Career Center News
GVSU Career Center Employer Showcase: A Casual, Conversation-Based Approach to Career Connections
April 27, 2023
By Madelynn Lutenski, Career Center Intern
Stopping by one of the Employer Showcase tables can be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. According to HealthWest Human Resources Coordinator, Laurie Johnson, it’s quite the opposite.
“I would encourage students to understand that they are in control. Employers are there to try and recruit them, we should be nervous, not them. We want the students to come to us. Students are the ones in the driver's seat,” said Johnson.
Joining the list of employers participating in the 2022-2023 Employer Showcase, HealthWest is a mental health provider that offers unique programs to the West Michigan Community.
“We have 68 programs and a staff of nearly 500. We were the first Community Mental Health in the nation to open a dental clinic on-site at our Mental Health Center. We have an integrated health clinic on-site and a pharmacy,” said Johnson. “We treat the whole person!”
With inspiring wellness goals, HealthWest was one of the first three awarded the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) status in the entire state. As of 2023, only 18 counties have been certified. Offering 24/7 mental health care and partnering with local police departments, HealthWest is an innovator in their field.
After learning about the Employer Showcase from Career Center Employer Development Manager, Cindy Brown, Laurie was eager to get HealthWest involved and start meeting with students.
“I loved the location, I thought it was a great spot right by the door as students were coming to and from class. I really enjoyed the student interaction. I loved that kind of real and raw interaction with students,” said Johnson.
Opposed to traditional student-employer interactions, the Employer Showcase was designed to produce casual conversations to cover what it’s like to work for an organization, learn about career opportunities, and connect students with employers.
“These are really fast interactions, quicker than a Career Fair, so it’s key to have your contact information readily available and grab a business card from the employer. It’s also important to follow up,” said Johnson. “I know students are busy and time is at a premium; however please follow up within 24 hours. The contact doesn’t have to be formal or include a resume, but just a simple ‘Hi, it was great meeting you to discuss HealthWest and I’m interested in an internship or job.’ This effort really makes students stand out.”
For students thinking about a career at HealthWest, Laurie encourages you to think about your path to growth.
“Because development is so important to us, part of our interview process is based on development. We want our candidates to have a plan to expand their skills and have personal development goals. Think about your future and the education you could obtain in the future,” said Johnson.
HealthWest offers many opportunities for career growth outside of tuition reimbursement, personal development dollars, and credentialing stipends. An example of career advancement at HealthWest is clinician Felipe Trevino’s story.
“Felipe started out as a clinician and was promoted to supervisor of our juvenile justice department. He is now branching off and starting a new program at HealthWest that supports our LGBTQIA+ community,” said Johnson.
A 5-minute conversation with an employer at the Employer Showcase has the possibility to launch your career in new directions.
To learn more about the Employer Showcase and stay up-to-date on upcoming events, check out the Career Center Employer Showcase page.