Community Health Workers

You can begin exploring the field of community health while you are still in high school. Consider volunteering at a social service agency or a local medical office. You might be able to assist community health workers or health educators as they provide information and services to the elderly, people from underserved populations, and others. You can also help an elderly relative or neighbor schedule medical appointments, obtain information about a health care issue, or complete other tasks that help them to live a more healthy life. Ask your high school health teacher or career counselor to set up an information interview with a community health worker. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? How did you train for this field? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? Perhaps you could even job shadow CHWs as they assist members of the community, give presentations, and perform other duties.