The MGH Institute of Health Professions welcomed approximately 100 students and 32 employer partners for its inaugural Career and Networking Day on Monday, creating a dynamic space for connection, exploration, and opportunity.

Employers from across the healthcare sector hosted tables throughout the event, offering information about their organizations, sharing career pathways, and, in some cases, providing hands-on product demonstrations. The event brought together students, alumni, and industry partners in an environment designed to encourage meaningful, low-pressure conversations about entering the workforce.

“It’s energizing to see so many people engaged in conversation, making connections, and investing in our students,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Reamer Buschardt. “Events like this reflect what makes the MGH Institute special. We are deeply connected to the healthcare and community organizations that help shape the future workforce. Workforce development is truly a shared effort, and that kind of collaboration strengthens our students, our partners, and ultimately the care delivered to patients and communities.”

The event marked a strong start for what organizers hope will become a recurring opportunity for students and employers alike.

“Career and Networking Day was a great success for an inaugural event, with a strong turnout from employers, partners, students, and alumni,” said Lindsay Sunberg, Senior National and Regional Account Manager. “It was exciting to see how eager organizations are to connect with our students and graduates, and how much weight the IHP name carries across the healthcare field.”

For students preparing to enter clinical practice, the event offered valuable insight and real-world perspective.

“It was a great opportunity to connect with nurses and healthcare organizations to learn more about the many paths within nursing,” said Direct Entry Nursing student Grace Casto. “With my final semester starting next week and graduation in August, experiences like this are so meaningful as I continue preparing for what’s ahead.”

Speech-language pathology student Elaine Yeung highlighted the unique format of the event. 

“This was a really different environment than an interview space,” she said. “It felt like a much more natural conversation. I made a lot of connections, and even connections to people who weren’t there.”

Alumni engagement was another key component of the day, with graduates returning as employers and representatives of partner organizations.

“What made this event especially meaningful was the presence of our alumni business owners and alumni who represented their employers,” said Katie Mulcahy, Director of Alumni Relations. “They once stood in these same spaces preparing for their careers, and now they’re back creating opportunities for the next generation.”

With strong participation and positive feedback from attendees, the MGH Institute looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to strengthen connections between students, alumni, and the healthcare workforce.