Career Change
Isil Arican
Entering to HIT world

Career Advancement

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Resources for skill building and career development

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QUESTION:

Dear Whitty Women,

I am relatively new to healthcare IT and excited to build my foundation. What are some essential certifications or resources you recommend for someone wanting to develop strong skills in specific areas or gain broader knowledge of the industry?

ANSWER:

Dear Reader,

Welcome aboard! We are delighted to provide some suggestions and resources to assist you in your career and skill set development in this field.

Chart Your Course: Know Your Destination

Before embarking on your professional odyssey, it is crucial to define your destination. Where do you envision yourself in three years? Do you dream of advancing in the project management field or harnessing the power of data analytics, or safeguarding patient information?

Once you have identified your long-term goal, you can assess your current skillset and experience. Are you a natural born leader, a whiz with algorithms, or a champion of compliance? Recognizing your strengths will help you choose the right tools and training to amplify your impact.

Conquer New Fields with Strategic Certifications

Think of certifications as your tickets to exciting new roles and elevated salaries. But with so many options, where do you begin? Here are some top picks tailored to different career paths:

  • Clinical Informatics:  

  • Project Management:  

  • Data Analytics:  

  • Cybersecurity:   

  • Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning 

Network and Learn from Others

Remember, the healthcare IT landscape is constantly evolving, so staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Embrace online communities like Women in Healthcare IT or HIMSS Women Leaders Network to connect with other inspiring women, share best practices, and find support throughout your journey.

  • Conferences and workshops: Think of these as immersive boot camps where you can hone your skills, network with fellow adventurers, and learn from industry leaders. Look for events hosted by HIMSS, AHIMA, SNIA, and niche organizations within your area of interest.

  • Shadowing and mentoring: Find experienced healthcare IT professionals and walk in their footsteps for a day. Seek out a mentor who can guide your ascent and share their hard-won wisdom.

  • Volunteer work: Give back to the community while gaining valuable experience and building your network. Offer your tech expertise to health clinics, non-profits, or patient advocacy groups.

Your career development is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose opportunities that ignite your passion, fuel your growth, and keep you motivated to reach new heights. Celebrate every milestone, big or small, for they mark your progress on this incredible journey.

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Advancing to a leadership position

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QUESTION:

Dear Whitty Women,

I've been working in the healthcare IT field for several years now, and I feel like I've hit a roadblock in my career. I want to advance to a leadership position, but I'm not sure how to make that happen. What steps can I take to position myself for a promotion and show my potential as a leader in the field?

ANSWER:

Dear Reader,

You are not alone! 

Many women working in the healthcare IT field finds themselves at a crossroads in their careers, aspiring to assume leadership positions but uncertain about the steps necessary to achieve this goal. Advancing to a leadership role in healthcare IT is a challenging yet highly rewarding endeavor and there are various strategies to help you in positioning yourself for a promotion and proving your potential as a leader in the field. 

  • Self-Assessment and Goal Setting: Before embarking on your leadership journey, it is helpful to conduct a thorough self-assessment. Reflect on your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. Establish clear and achievable career goals that align with your aspirations and define the leadership role you are targeting and the associated responsibilities. 

  • Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest developments in healthcare IT is important. Consider pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees, and actively engage in workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance your knowledge and skills. 

  • Build a Strong Network: Effective networking can lead to valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. Do not hesitate to seek mentors experienced in leadership roles willing to guide you. Attending industry conferences, becoming a member of professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues and mentors can help you build a strong professional network. 

  • Showcase Leadership Qualities: To prove your potential as a leader, begin by exemplifying leadership qualities in your current role. Be proactive, take on additional responsibilities, and lead by example. Show initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Display a positive attitude and inspire your colleagues. 

  • Develop Soft Skills: In leadership positions, soft skills are often as important as technical skills. Hone your communication, interpersonal, and emotional intelligence skills. Effective communication, teamwork, and empathy are vital for building strong working relationships. 

  • Take on Challenging Projects: Volunteer for high-impact, cross-functional projects that allow you to showcase your leadership potential. Successfully managing complex projects will prove your ability to handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. 

  • Seek Feedback: Regularly request feedback from peers, supervisors, and mentors. Constructive feedback will help you identify areas for improvement and enable you to track your progress toward your leadership goals. 

  • Advocate for Yourself: Do not be afraid to speak up and express your interest in leadership roles. When opportunities arise, actively pursue them. Articulate your vision and the value you bring to decision-makers within your organization. 

We wish you the best of luck in your journey towards career advancement! 

 

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Job Search and Social Media

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QUESTION:

Dear Whitty Women,

How can I utilize social media for my job search and career advancement?

ANSWER:

Dear Reader,

Social media can be one of the effective tools that might help you land that job you are always dreaming of. Various social media platforms can tell a lot about the candidate, while they can also provide useful opportunities for networking and finding new career opportunities.

According to a survey done by LiveCareer in 2021, 80% of the recruiters screen candidates in social media prior to hiring. So having a social media presence that reflects your strengths and skills for the job you are seeking is a must. Building your brand and regularly expressing it on a professional platform like LinkedIn.

There are a lot of websites that provide tips to create and maintain a good LinkedIn profile that allows you to build a successful brand in your healthcare IT career path. But in order to get you started, here is a great guide to help “Enhance Your Presence on LinkedIn”.

WHIT and Career Advancement

QUESTION:

Dear Whitty Women,

I am new in the Healthcare IT field and one of my colleagues suggested I check out WHIT. How can WHIT help me with my career advancement?

ANSWER:

Dear Reader,

Women in Healthcare Information Technology (WHIT) was founded in 2015 by a group of women in executive or senior leadership IT roles who are passionate about bringing more female talent into the healthcare IT industry. Our committee members  include C-level executives, Directors and leaders from multiple healthcare disciplines including Health Plans, Healthcare Consulting Firms, Software Vendors, Healthcare Associations. We are also affiliated with the Northern and Southern California Chapters Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS), which is one of the largest professional groups for Healthcare IT in the nation.

WHIT coordinates and hosts a variety of free events to help you with your career growth in the healthcare IT domain. At these events you can network with other Healthcare IT professionals, listen to industry leaders share their experiences on a wide range of topics, learn from each other, and grow leadership skills pertinent to your career goals. We also provide mentorship opportunities where you can connect with an established healthcare IT leader and receive direct, personalized mentorship. Also, leverage our networks. If you see a WHIT leader is connected to someone and you would like an introduction, just ask!

If you are looking to grow in your role in healthcare IT, and looking to learn from leaders and others in the same path, join us!