Joseph from DeVry University asked:
What can I do with a degree in Health Services Management?
Hi Joseph
I’ll start with my usual response to this kind of question: “What do you want to do with your degree in Health Services Management?”
I know that my “answer your question with another question” response is a bit glib (sorry about that!), but it is a legitimate question.
You are not defined by your degree and employers will not know precisely what you can or want to do by looking at your degree. You need to factor your wants and needs into your career exploration and job search.
Okay, enough of my preaching for now. Here are a few more tangible and specific responses:
The U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, produced by the Department of Labor, has prepared a report on the Job Outlook for Medical and Health Services Managers (see chart citing Labor Department data). The information and statistics are very general; that means they apply to everyone and no one in particular at the same time, This data should only be starting point in your research.
The American College of Healthcare Educators maintains a Healthcare Careers Page. Professional associations are often great places to look for information, professional connections, educational resources and job leads. Birds of a feather flock together, and professional “birds” flock in professional associations. Find more associations at our Healthcare and Medicine Professional Association links.
As you review these resources, you must process the information you gather through some important filters:
- How much do you want to/need to earn?
- Where do you want to live?
- What type of schedule do you wish to keep?
- Do you want to work with people or more independently?
- What parts of the healthcare industry interest you most/least?
- In what types of work environments do you thrive/struggle?
- Where do you fall on the “Live to work vs. work to live” spectrum?
- How much responsibility do you wish to take on?
I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
Finding a job that aligns well with who you are and what you want from a career involves understanding who you are and what you want from a career. Use this information about you to decide which opportunities to pursue and how to best position yourself to prospective employers.
Don’t go at this alone. Seek out the assistance of the career advisors at your university. Chances are good that they have helped other students asking questions similar to your.
Good luck
