Mayo Clinic stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence, and at its heart are its dedicated employees. Recognizing that its strength lies within its people, Mayo Clinic champions professional development and career advancement through initiatives like the Career Investment Program Mayo Clinic. This program is a testament to Mayo Clinic’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth, learning, and opportunity for its staff. For those seeking to elevate their careers while contributing to a world-renowned institution, the Career Investment Program offers an unparalleled pathway.
Image alt text: Mayo Clinic employees Emily Doskey DNP, Mathew Mehnert, and Myrah Manuel engage in a discussion about career growth opportunities provided by the Mayo Clinic Career Investment Program.
Real Stories, Real Growth: Employee Experiences with the CIP
The “Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences” podcast recently featured Emily Doskey, D.N.P., a clinical nurse specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and Mathew Mehnert, an EHR support analyst at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Their conversation highlighted the transformative impact of the Career Investment Program. Both colleagues shared their personal journeys of leveraging the program to pursue further education and advance their careers within Mayo Clinic.
Emily Doskey’s story began as a registered nurse with a dream to work at Mayo Clinic, which she realized in 2016. Driven by a desire for professional growth, she pursued a doctorate degree to become a clinical nurse specialist while working full-time. Doskey emphasized the unique synergy between her studies and her role at Mayo Clinic. “I was able to use what I was learning while in school and put it directly into practice,” she explained, highlighting the invaluable mentorship she received from clinical nurse specialists in Cardiology and other departments. The Career Investment Program played a pivotal role in making her advanced education attainable, building upon her initial participation in the Professional Development and Advancement Program. For Doskey, achieving a doctorate in nursing, once seeming like a distant aspiration, became a reality thanks to the support and resources provided by Mayo Clinic.
Mathew Mehnert’s path illustrates the diverse opportunities offered by the Career Investment Program. Starting at Mayo Clinic directly after high school in an administrative role, Mehnert initially obtained his associate’s degree through the Professional Development and Advancement Program. Inspired by the program’s potential and a personal drive to excel, he enrolled in the Career Investment Program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in data science. This marked a significant step towards a career in a highly in-demand field. Mehnert’s pursuit of data science, a field increasingly vital in healthcare, demonstrates the program’s ability to support employees in transitioning to new and critical roles within the organization. He acknowledges the balancing act of work and study but underscores the immense value of the opportunity provided. “The position that I’m in right now is also thanks to the fact that I was able to obtain my associate’s degree,” Mehnert noted, emphasizing the direct link between educational advancement and career progression at Mayo Clinic.
Why Choose the Career Investment Program at Mayo Clinic?
The experiences of Doskey and Mehnert underscore the key advantages of the Career Investment Program. For Mayo Clinic employees looking to invest in their future, this program offers several compelling benefits:
Financial Support & Reduced Stress: Perhaps the most significant benefit is the financial assistance provided. The program alleviates the financial burden of higher education, allowing employees to focus on their studies without the stress of tuition costs. As Doskey mentioned, “You can focus on your studies, and that financial piece is taken out of it.” This financial support makes advanced education accessible and reduces a major barrier for many aspiring professionals.
Partnership with Universities & Colleges: Mayo Clinic’s strategic partnerships with numerous local and national universities and colleges enhance the program’s effectiveness. These partnerships often streamline administrative processes, such as clinical placements for healthcare-related programs. Doskey specifically appreciated this aspect, stating it made her “clinical experience so much more seamless” and removed the “added stress of trying to get my clinical setup.” This network of academic partners expands the range of available programs and provides a smoother educational experience.
Career Opportunities and Advancement: The Career Investment Program is directly linked to career advancement within Mayo Clinic. By investing in employee education, Mayo Clinic cultivates a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. The program opens doors to diverse career paths and encourages internal growth. As Mehnert’s trajectory shows, the program can facilitate significant career changes and advancements, leading to roles in high-demand areas like data science. The program reflects Mayo Clinic’s belief in providing “endless possibilities” for its employees who are committed to growth.
Support System: Success in further education requires a strong support system, and the Career Investment Program indirectly fosters this. Both Doskey and Mehnert highlighted the importance of support from family, friends, and colleagues. Furthermore, being part of the Mayo Clinic community, which values education and professional development, provides an inherent support network. The shared experiences and understanding among colleagues, especially those also pursuing further education, create an environment of mutual encouragement and assistance.
