By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
As a health sciences major hoping to become a physical therapist, Tongta Vachara knew it would be challenging to gain professional experience. So, when she heard about the Innovation Scholars Career Exploration Program at USF St. Petersburg, she immediately signed up.
The job-shadowing program gives first-year students a head start in exploring their interests, pairing them with a mentor to provide a sneak peek into the day-to-day activities of the professional world.
“This program offered a great opportunity to confirm my choice to go into healthcare, specifically physical therapy,” said Vachara, a student in the College of Public Health. “Sometimes, getting experience is hard because of the required licenses or certifications you need to participate in a clinical environment. So, this was a gateway for me to do that.”
In September, around 40 first-year students met with their mentors for the first time to kick off the sixth year of the Innovation Scholars program. Professionals volunteering for the program include representatives from local businesses and organizations in St. Petersburg.
During the semester, Innovation Scholar students meet with mentors at least three times, shadowing their daily activities, attending business meetings and getting a glimpse of what it’s like to join the workforce. Students also meet other professionals within the organization, sit in on important meetings and events and connect with company executives.
“The Innovation Scholars program helps students confirm either that their major and career interests are right for them or that it’s not what they expected and allows them to pivot and find a new path,” said Rita Zwiefel, internship and career experience coordinator at USF St. Petersburg. “For many students, it’s the first time they take the initiative and think seriously and creatively about their ideal type of career.”
Opportunities for shadowing range from the arts to finance to marine science and more, covering a wide variety of industries. Overall, the experience provides students with a greater understanding of the organization and a perspective on what it would be like to work in specific fields.
More than 300 first-year USF St. Petersburg students and professional mentors representing over 100 businesses and organizations in St. Petersburg have participated in the program during its six-year history.
Professionals say they benefit as much as students from participation in the Innovation Scholars program. As mentors teach and train students, they assess potential for future internships and roles within their organizations. It also provides an opportunity to give back to the community and pass on life lessons to the next generation.
Vachara was matched with Liliana Vidal, an experienced physical therapist at Westminster Communities of Florida, a residential and health care not-for-profit organization that serves older adults.
“I believe being a mentor is extremely important because you are contributing to someone’s education. I feel that it’s a win-win situation because while they’re learning, we’re learning. When I was a mentee, I got so much from my mentor. I saw their passion and dedication and I want to do the same for the students,” Vidal said.