With graduation season behind us, the end of June is a great time to talk about developing the next generation of health IT leaders.

I’ve been a volunteer mentor to 7 students and early careerists over the past several months through two different programs – the New England HIMSS Chapter and RIBBA. I’m happy to say that five of them have gotten jobs in a very tough job market. Part of our work together included refining resumes, preparing for interviews, answering their questions on salary negotiation, and helping them get in front of the right people at the companies where they applied. Some of my mentees were international students who faced unique concerns given the new administration.

I currently have several coaching engagements in process and have coached many more health IT leaders over the past 10 years. Progress and growth come in many different forms depending on one’s leadership development and career goals. Two of my coachees have recently been named to the Becker’s list of “100 Women to Know in Health IT 2025.” And in recent years, another coachee was recognized with the “HIMSS Most Influential Women in Health IT Award” along with five other women. As we worked together, some of their goals were to increase their networks and broaden their involvement in our industry. These recognitions affirmed their progress towards these goals.

Most weeks my schedule also includes at least 1-2 calls with colleagues who are in transition between jobs or considering make a change – they are looking for some perspective and advice as well as insight on open positions. Continue reading →