You've been crushing those textbooks, mastering those medical terms, and acing those exams. But here's the thing: landing that dream externship or job isn't just about your academic smarts. Sure, they're crucial, but hiring managers are also looking for something more: your "soft skills."
Think of it this way: your academic knowledge is like the engine of a car – powerful, but it needs a skilled driver to get you where you want to go. Those soft skills? They're like the steering wheel, the brakes, and the navigation system – guiding you safely and effectively.
We chatted with our amazing career counselors, Shareen and Lena, who are always in the loop with what hiring managers are seeking. They spilled the beans on the top three traits employers crave:
"The Big Ps": Why Your Soft Skills Are Your Secret Weapon
January 20 2025
The Big 3 Ps:
Punctuality: It's not just about showing up on time. It's about being proactive and eager to learn. Shareen emphasizes the importance of being a "self-starter."
Professionalism: This goes beyond just wearing nice clothes (though that's important!). It's about presenting yourself with confidence, maintaining good hygiene, and having a positive attitude.
Patience: In the medical field, patience is key. You'll encounter patients with diverse needs, and you need to be able to handle them with compassion and understanding.
Breaking down the P’s:
Punctuality isn't just about showing up on time; it's about showing initiative and a genuine desire to be there. Our career counselor, Shareen, emphasizes the importance of being a "self-starter" as a crucial first step toward success. "When most students arrive," she explains, "they're a bit rough around the edges. They need guidance and sometimes a shift in their current way of doing things. They eventually learn that being a team player and taking initiative are keys to achieving their goals."
Professionalism is another curated piece of the puzzle. Hiring managers love a self-assured individual who not only shows up with the skills but also by looking the part and being the part. What does this mean? It means good hygiene, clean attire, trimmed nails and a combed-back hair that does not interfere with the job. And to top it all off? Having a good attitude. In some incidents, hiring managers have reported to our placement department regarding some model students having a lack of regard for having a trimmed appearance which interfered with their work. In some cases, this made them rethink their decision. Some reports have also shown that a communication flaw put a damning light on an almost successful externship cycle which included a forgetfulness to report a leave of absence, or an extended lunch break decision.
Lastly, patience. While often paired with compassion, patience is a highly desirable trait of any medical or dental assistant onboarding a professional office. Our career counselor Lena states that a good number of doctors mention wanting “somebody reliable, thoughtful, and someone who knows how to treat the patients sincerely”. Patients, having many needs, require a space where they can feel heard and safe so having patience and compassion is one of the top 3 important soft traits on this list.
So, how big of deal are the Big P’s?
Lena and Shareen believe they're a HUGE deal. Some even say they're 30-50% of the hiring decision! While your academic skills are the foundation, your soft skills are the building blocks that determine your long-term success.
Different roles, different needs:
The emphasis on each skill can vary depending on the field. For example, in OB/GYN, compassion and sensitivity are paramount when interacting with patients. In pediatrics, patience and a playful demeanor are highly valued.
How can you develop these skills?
The good news is, you're already practicing these skills every day!
Be mindful: Pay attention to how you interact with others. How do you communicate? How do you respond to different situations?
Learn from the best: Watch videos and read stories about successful healthcare professionals. See how they handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism.
Observe and learn: Pay attention to how experienced professionals interact with patients and colleagues whether it is within a school or in an office setting.
What are some common pitfalls to avoid?
Breaking the rules: Even if other employees seem to bend the rules, it's crucial to follow the guidelines when you're starting out.
Poor communication: Always communicate any concerns or issues proactively and respectfully.
Words of wisdom from our counselors:
Lena: "Believe in yourself and your abilities. We're here to support you every step of the way. Reach for the stars!"
Shareen: "Never stop learning and growing. Don't let your education define you. Always strive for bigger and better things."
Author Information
Anisha Miah
Digital Marketing and Events Manager at NYSMDA
Read more from latest NYSMDA Blogs:
