SYEP Participants Explore Career Pathways at CUIMC

This summer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center welcomed 54 young adults through New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), providing opportunities to gain firsthand experience in an academic medical center and explore potential career pathways. 

Over six weeks, participants ages 18-24 worked alongside teams across CUIMC, contributing to administrative, operational, academic, and research-related work. Through their placements and interactions with supervisors and colleagues, they gained a closer look at the range of careers and functions that support patient care, education, research, and community engagement. 

"My SYEP CUIMC experience has been transformative," said participant Yari Beco. "I was able to network and occupy spaces I never imagined being in." 

For Digna Carrion, her placement in the Department of Pediatrics offered an opportunity to explore her interest in health administration while learning directly from Amanda Lebron, executive assistant to department leadership. 

"Digna arrived eager to learn about the health administration world, how she could be helpful to our department, and the skill set needed to be successful in a challenging administrative role," Lebron said. "I've enjoyed watching her challenge herself and having her shadow me in my role as an executive assistant to department leadership - a role she has expressed being interested in pursuing." 

Professional development was also an important part of the experience. Forty participants completed CPR, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed training at the Columbia University School of Nursing, gaining practical emergency-response skills that can be applied in the workplace and within their communities. The training was led by Merona A. Hollingsworth, associate director of the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center. 

Led by the Office of Academic & Community Partnerships (OACP), SYEP brought together departments and supervisors from across CUIMC to create meaningful opportunities for young adults to learn, contribute, and build professional connections.

"SYEP gives young adults an opportunity to experience CUIMC from the inside and to learn about the many career paths within an academic medical center and to see themselves as part of those possibilities," said Sandra Harris, Vice President for Community Affairs and Partnership Engagement. 

Through its continued participation in SYEP, CUIMC is helping young adults build workplace skills, expand their professional networks, and gain a broader understanding of the opportunities available within health care, research, education, and other fields. 

OACP extends its appreciation to the CUIMC departments and supervisors who welcomed and supported SYEP participants throughout the summer.