Healthcare
Introduction to field
Healthcare Industry is a large, complex industry. It can broadly be divided into several major sectors, each serving a different function in maintaining and improving health. Each sector has some key roles (job functions) that are prevalent. The job roles below highlight non-clinical roles. For more clinical roles, see Explore Health Careers.
Healthcare Providers
Organizations that deliver medical care directly to patients such as hospitals and clinics. Key job roles: Data Analytics, Healthcare Management, Operations, Finance, Compliance/Risk Management, Marketing and Communications
Health Insurance and Payers
Organizations that finance or reimburse healthcare services. Key job roles: Actuarial & Finance, Care Management, Claims/Provider Operations, Member Services
Pharmaceuticals
Companies that research, develop, manufacture, and market medications. Key job roles: Research and Development, Clinical Development, Manufacturing/Quality, Marketing
Medical Devices and Equipment
Companies that produce tools, technologies, and equipment used in healthcare. Key job roles: Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research Coordinator, Medical Device Sales Representative, Product Support, Supply Chain Coordinator
Biotechnology
Organizations focused on using biological processes and genetic science to develop treatments and diagnostics. Key job roles: Research and Development, Marketing and Product Management, Project and Program Management, Finance and Business Analytics, Regulatory and Compliance, Human Resources, and Customer and Clinical Support
Public Health and Government Health Services
Organizations focused on population health, disease prevention, and healthcare regulation. Key job roles: Community Health Worker, Health Educator, Research Assistant, Health Communications, Health Policy Assistant
Skills to develop for success in this field
Skills vary greatly across roles, but broadly speaking, the below skills are important
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Financial acumen
- Project management
- Healthcare industry knowledge
- Problem solving
- Relationship management
- Technology proficiency
- Leadership and change management
Online resources specific to the industry
Key information or knowledge for this field
Recruiting for healthcare depends on the sector, but most recruiting is done during the winter and spring. Technical roles, such as biomedical engineering, may recruit earlier. Roles are mainly obtained through industry-specific job boards, networking, and direct application. Larger companies, particularly in pharmaceuticals and health insurance may participate in on campus recruiting, while smaller and midsize companies may depend more on direct application and networking.
To narrow down searches within Handshake, choose “Healthcare” or “Pharmaceuticals” as an industry, and choose specific job functions, such as “financial analyst”, “marketing specialist”, or “research” for example.
Some roles in healthcare recommend or require advanced degrees, such as policy, research and development, and biomedical engineering.
Many biotech and medical device companies operate in the start-up space, so looking at opportunities through start up start up directories, such as Y Combinator or Builtin. Policy positions can be found through think tanks, government organizations, and nonprofits. Explore different roles within each industry and consider if skills needed match those you would like to use. Healthcare companies and organizations have common business roles found in other industries, such as sales, finance, human resources, operations, and client success.
Relevant student groups and professional organizations
Northwestern Student Groups:
External Professional Organizations: