Jobs. We all have to have one, but who wants just a job? Who doesn’t long for a career which not only pays the bills, but also gives us a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, knowing that we made a difference in the lives of those we have touched? While there are many such career options available, for a fantastic group of people, the answer to such a yearning is found in healthcare careers. One would be hard pressed to find an industry as varied, with as many options, and which provides such a strong impact on the lives of all people as the healthcare industry. Coming out of the worst economic recession in recent history, where many people were forced to scramble for a job which could just see them through the worst of the recession, many people are now looking to rebuild a new career, which can provide not only satisfaction, but stability. It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing and most stable today, and has been for quite some time. In fact, the healthcare industry was one of the few which seems to have been largely unaffected by the recession. Additionally, the healthcare industry as a whole will see continued growth well into 2022, with a projected growth of 29%, adding 5 million jobs, in contrast with the 11% growth of other sectors, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. These jobs are not just confined to doctors, and nurses, but include all realms of the industry, including support staff, billing, health and wellness, laboratory, physical therapy, pharmacy, in-home care givers, CNAs, and paramedicine – especially in light of the Affordable Care Act and in large part due to the increasing number of aging U.S. citizens. With these factors, it is no wonder why so many people think about getting into a career in healthcare. Whether you are currently working in the field or know someone who is, a current student in a healthcare degree program, or just thinking about a career in healthcare, the Arapahoe Community College Healthcare Career Day offers solutions for your needs. Leading area employers will be available to discuss current opportunities during the career fair. Representatives from Arapahoe Community College as well as four-year universities offering advanced and dual enrollment healthcare programs will be available to discuss educational options necessary to land one of these excellent opportunities. Scholarship and financial aid representatives will be present to discuss options for financing your education; and job search, resume, and interviewing assistance will be available to all job seekers who want a leg up on the competition! This event is brought to you free of charge by the Arapahoe Community College Career and Transfer Center, and is open to all current Arapahoe Community College students and alumni, as well as future students, and the community at large! With so much to gain and nothing to lose, come and explore your options for a bright, stable, and rewarding career in the healthcare industry on Wednesday, November 4th, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at Arapahoe Community College! The Healthcare Career Day not only gives you an incredible opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare professions right on your own college campus. It can also motivate you to prepare for the job application process, because you don’t want to walk into the fair empty-handed! Whether you are simply exploring your options, considering internships, or applying for a specific position, this is your chance to ensure that your resume and cover letter are polished and ready to present to potential employers. The career counselors in the Career and Transfer Center can help you create, edit, and finalize these critically important documents before you attend the Healthcare Fair. It is essential to work on your resume and cover letter well in advance of the fair so that you can produce quality products. Take advantage of our services, which are free and accessible to all ACC students and alumni! Either make an individual appointment to see a career counselor or visit us during our walk-in hours. It is best if you bring your laptop or thumb drive with your files on it so that we can work on everything during our meeting. On the day of the fair, make sure to come with plenty of copies of your resume and cover letter to hand out to potential employers as you meet with them. The Healthcare Career Day is also an opportunity to make an outstanding impression on potential employers through physical presentation and professional, informed interactions with the people you meet. Even if you aren’t fully ready to apply for open positions, it is a chance to build your network, practice your interviewing skills, and pitch your 30 second commercial. What is a 30 second commercial, also known as the “elevator pitch”? Similar to your resume, cover letter, and eventual interview, the 30 second commercial is a marketing tool, and the subject you are selling is YOU – your experience, personal characteristics, education, skills, and strengths as they pertain to the position you are seeking. It is a short but densely packed explanation of who you are professionally that you can deliver quickly and confidently when you meet someone who could potentially hire you or connect you to someone who can. You can use your 30 second commercial anywhere you think you have a chance at a job lead – career fair, networking event, chance meeting in an elevator, even a family gathering. It is critical to prepare and practice this before you start using it, so that you feel confident and energized when you meet with and present yourself to people. There are multiple ways to approach the 30 second commercial, but a simple rubric you can follow is provided here: I am a _____________________________________________________________________ (Professional identity: i.e. recent physical therapist assistant graduate, medical office technology professional, etc.) With demonstrated skills/experience in 3-4 areas related to the target position: 1. 2. 3. In: (industries: higher education, public, private sector) I bring strengths in: 1. 2. 3. Close strong “I am seeking an entry level accounting position in the health care industry. Do you know of any opportunities that might be a good fit? Do you have any suggestions of who I might speak with about career opportunities?” Finally, dress smart, as if you are walking into an interview. It is not uncommon for students to be interviewed on the spot by the employer, so be ready for anything! If you look and act the part you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And, be sure to peruse all the employers at the fair if you can, and not just one or two. You never know what you might discover, because when you approach an event like this with confidence, determination, and an open mind, anything is possible!