TARTAN ALUMNI
Leah Holle - Tartan Class of 2010
PATHWAY: Therapeutic Services (see Feb. 8th Newsletter)
COLLEGE or TRAINING PROGRAM:
Greensboro College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion
Yale University, Master of Arts in Religion
University of Connecticut, Master of Social Work
MAJOR:
Psychology and Religion
THE JOURNEY TO NOW:
Following graduation, I picked up and moved to Greensboro, NC for undergrad. It was a difficult transition since I was 24 hours away from everything and everyone that I knew. I chose a small, private liberal arts school (which was almost as big as Tartan) because I loved the individualized care and attention it offered, especially in being so far away from home. Being in a smaller school allowed me to participate in many different organizations while going to school full-time.
During my junior year, when I wasn't quite sure what was next, I decided to study and intern abroad in Morocco for a semester. This was by far one of the most difficult transitions but helped me decide on a direction to go with the remainder of my education - I wanted to pursue social work. I quickly learned that I would need to go to graduate school in order to work as a therapist. This led to me relocating to Connecticut to pursue a dual-degree program in both social work and religion. It was challenging going to school and working full-time, but it was necessary in continuing my education. Both of my programs required me to complete internships where I had different opportunities to work in various settings like a high school, hospital, and a community mental health center. These experiences helped me realize what I liked and what I wanted to pursue further.
After getting my graduate degrees, I have worked in a variety of different environments to treat mental health and substance use conditions. It has been emotionally draining, and messy at times, since burn-out is prevalent in this field - however, it has also been incredibly rewarding so self-care is important. This is a lesson that I've learned and continue to learn.
CURRENT CAREER/JOB:
Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
CLASSES TAKEN AT TARTAN:
It's really hard to choose or know where to even begin since my time at Tartan offered so many opportunities. There were many formative classes, like AP Lit & Comp, French and Psychology. All of these helped me develop critical thinking skills that have been so important in the work that I do. Even statistics has been helpful throughout my career, and in my research, which was a course I never thought I would use outside of class.
Participating in NHS and Relay for Life helped build a foundation and passion for community service and social justice, which is a big part of what I try to do daily as a social worker. Being part of the Speech team has been an important piece in learning how to communicate effectively both individually and within groups - it really helped build confidence and comfortability in working with others. Finally, I think my participation in various sports helped build important skills like collaboration, leadership and teamwork which has helped throughout my education and career.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Being vulnerable and trying new things is almost always worth the risk! Many times, the thing you fear the most is the direction in which you need to go - don't be afraid to lean into the discomfort, even when it hurts.
Phil Carlson, Field Services Engineer
United States Navy Aviation Electronics School
Prince Georges Community College, Largo, MD)
MAJOR:
Electronics Technology
THE JOURNEY to NOW:
11 years active duty in the United States Navy is where my journey began. 2 years of Electronics/Aviation Electronics training followed by work on F/A-18 Fighter Aircraft aboard Aircraft Carriers. I started attending Prince Georges Community College in the evenings in 1990 to prepare myself for separating from the military. Once I returned to the civilian world, I had a goal of getting in to Medical Technology. I submitted resumes to several companies in the Minneapolis area, and landed at Medtronic as an Engineering Technician. My position consisted of improving the process by which some of Medtronic’s medical devices were made. I ended up taking a different path after several years with Medtronic. I enjoyed working with medical equipment, but felt that my strengths were not being utilized. I really enjoyed working with customers, so decided to look for more of a Field Engineer position working on equipment with Hospital staff. I landed the perfect position for me with GE Healthcare in 2008.
CURRENT JOB:
I currently work for General Electric (GE) Healthcare as a Field Engineer Lead, focusing on Anesthesia delivery systems, patient monitoring systems, and critical care ventilators. I work out of my home office, and have several hospital accounts that I service. I am in a different hospital every day, working on the equipment AND putting my customer service skills to use as well. I have the best of both worlds, and could not have landed in a better role. My daily routine is responding to various service calls at different facilities around Minnesota, and driving to those locations to service life support equipment. Accounts that I have the privilege to work with include Mayo Clinic Health System, Allina Health System, Fairview Health System (including U of M hospitals). All of the larger hospitals in Minnesota are my responsibility.
