This career exploration day was facilitated by prep2practice^TM, an online workforce planning tool that allows areas businesses to expand their workforce pipeline by offering “real life” job shadowing experiences to students. The prep2practice tool connects students who are unsure of their career opportunities in industries that are facing significant regional workforce shortage in the next five to ten years.

“We are thrilled that Southwest General Health Center is partnering with prep2practice to offer students the opportunity to explore meaningful career options,” explains Barbara Andelman, director of career and clinical programs. “Southwest General offers ten different career shadowing opportunities each month, ranging from biomedical engineering, to ultrasound/sonography and central sterile supply careers and more.”

The morning began with a dynamic orientation by Kelly Peoples, education specialist and experience coordinator, Southwest General, who presented an overview of the hospital and the wealth of career opportunities available. Following the group presentation each participant began shadowing their “experience host,” a staff member at Southwest General. Students were able to observe the host’s typical daily activities and job duties, learn about the field and interact with patients and other team members.

"My host was very informative and shared a variety of pharmacy opportunities within a medical setting,” said Dylan P., student, Berea-Midpark High School. "After my experience, I am very interested in the pharmacy field."

The prep2practice tool is available to businesses at no charge and allows them to expand their reach and discover future employees. The career opportunities in prep2practice represent industries including healthcare, information technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, construction, creative industries and more.

Contact us if your business is interested in offering students the chance to learn about career opportunities in your industry through prep2practice.