Pathway in Health Sciences Connects UConn Students with Industry

A recent event hosted by the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) brought together health care professionals, many of whom were UConn alumni, and current UConn students interested in careers in a health-related field.

“The goal of the event was to provide a two-way street for a large employer in the industry to meet potential hires and for the students to have the chance to hear directly from folks in the field,” says Justin Nash, head of the Department of Allied Health Sciences. “It’s an inside view of the health care environment. It’s really inspiring for the students.”

The Department of Allied Health Sciences enlisted the expertise of UConn’s Center for Career Development to provide guidance and suggestions to enhance the event in the future.

Following the panel discussion, students and professionals had the chance to network and make connections.

What Participants Had to Say

Alaina Phillippi, University Relations Program Manager, Hartford HealthCare

Hartford HealthCare (HHC) held the event because we wanted to highlight that we have many opportunities for students including volunteer positions, job shadowing, internships, and entry-level part-time and per diem roles. The idea came about when HHC learned that Health Sciences students were unsure of/unaware of the different opportunities available to them as they pursue their education. HHC is looking for new graduates who are eager to learn, and dedicated to the mission of strengthening the communities we serve. We hoped to inspire UConn’s Health Sciences students by having HHC colleagues who represented 8 different areas of healthcare, talk about their education, and experiences.

Brianne Chreiman ’13 (CAHNR), Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, Hartford HealthCare

“I am very impressed that some of the students who are still in their Sophomore year of college are taking their future careers seriously. I chose to attend this event because I am very passionate about the field of nursing in health care. I love to help anyone who is on their career path to discovering what they want to become. 

Jennifer Costanzo ’00, ’01, ’03 (Neag, CAHNR), Regional Director of Laboratory Services, Hartford HealthCare

My time at UConn allowed me to explore my interest in science by offering opportunities such as research internships and clinical experiences both in Education and Laboratory Medicine. I enjoyed talking to the students and answering their questions. I chose to attend since Medical Laboratory Services is a little known, behind-the-scenes career, and it is important to make students aware of this opportunity and how much the laboratory is needed to support patient outcomes. 

Sarah Baio ‘26 (CAHNR), Pre-PA Track

My end goal is to work as a PA-C in a Spanish speaking community. I chose to attend this health care career panel to expand my knowledge of health care careers and have the chance to gain insight and advice from current professionals of all different realms. What stood out to me tonight was the altruism and academic vigor of every professional in front of me, many of whom advised us students to take every opportunity available to us to find our niche in health care that we love and enjoy. I would recommend every student that is remotely interested in careers in health care attend this career panel.

Ahnecia Edouard-Gray ’24 (CAHNR), Allied Health Sciences & Entrepreneurship

I wanted to attend this healthcare panel because Hartford Healthcare is a well-known organization that has a significant impact on the lives of others and maintains a great reputation, which appeals to me. I was very happy to see a diverse background of individuals because it shows how healthcare opportunities are enriched with a multitude of perspectives and experiences. The value it gave to me as an AHS student is how UConn fosters great opportunities like panels like this for students to engage with industry professionals and expand their understanding of the fields their looking to go into.

This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

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