Career Path of a Student Assistant at California Healthcare Services
Kimberly's career path reflects a strategic progression from early, flexible jobs ("fast food" and "DoorDash") towards roles increasingly aligned with their public health major. This included impactful internships with Sacramento State's Student Health and Counseling Services, a local behavioral health nonprofit, and finally, a student assistant position at the Department of Healthcare Services—a stepping stone to their current Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager role.
Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Internship Experience, Nonprofit Work, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kimberly Lamountry
Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager
California Department of Healthcare Services
Sacramento State
Business Management & Admin
Government & Public Sector, Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Kimberly's diverse work experience throughout college, including roles at Fire Wings, DoorDash, and various on-campus jobs, demonstrates her resourcefulness and adaptability.
2. Her internships at Sacramento State Student Health and Counseling Services and the California Local Behavioral Health Boards and Commissions provided valuable experience in public health and non-profit settings, directly relating to her current career.
3. Landing a student assistant position with the Department of Healthcare Services before securing a summer internship with Kaiser Permanente showcases her proactive approach to career development and her ability to secure roles relevant to her field of study.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I worked throughout all of my college years, from 2019 to 2023. My first years involved on-campus jobs or working in fast food, specifically at Fire Wings.
The second year was during the pandemic, so I continued with Fire Wings. I also did DoorDash to supplement my income.
In my third year, I sought roles more aligned with my public health major. I was a first-year peer mentor, providing general education advising to first-year students, which was fun. I also interned with Sacramento State Student Health and Counseling Services as a peer health educator, teaching other students about various health topics. My area of expertise was healthy relationships, including sexual health, consent, and related topics.
During that time, I also interned with a nonprofit called the California Local Behavioral Health Boards and Commissions, which I found through Handshake. I attended behavioral health board meetings in different California counties, took notes, and reported back to the CEO.
Additionally, I worked at The Well, Sacramento State's gym. I believe on-campus jobs are beneficial for students, allowing them to work shifts between classes. I often did my homework while working at The Well, which helped me balance everything.
For my fourth year, I continued working at The Well but also sought administrative work in health. I became a student assistant with the Department of Healthcare Services until graduation. Afterward, I participated in a summer internship program with Kaiser Permanente.