Mentorship Flourishes
One of the greatest compliments students provide about their experience as a Masters of Health Administration student is often of the mentors they meet while enrolled in the program.
As a student, Patricia Nguyen (MHA, MBA ‘14) presented a capstone business case to a board of executives that included Elizabeth Walker (MHA, JD ’99). After the class, the two connected and have maintained a mentorship throughout the years that they both now describe as a true friendship.
Throughout their friendship, they have encouraged each other to seek new challenges and perspectives in their careers. Walker recognizes that the healthcare landscape can change rapidly and that interacting with young professionals provides her with perspectives she may not see every day. Not only does she benefit personally from several mentors, but she also believes mentoring students is a way for her to pay that kindness forward. Walker encourages students who are seeking mentors to show up when invited to professional networking events and to understand that these relationships build over time.
Reflecting on her experience with Elizabeth, Nguyen encourages students to recognize what questions they have about their career trajectory and to seek out advice from individuals who can help answer those questions. She states that the MHA program is terrific at arranging opportunities for students to meet professionals and that students should not be discouraged if they do not bond with a mentor right away. What is most important, she explains, is that students find individuals who can challenge them to think differently about their careers.
Now, Nguyen is mentoring students in the MHA program. She and Walker view professional networking and mentoring relationships as a spiderweb. Having many connections creates a wide network that evolves with your career.
If you are interested in serving as a mentor to an MHA student, contact Dr. Ann Johnston, MHA Program Director, at annljohn@iu.edu.