Exploring Diverse Career Paths and In-Demand Fields
The Career Investment Program supports a wide array of educational pursuits, aligning with both employee interests and Mayo Clinic’s strategic goals. The program offerings reflect the diverse and evolving landscape of healthcare and administrative roles within the organization.
Data Science: Mathew Mehnert’s pursuit of data science highlights the growing importance of this field in healthcare. Data analysis, interpretation, and application are crucial for improving patient care, optimizing operations, and driving medical innovation. Mayo Clinic recognizes the need for skilled data professionals, and the Career Investment Program facilitates the development of this expertise within its workforce.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Emily Doskey’s journey to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist exemplifies a critical advanced practice nursing role. Clinical Nurse Specialists are essential for providing expert care, leading evidence-based practice initiatives, and mentoring other nurses. Their specialized knowledge and skills enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the overall quality of care at Mayo Clinic. The program’s support for advanced nursing education underscores Mayo Clinic’s commitment to nursing excellence.
Beyond these examples, the Career Investment Program also caters to numerous other in-demand fields, including those listed in the original article’s resources:
- Phlebotomy (Certification)
- Surgical Technology (Diploma or Associate)
- Surgical Assistant (Associate, Certificate, or Master’s)
- Laboratory Animal Technologist — LATG (Certification)
- Laboratory Animal Technician — LAT (Certification)
- Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician — ALAT (Certification)
This diverse range of offerings demonstrates the program’s comprehensive approach to career development, addressing various needs and interests within the Mayo Clinic workforce.
Tips for Success in the Career Investment Program
Embarking on further education while working requires dedication and strategic planning. Based on the experiences shared by Doskey and Mehnert, here are key tips for employees considering the Career Investment Program:
Build a Support System: A strong support network is crucial for managing the demands of work and study. This includes family, friends, and colleagues who understand the challenges and provide encouragement. Open communication with loved ones and seeking support from peers within Mayo Clinic can significantly ease the journey.
Appreciate the Opportunity: Recognize the Career Investment Program as a valuable gift and an investment in your future. As Mehnert reflected, “Being given this opportunity, you definitely don’t want to waste it.” Maintaining a sense of gratitude can fuel motivation and help overcome challenges encountered during studies.
Persistence & Reapplication: The program can be competitive, and not everyone may be accepted on their first attempt. Doskey advises, “If you apply to the Career Investment Program and don’t get it the first time, try not to let that get in the way of your educational goals. Reapply again in the future.” Persistence and a commitment to one’s educational goals are key.
Balance and Breaks: Avoid burnout by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As Doskey and Mehnert discussed, taking breaks and pursuing hobbies are essential for well-being and sustained success. Remember, “You don’t have to do it all at once,” as Doskey wisely advised. Pacing oneself and allowing for periods of rest are crucial for long-term success.
Conclusion
The Career Investment Program Mayo Clinic stands as a remarkable resource for employees seeking professional growth and career advancement. Through financial support, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to diverse career paths, Mayo Clinic empowers its employees to reach their full potential. The stories of Emily Doskey and Mathew Mehnert serve as inspiring examples of how the program transforms careers and enriches the Mayo Clinic community. For any Mayo Clinic employee considering furthering their education, the Career Investment Program is an invaluable opportunity to unlock their potential and contribute even more significantly to this esteemed institution. Explore the resources available and take the first step towards investing in your future today.
Resources
The Career Investment Program collaborates with select academic partners to provide degree and certificate programs. These offerings are carefully chosen based on employee needs and interests, aligning with Mayo Clinic’s strategic vision to Cure, Connect, and Transform healthcare.
Visit the Career Investment Program website to discover more and review the latest program offerings. Utilize the website’s filters to refine your search based on your specific interests.
Consider these educational pathways for in-demand careers at Mayo Clinic:
- Phlebotomy (Certification)
- Surgical Technology (Diploma or Associate)
- Surgical Assistant (Associate, Certificate, or Master’s)
- Laboratory Animal Technologist — LATG (Certification)
- Laboratory Animal Technician — LAT (Certification)
- Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician — ALAT (Certification)
