In a rapidly evolving world, staying at the forefront of your field is essential, and that's exactly what the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) aimed to achieve at its 2023 Employer Summit, held on October 19th. This annual event, which took place online, brought together academic program leaders, career services professionals, and employers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of holistic health education. Here, we'll delve into the key insights and highlights from this year's summit.
"It is essential that employers and higher education institutions work together to help students develop the essential skills they need to be successful in the workforce of today and the future. The 2023 Employer Summit resulted in several insights that will benefit ACHS programs, including the demand for expanded skills in digital literacy, how to leverage AI tools, understanding of the regulatory framework for promoting dietary supplements, and collaborative communication," shared ACHS President Tracey Abell.
Forge Meaningful Connections with Industry Experts
One of the primary goals of this year's summit was to establish meaningful connections with industry experts. ACHS recognized the importance of staying ahead in the holistic health field and aimed to engage with leading experts to ensure they remain at the forefront of industry developments. This collaborative approach opens the door to valuable insights and partnerships that can benefit students and alumni.
Gather Feedback on Industry Trends
Keeping an eye on the latest industry trends is crucial for any educational institution. The 2023 Employer Summit was designed to gather feedback on these trends. By doing so, ACHS can adapt its curricula, program offerings, and overarching goals to ensure students are well-prepared for the evolving holistic health landscape.
Develop Career Success Pathways
Perhaps one of the most tangible outcomes of the summit was the creation of actionable pathways for student and alumni success in holistic health careers. ACHS recognizes the need to equip its students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen field. These pathways serve as a guide to success, ensuring that students are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the holistic health industry.
"The [ACHS Employer] Summit provided a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the nutrition and herbal jobs in our market. I was thrilled to learn that we are all intentional about working with customers and clients using health-supportive language, as well as offering a livable wage." - Christi Louderback, Nutritional Health Coach Regional Manager, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Expert Insights and Key Topics
The summit welcomed distinguished experts from the holistic health industry, providing valuable data and insights. ACHS had the privilege of partnering with esteemed companies that attended the summit, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Key topics of discussion at the 2023 Employer Summit included:
- Identifying In-Demand Skills: In addition to aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and holistic nutrition knowledge, employers are seeking candidates with skills like digital literacy, adaptability, and effective communication.
- How to Make Your Application Stand Out: Crafting a standout job application involves tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific position, demonstrating a clear understanding of the company's values and needs.
- How to Conduct Your Wellness Job Search: The summit offered insights into job posting sites, leveraging professional networks, and making the most of platforms like LinkedIn.
- How to Be a Savvy Consumer: Attendees explored topics like differentiating essential oils from fragrance oils, debunking common myths, and understanding wellness safety considerations.
- The Tik-Tok Effect: With the rise of social media platforms like Tik-Tok, understanding the trends and contributing to the discussion is becoming increasingly important for holistic health professionals.
- Making Your Employment a Win-Win: Learning how to evaluate job offers, be a collaborative employee, and negotiate effectively were key points of discussion.
- Internship Opportunities: Attendees also discussed where to find internship opportunities within the holistic health education field.
This year's expert panelists, listed in alphabetical order, included:
- Ashley Rieger from The People's Apothecary
- Carrie Turpin from The Green Eyed Cat
- Christi Louderback from Natural Grocers
- Christine Alstat from the Eclectic Herb Institute
- Erin DeLacy from Natural Grocers
- Kayla Fioravanti from Ology Essentials
- Mark Blumenthal from American Botanical Council
- Meredith Murdock from the Faeve Apothecary
- Mindy Green from Green Scentations
- Mohammad Umaid from Al-Fateh Institute of Health Sciences
- Nicole Hodson from the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
- Paul Johnson from Wildish Botanicals
- Shamoneak Gibson-Thomas from Krazy Essentials
- Shawn Hallum from Freedom Spas and esteemed ACHS Professor
ACHS's Commitment to Success
The 2023 Employer Summit brought together leaders in holistic health education with top industry experts and forward-thinking employers. ACHS is committed to empowering its students and alumni with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed for a successful and fulfilling career in holistic health.
Helpful Job Search Resources
Where to find job postings:
Here Are a Few Tips for Making Your Job Application Stand Out From This Year's Attendees
- Use LinkedIn as your “Living Resume”, ACHS Professor Shawn Hallum
- Do your research on the company before your interview. Know who they are, what they do, and how you can bring value to the organization. Try to highlight the company's practices and values that resonate with you.
- Include a cover letter with your resume with language specific to the organization and position you are applying for - never use a generic cover letter.
- Incorporate language in the resume that demonstrates you understand the company’s industry. Use the language from the job posting, and highlight the specific skills you can bring to the organization based on their needs. Many companies now use automated resume tools so having key works from the job posting on your resume can make it jump to the top.
- Follow the instructions during the application process. Read the job posting carefully!
- Show your shared values with the company and demonstrate your adaptability or willingness to learn if you have different perspectives.
- Show the employer how you will help take the burden off of their workload. Especially with internships, self-management is key. Be an active participant in your growth and development.
