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Curious how today’s students can jump the gap from classroom learning to real healthcare impact? We sit down with Emily Todd, Senior Manager for Career Partnerships at Pearson, to unpack a practical blueprint: engage employers earlier, leverage AI and simulations to widen access, and build the soft skills that carry across every care setting. Emily explains why middle school is not too soon to spark career intent, how virtual events and micro-internships open doors, and what makes a partnership more than a logo on a banner.
We dig into technology as an equalizer—VR for safe, repeatable practice, AI for personalized exploration, and digital networks that help students in any zip code find mentors and opportunities. Emily shares how Pearson’s data points to a shift: learners want clarity and relevance now. That means tighter collaboration between educators and employers, from co-designed projects to sponsored competitions that highlight real roles and expectations. Along the way, we surface tactics students can use today: job shadowing, simulations, team competitions, and a simple outreach plan for informational interviews that actually get replies.
The conversation also gets personal as Emily traces her path from high school science teacher to building national partnerships, showing how communication, adaptability, and initiative create leverage in a changing job market. Her optimism is contagious: the next generation is eager, tech-savvy, and purpose-driven, and healthcare needs exactly that mix. If you care about workforce readiness, health career pathways, or meaningful learning that leads to jobs, this one will give you clear steps and renewed energy.

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@Pearson

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