The Ross Medical Education Center Morgantown, West Virginia campus conducted its semi-annual career fair this May. This time, the event was exclusive to only the two major local medical providers, West Virginia University Medicine and Mon Health Systems. Representatives from both organizations had one on one interviews with active students, externs, and graduates.
For externs and graduates, the career fair offered an opportunity to network and secure on-site interviews while students still attending classroom instruction practiced their 60 second elevator speeches. “I challenge them to sell themselves in 60 seconds,” says Tiffany Jones, Career Development Representative. The 60 second speech summarizes who you are, what you do, and why you’d be a perfect candidate. It is also the first impression a potential employer has of you and helps them determine whether or not they want to bring you into the office for a full-length interview.
The instructors in the Medical Assistant program in Morgantown were very engaged in the preparation. Amanda Gaarenstroom and Rebecca Keener are seasoned professionals and work closely with Career Services to set their students up for success. “It is important that our students make a great first impression with WVU Medicine and Mon Health Systems. They own nearly every medical provider in our community.”
Upon arrival, interviewees were ushered into brief meetings with Tiffany Jones who gave some last minute advice and suggestions. Resumes were printed and copied. One by one, students met with the employer’s representatives, spending up to 10 minutes with each.
At the conclusion of the event, the employers provided specific feedback for improvement as well as a list of students whom they would like to see extern at each of their facilities. Finally, individuals who would receive formal interviews were identified and scheduled. Representatives from both employers remarked that they were very impressed with the caliber of Ross students and look forward to hosting and perhaps hiring additional graduates in the future.