Convenience and Confidence: UPMC Finds it Easy to Recruit Commonwealth Students

At first, the partnership between UPMC and Commonwealth University was one of geographical convenience, but it quickly became one of trust and confidence.

"Commonwealth University is a great academic partner in our region," said UPMC recruiter, Rachel Zultevicz. "The students from Commonwealth always have great interactions with our staff. "

Zultevicz has attended Career Connections Expos at all three Commonwealth locations, most recently the Public, Government, Health & Human Services, DEIB, and Health Professions Interprofessional Education Expos last spring. She says participating in these expos is easy and allows her to meet potential hires.

"All three locations are the best at communicating," explained Zultevicz. "We know details in advance, and they encourage their students to speak with us. The faculty is easy to work with and eager to connect us with the students to discuss UPMC opportunities. They want the best for their students, and we love learning something new when we are on campus."

Zultevicz says that Commonwealth students regularly impress her with their preparation, enthusiasm, and communication skills, which make them top contenders for fast-paced positions that require new hires to navigate a high learning curve from an academic setting.  

"Students always come professionally dressed, which I think is valuable," explained Zultevicz. "Students come to us with genuine questions about what best sets them up for success as professionals in the workforce, and we love that, said Zultevicz. "Our clinical partners find the students to be academically prepared, [AND] We know that transition is difficult, especially in healthcare fields."

Zultevicz says that, despite the initial trials of making that transition into the healthcare industry, the culture at UPMC is oriented toward opportunity, regardless of one's role or position, and reflects their core values of quality, safety, dignity, and respect.

"Our values are part of our interview process," explained Zultevicz. "Each category is tied to one of those values to ensure our employees' values align with ours."

"Commonwealth is a top target school for UPMC North Central Pennsylvania," concluded Zultevicz. "It would be a missed opportunity for other employers not to connect with the students at Commonwealth."

If you are interested in recruiting Commonwealth students, please email recruit@commonwealthu.edu