ANYTHING ELSE:
Set a goal and never stop learning! Find a way to continue your education. Obstacles will pop up, they always do. The trick is navigating through those obstacles and keep driving forward until you reach your goal.
Pathway - HEALTH CARE FACILITY SUPPORT
HEALTH CARE FACILITY SUPPORT- Overview
WHAT IT IS: People who work in health care facility support jobs ensure hospitals, surgery centers, emergency transport services and labs run properly. They are responsible for providing and maintaining a sanitary environment and keep equipment running properly. Examples of careers in this area include Biomedical Equipment Technician, Hospital Maintenance Engineer, Industrial Hygienist and Medical Librarian.
EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT:
Certificate (1-year): Hospital Maintenance worker
AA or AAS Degree (2-year): Biomedical Equipment Tech, Hospital Maint. Engineer
Bachelor Degree (4-year): Mechanical Engineer
#1 Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical Equipment Technician, is responsible for maintaining and repairing medical equipment. They maintain, calibrate, adjust and repair many different types of equipment. They can work on medical imaging equipment like x-rays, electric wheelchairs, defibrillators and more.
Other Titles This Career is Known by:
Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical EngineeringTechnician (BMET), Clinical Engineering Specialist, Field Service Engineer, Field Service Technician
Median Wage:
$49,000 - $76,000, with several options to add certifications and advancement
Educational Investment:
Certificate (27 cr.) - DCTC
AA or AAS Degree (2-year)
A few MN Schools that offer this degree: DCTC, St. Paul College, Anoka-Ramsey Comm. College
Find out more:
HS classes to take:
Applied Math, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Robotics (club), Woodworking, Metals, Physics, Pre-Calculus, Electronics, Drafting, Technical Writing, Introduction to Business
#2- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical Engineers combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems and software used in healthcare.
Job Title Examples:
Biomedical Supervisor, Director or Technician, Certified Orthotist, Certified Prosthetist, Research Engineer
Median Wage:
$91,400 - $112,600 per year, or $43.95 - $54.89/hour
*this job is growing faster than average and is in very high demand
Educational Investment and job outlook:
Bachelor's Degree (4-years) - SCSU, MN State Mankato, Bemidji State, Winona State
'Note: Degrees in mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering match this career
Find out more:
Helpful HS Classes:
Anatomy, Chemistry, Computer Applications, Statistics, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Robotics (club), Woodworking, Metals, Physics
What can I do now in high school if I am interested in Healthcare?
- Engage with CAREER SERVICES to get set up with a tour, informational interview, job shadow or other experience
- Participate in Robotics Club
- Take classes in high school that support careers in Healthcare Facilities Support: math, chemistry, physics, computer applications, computer integrated manufacturing, electronics and more
Go4Brains- High School Neuroscience Summer Program
Key Information
Website: Go4Brains, University of MN
Cost: FREE
Program runs: August 2 - 6, 2021
Deadline to apply: March 15, 2021
Eligibility requirements: students who identify with an underrepresented minority and are currently in grades 9-11 are eligible to apply
Questions? Contact them: Go4Brains@umn.edu or go to Tartan's Career Services webpage
Youth Health Care Awareness Cohort
There are two FREE 5-week sessions available: June 2021 and September 2021.
Questions: akhmiri@culturalwellnesscenter.org
Send applications to sameerah.bilal-roby@wilder.org by April 1, 2021
Summer Programs - Apply Now!
NOW HIRING!
Employer Spotlight: The Waters of Oakdale
The Waters of Oakdale is now hiring for Part-time/Full-time Servers & Chefs!
Are you interested in applying? Contact cforsythe@isd622.org to get started!
Job Search Email List
Contact Melissa Jorgensen
Schedule an appointment w/ Ms. Jorgensen for support with CAREER PLANNING & POSSIBILITIES
Email: mjorgensen@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/domain/1608
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8668
Contact Christina Forsythe
Email: cforsythe@isd622.org
Website: https://www.isd622.org/Domain/2441
Location: 828 Greenway Ave N, Oakdale, MN, USA
Phone: 651-702-8655