How to get a job in the healthcare field: A student's guide

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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has experienced a growing need for healthcare workers straight across the sector. There are boundless opportunities for young Australians who are looking to enter this field.

Despite this fact, many young Australians do feel barriers when it comes to entering the industry, as tertiary courses can be competitive, and difficult to juggle alongside work placements.

As a result, the educational pathways for jobs in the healthcare sector have been further developed by tertiary institutes nationwide.

These pathways have been mindfully curated to ensure that the healthcare sector becomes more accessible to passionate students.

Even so, students still need to be proactive about their career plans and professional goals if they're hoping to attain enriching employment after graduation.

Here are a few ways students can take their future in the healthcare sector into their own hands.

As an industry that's generally classified by its highly specialised professional roles, there are jobs within the sector that demand specific qualifications.

A Master of Health Services Management may be needed to attain any influential position at a hospital, whereas roles like practice managers may only require certification in the fields of business management and health administration.

Due to the specificity of qualifications for each role, it's imperative that you take time to outline your career pathway as well as setting yourself clearly defined personal career goals to ensure that your selected pathway caters to both your personal and professional needs.

If you're looking to become a doctor, your career pathway is likely to be quite hefty, consisting of studying for the GAMSAT, as well as juggling a part-time job to support yourself financially through what is likely to be multiple lengthy and costly degrees.

Studying medicine is always going to come with its fair share of challenges, but the upside here is that you're joining a professional community that's incredibly supportive and will give what they can to ensure that your education is as well-rounded as possible.

This is why many ex-med students encourage the younger generation to find part-time work during their studies that won't just support them financially, but also professionally.

Don't just settle for a job in a call centre that won't add to your understanding of the industry. Instead, take some short courses in medical administration, and cold call all your local GPs and clinics to see if there are any positions for medical assistants or even in reception.

Whatever you can find in the industry is likely to be of great benefit, and will ensure that you're going to be making the most of your time as a student.

One of the other notable benefits to landing some part-time work in the industry, is simply that you'll be exposed to industry professionals in their professional setting, meaning you may be allowed to shadow them as they go about their day-to-day procedures.

It's worth noting, however, that not all doctors or nurses are comfortable with shadowing, so it's definitely worth formally asking rather than assuming this will be a guaranteed opportunity.

Professionals who aren't comfortable with shadowing are also likely to have their own personal reasons for this that are separate from their relationship with you, so don't be disheartened or discouraged by a 'no' here either.

If you're unable to shadow a doctor or nurse who inspires you, you can still ask them to act as a mentor for you in the medical industry, which essentially entails that you can go to them with questions, or ask them for a positive reference for your CV if need be.

Having a mentor or two can make the industry far more accessible to you, and may be a valuable component in you making a prompt leap from student to professional post-graduation.

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The healthcare sector has a reputation for being one of the most inaccessible industries for students, specifically because positions within the industry are incredibly specialised.

You can combat this by being both proactive and resourceful with your pathway planning. Ensure that you provide yourself with every opportunity to engage with the industry wherever possible, and do your best to cultivate professional connections that may greatly support you not just throughout your coursework, but straight into your career.