Resources

The Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) has a comprehensive website that will be a valuable tool and resource for the concentrator as s/he works to complete the requirements of the Biomedical Studies Concentration. The following may be helpful while working through the Concentration:

  • Health Professions Committee:
    Ted Johnson (Chair) - Biology
    Beth Abdella - Chemistry
    Wes Pearson - Chemistry
    Gary Miessler - Chemistry
    Kevin Crisp - Biology
    Jean Porterfield - Biology
    Dave Van Wylen - Biology
    Minda Orina - Psychology
    Jay Demas - Physics
    Katie Ziegler-Graham - MSCS
    Paul Roback - MSCS
    (Karen Renneke, Academic Administrative Assistant)
  • Getting Started
    If you are having difficulty pinpointing your primary areas of interest in the healthcare field, think about engaging the self-assessment process. Self-assessment can help you understand who you are and how your values, interests, skills, and abilities (VISA) impact your choices. It can be helpful in deciding upon a major, selecting beneficial experiential learning opportunities and choosing your ideal career track. Several tools are available to you:
    • Strong Interest Inventory (SII)*
    • Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)*
    • Do What You Are, Build Your Own Rainbow and other self-assessment resource books available in the CEL

      *Provided through the CEL workshops
  • Informational Interviews:
    The St. Olaf Online Alumni Directory is a valuable resource for gathering information on a specific field or occupation, a particular organization, or how best to approach the job/internship search. (NOTE: Not all alumni are aware students have access to this directory. Be sure to introduce yourself as a St. Olaf student, specify that you found the alum's name through the on-line directory, and indicate your purpose for making the contact.) This resource and more are available on the CEL website's Assessing & Exploring Careers page.
    • Occupational Outlook Handbook
    • Dictionary of Occupational Titles
    • American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries
    • American Salaries and Wages Survey
    • Additional publications available in the CEL
  • Experiential Learning:
    In completing an experiential learning activity (internship, off-campus program, etc.), learning objectives provide you with a sense of direction and purpose and serve as a standard against which to measure your progress. When developing your learning objectives, use specific rather than vague phrases. The following ideas may assist you in developing your learning objectives:
    • Content and transferable skill development:
      Specific skills and/or general statements such as oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, organization, problem solving, decision making, leadership, interpersonal, technical, computer, etc...as related to your academics.
    • Academic learning and application: Related ideas, concepts, or theories of your major(s) and/or concentration(s) of study and ideas or concepts related to the liberal arts. Theories or concepts that might be applied to targeted career areas.
    • Career awareness : Specific career positions and occupations; training required, professional development opportunities. Short-term and long-term career goals.
    • General knowledge: Understanding of the work-place, operational procedures, organizational culture and structure; continuing education.
    • Personal development: For example, self-confidence, self-awareness, self-management, sensitivity and appreciation for diversity; clarification of personal values.
  • Senior Capstone:
    The CEL, Biomedical Studies Resource Library and faculty of the Health Professions Committee have resources and staff to assist in the completion of your Senior Capstone project.