Professional Development within Bachelors Programs: Addressing the Needs of a Diverse Student Population Entering Health Care

Abstract

Following graduation from an undergraduate institution, students have the perception that they have the skills necessary to be successful in the workforce and/or graduate studies, however employers and professors do not agree. Professional development during undergraduate studies may help bridge the gap between student and employer/professor perceptions. Based on the discrepancies in post-graduation readiness perception and the number underrepresented minorities in health care and postgraduate studies, the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BSHS) program at Rush University established a professional development program with the goal of providing students seminars that enhance their professional and social skills. Offering a professional development program ensures that students gain and maintain relevant academic and non-academic competencies that will support them in their academics and prepare them for their professional careers, which can be particularly effective for students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and students studying within a diverse cohort. Surveys were conducted to determine the perception of effective and usefulness of each seminar as well as utility of the tools provided to students in each seminar during their academic and professional career. Overall, the professional development seminar series improved student utilization and application of tools provided at each seminar to improve student perception of readiness and gain confidence in their academic and professional development. The seminars also positively influenced formation of diverse relationships, as many of the tools provided were used in personal and social situations. A dynamic professional development program can provide useful tools and improve readiness perception in a diverse student population within an undergraduate program. As graduate programs and companies across the country continue to expand their diversity initiatives, professional development during undergraduate studies becomes even more relevant as it addresses their ability to be successful and resilient.