Saba, Administrative Fellow at City of Hope: Advize Career Interview
A City of Hope Administrative Fellow's journey showcases a dynamic career path evolving from a chemistry background to a fulfilling role in project management within healthcare.
The path involved student government, internships with a congressman and nonprofits, channeling a passion for community engagement towards public health.
This role focuses on improving patient care and community engagement, requiring diverse skills in project management, stakeholder communication, and budget analysis.
The work is varied and rewarding, offering continuous learning and the satisfaction of seeing projects through to completion.
While challenges include feeling removed from direct patient care and navigating career progression, the experience is deeply fulfilling due to the mission-driven environment focused on equitable access to care.
Aspiring professionals should consider entry-level positions as program or project coordinators, develop strong relationship-building skills, and seek out mentors who understand unique career challenges.
This individual's story highlights the importance of adaptability, advanced education, and faith in the career journey, emphasizing that even seemingly unrelated experiences and unexpected turns can contribute to a successful and impactful career in healthcare administration.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Saba Ansari
Administrative Fellow
City of Hope
Cal State Fullerton, graduated in 2019
University of Michigan, Masters in Public Health
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path Of An Administrative Fellow At City Of Hope
Saba's career path evolved from a chemistry major to a focus on advocacy and public health, driven by a desire to "make one person's life better". Their experience in student government, internships with a congressman and nonprofits like Blue Future and Rise, progressively channeled their passion for elections and community engagement toward public health, culminating in the current Administrative Fellow role at City of Hope.
Main Responsibilities of a Project Manager at City of Hope
As a project manager at City of Hope cancer center, Saba manages projects focused on improving patient care and community engagement, facilitating meetings with stakeholders to "move the needle on providing the best possible care." This role involves working on initiatives of varying scales to ensure equitable and accessible care.
A Day in the Life of an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope
A project manager's day-to-day work varies greatly depending on the "initiatives that are priorities," with recent tasks including budget finalization and analysis of past projects' impact on patient experience and financials. Effective communication with stakeholders through various methods is crucial, alongside attending leadership meetings to understand priorities and adapt project plans accordingly.
Most Important Skills for an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope
Saba, an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope, finds the variety inherent in project management most appealing, stating, "you get to work on a lot of different things," allowing for continuous learning, relationship building, and avoidance of monotony. This variety, combined with the ability to see projects "from start to finish," is key to career satisfaction.
Challenges of Being an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope
Saba's biggest challenges as a project manager at City of Hope involve feeling "removed from the direct patient care aspect" and navigating career progression after this role. To combat the first, Saba actively seeks opportunities for in-person patient interaction; addressing the second requires careful planning and consideration of future career goals beyond the limitations of a "specific department".
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope
Saba's greatest professional satisfaction stems from working in a mission-driven healthcare environment at City of Hope, a cancer center where the focus is on ensuring equitable and accessible care for all patients, even those with imperfect insurance; this mission, and the impact it has on patients, is what motivates Saba to "make an impact" daily.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Healthcare As An Administrative Fellow
Saba, an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope, learned that healthcare is a dynamic field where "nothing is going to stay the same," requiring adaptability to constant change. Their master's degree proved invaluable, providing a strong foundation and practical knowledge that their undergraduate degree lacked, highlighting the importance of advanced education in this evolving industry.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Health Administration According To An Administrative Fellow At City Of Hope
Saba, an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope, suggests that entry-level undergraduate candidates explore "program coordinator positions or project coordinator" roles in health administration or operations. These positions, which are "a good way to get your foot in the door," offer valuable experience and exposure, facilitating career advancement.
What an Administrative Fellow at City of Hope Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Healthcare Industry
Saba's most impactful career lesson, learned during graduate school, is that "what is meant for you will not miss you," emphasizing faith in the process and the value of trying different paths. This philosophy helped Saba navigate career uncertainty, reminding them that even seemingly wrong turns provide valuable learning experiences.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Administrative Fellows at City of Hope
Saba's undergraduate experience, marked by a major shift from chemistry to political science and extensive student government involvement, fostered adaptability and strong relationship-building skills— "soft skills" crucial for their current project management role. The ability to "market" prior experiences, even those seemingly unrelated to a chosen career path, proved invaluable in showcasing transferable skills to prospective employers.
Significant Career Lesson From An Administrative Fellow At City Of Hope
Saba, a woman of color in healthcare administration, learned the crucial lesson of seeking out mentors who share similar identities to navigate career challenges. This involved finding "that person that can be your champion" and provide guidance, even if not within the same organization, ultimately boosting confidence and advocacy.
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