Career Compass: Health Sciences

As a health sciences student in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences you will learn about the determinants of health from combined science and social science disciplines. Understanding the determinants of health will provide insight into how to maintain optimum health at an individual and community level. Graduates may work in health and social programming, policy development, research laboratories, obtain further education as a graduate student to pursue a Masters or Ph.D. in health-related disciplines, or to become a professional health care practitioner (e.g., genetic counselling, medicine, physician assistant, physiotherapy, occupational therapy), or to work in Provincial diagnostic laboratories.

Skills you will gain by studying HEALTH SCIENCES

• A broad and comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect health, the needs of clients and the delivery of health services.
• An understanding of the significance of health and illness in a cultural context.
• Expertise in health promotion and prevention frameworks.
• The ability to problem solve and adapt to an ever-changing field.
• The ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information clearly and concisely.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
BIOL 1410, CHEM 1100, CHEM 1110, CHEM 1120, HEAL 1500, HEAL 1502, INDG 1220 or INDG 1240, PSYC 1200 OR SOC 1000, STAT 1000, 3 credit hours of free electives if SOC 1000 is chosen.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an Academic Advisor to help you plan your program.
2. For academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.
3. Make sure to explore the IHP Student Resources on UM Learn for information on academic and career possibilities.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a Career Consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Gather information about occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Interdisciplinary Health Program Students' Association (IHPSA), CanU, the University of Manitoba Undergraduate Leaders in Healthcare and Healthy U.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: 
BGEN 2000, CHEM 2730, CHEM 2740, HEAL 2600, HNSC 1210, HNSC 2000 OR PSYC 2250, IMMU 2000, PHGY 1030, 3 credit hours of free electives.

To do this year:

1. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student member with the Bioscience Association of Manitoba (BAM) and the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR).
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, community health clinics such as Klinic, Mount Carmel Clinic, Youville Clinic, CancerCare Manitoba and health promotion agencies i.e. Canadian Cancer Society; personal care homes; group homes. Connect with community engagement in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences for volunteer opportunities like the Biomedical Youth Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, an internship with Projects Abroad.

Staying local? Check out out a spring or summer Community Engaged-Learning experience. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: 
BGEN 3010, FMLY 3750, FMLY 3780 OR FMLY 3790, HEAL 3000, HEAL 3600, HEAL 3610, PHAC 3000, PHIL 2740, 3 credit hours of program electives, 3 credit hours of free electives

To do this year:

1. Meet with an Academic Advisor for third-year review.
2. Consider a professional program. Refer to the Admission Office's Applicant Information Bulletin with an academic advisor to help you plan your pre-professional program.
3. Gain research experience by taking the HEAL 4650 research project course.

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
5. If considering lab opportunities, register for HEAL 4640 and review the IHP Student Resources on UM Learn for information on career opportunities.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Statistics Canada and St. Boniface Research Centre.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or speak or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Join the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or attend the Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: ANAT 4010, HEAL 4600, HEAL 4620, HEAL 4630, PHAC 4030, PHAC 4040, 6 credit hours of free electives, 6 credit hours of program electives

To do this year:

1. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an Academic Advisor, declare intent to graduate in Aurora, and ensure other graduation requirements are met (E.g. Payment of outstanding fees).
2. Consider registering for HEAL 4650 to gain research experience.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out BioTalent Canada, Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM), Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, WorkInNonProfits.ca, CharityVillage, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Abuse Prevention Consultant
• (Community) Health Educator
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Data Analyst
• Disability Case Manager
• Fundraiser
• Health Liaison
• Health Program Analyst
• Health Program Specialist / Coordinator
• Health Promotion Program Specialist
• Health Research Coordinator
• Immigrant Settlement Practitioner
• Laboratory Technician
• Patient Representative
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Social Program Coordinator
• Victim Services Worker
• Volunteer Coordinator

Options requiring other education

• Epidemiologist
• Emergency Response Manager
• Genetic Counsellor
• Health Policy Analyst
• Health Records Management
• Lawyer
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Pathologist's Assistant
• Physiotherapist
• Physician
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health Inspector
• Research Scientist
• Social Worker
• University Professor

Industries such as biotechnology, business, community development, government, healthcare/medicine, and social services would value a degree in health sciences in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning
• Digital technology

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.