On November 15th, 2024, a group of Ohio State University students had an inspiring opportunity to explore careers in mental and behavioral health during a visit to the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The day began with a welcome and an introduction to the diverse career paths in mental health. From psychology and social work to clinical research and nursing, the options are wide-ranging and deeply impactful.

One of the most insightful moments came during a panel discussion with Nationwide Children’s Talent Acquisition team. Team members shared what they look for in applicants, outlined hiring timelines, and highlighted the benefits of working at the hospital while still in school.

Students then toured the Behavioral Health Pavilion, a cutting-edge, 50-million-dollar facility that is the largest in the nation dedicated exclusively to pediatric behavioral and mental health.

The day concluded with a panel featuring Ohio State alumni currently working at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Alumni shared their experiences in roles such as psychometry, behavioral analysis, psychology, social work, nursing, and clinical research. These personal stories offered students a clearer understanding of the various paths they could pursue in mental health.

Evelina Tyan, a third-year psychology and Russian double major, shared her thoughts on the experience:
"This Immersion Day helped me explore my career options on a more personal level than ever before. Hearing from professionals in fields I’m interested in gave me all the answers to questions I’ve been asking myself about my future. This experience was absolutely amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in behavioral health."

A heartfelt thank-you to all the incredible Ohio State alumni who shared their career journeys, to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for hosting this inspiring experience, and to Shirley Wu, Lori Bolton, and Nathan Titkemeier for their leadership in organizing the day. Your efforts created an unforgettable opportunity for our students to envision their futures in behavioral health.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to explore career paths with the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career Success! 🌟