ElevatED (S2:Ep5) Words of Wisdom: Tips for Career Switchers

How do you switch careers and land the perfect job just four days after graduating with a master’s degree?

In this episode of the ElevatED Podcast, This episode features an interview with Lisa Ward, former EMT and current lobbyist, who offers inspiring words, smart advice, and a dose of reality for those looking to graduate school as a pathway to a new career. Lisa is an alumna of the Health Care Policy master’s degree program. Prior to starting her graduate journey she spent considerable time and effort paving the way for a seamless transition from frontline health care work to government relations. Her tips can help you reach your career goals, as well.

Be Intentional

It took Lisa two years of planning before she decided where she wanted her career to go from the healthcare frontline to legislative work and how to get there. During that time, she consulted a variety of professionals already in that arena and shadowed others to get a sense of what it would take to create the job she envisioned for herself.

“I literally called the head of policy in the governor’s office and asked, ‘Can you carve out 30 minutes to talk about your job?’”

Those experiences gave her a better idea of exactly what her ideal job would entail, what she needed to know to get there, and that a graduate degree in Healthcare Management from University College at the University of Denver would start her on the right path.

Education + Experience

Working on master’s degree didn’t mean Lisa stopped pursuing her dream job. She actively sought experience that would give her a leg up in the job market.

During her time in graduate school, she interned for a contract healthcare lobbying firm, became a legislative aid, and wrote a legislative bill and found a senate sponsor.

“The plan was not to waste one moment of my graduate education. You can’t graduate and wave your diploma around hoping someone will hire you. It doesn’t work that way.”

To hear more about Lisa’s experiences in leveraging her knowledge and eduction to career success, listen to the full interview on the ElevatED Podcast.

Catch up with the entire ElevatED Podcast.

The ElevatED podcast is a space for conversations around the intersection of industry and higher education for adult learners. Brought to you by the University of Denver’s college of continuing and professional studies, University College.