Vanessa Yeager
Share your educational background, including degree(s), institution(s), undergraduate major and graduation year(s).
University of Minnesota Class of 2019, Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Society, and Environment.
Tell us about your work. This may include job title or organization, projects you're involved in, populations with whom you work, etc.
Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of South Florida.
What led you to this profession? Tell us about your path.
Since high school, I knew I wanted to be a healthcare professional. I had to think about my strengths and weaknesses and decide which career would be the best option for me. After a lot of research and job shadowing, I found that physical therapy was a perfect career for me.
What is your advice for current CLA students interested in a healthcare career?
Job shadow different healthcare professionals so that you know for sure that this career choice is the best decision for you. Don't be afraid to reach out to health care professionals and ask them about their job and career choices. They have all been in your position and would love to answer any questions you have!
Describe your participation in extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, research, or study-abroad opportunities during your undergraduate years that helped you prepare for your current role.
I shadowed under multiple physical therapists in a variety of settings which helped me narrow down which specialty I want to work in as well as confirm that physical therapy was the right choice for me. I volunteered at my local hospital and at the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp as well as worked at the Disability Resource Center at the University of Minnesota. I was also a member of the pre-physical therapy club on campus, which further confirmed my decision of becoming a physical therapist.
What experiences did you have that confirmed your choice of profession?
I job shadowed under a neurological physical therapist for awhile and after seeing the kinds of conditions that she treated and the patients she worked with, I knew that, not only did I want to be a physical therapist, but I wanted to specialize in neurology as well.
What kinds of obstacles have you encountered in pursuing your goals, and how did you overcome them?
Going into a health care profession comes with a lot of obstacles. Classes are hard and science heavy, graduate schools expect you to be incredibly involved in extra-curriculars and get good grades at the same time, and graduate school applications are very demanding. One thing that got me through this stressful time was great time management skills. I scheduled my homework and studying in advance so that I would never have to do any last minute cramming. This also helped me schedule time to do extra-curricular activities. Also, utilize the University's resources, whether that be the writing center, your class advisor, or even the mental health clinic. These things are all very helpful!
Did anyone encourage or discourage you from pursuing your goals? How did you overcome that obstacle?
My family definitely encouraged me to pursue a pre-health career. My older sister went into a health profession and has had a lot of success, so I think she pushed me to work hard and strive for a pre-health career.
How have aspects of your identity shaped your experience in this profession?
I think that my personality and who I am as a person has greatly influenced my career choices. I always loved science and courses such as anatomy and physiology, so that originally steered me into a heath care career. I also knew that certain careers just weren't for me such as being a medical doctor or a nurse. I think knowing what you want and, more importantly, don't want in a career is going to be the biggest help in deciding your future career path.
