“You think you’re going to stay forever, but then you realize you want to do something different.”
Shad Smith, a sports medicine professional, recently made the decision to transition careers to health care administration. “Getting a second skill set was a first step,” he says. “I knew it would make me more marketable.” Smith offers advice on how to handle a significant job transition—which, in his case, includes a doctorate degree.
Q. Tell us about yourself and why you originally chose to pursue sports medicine.
A. I grew up in a small, rural town in Indiana. My siblings and I always played sports, but after suffering an injury, I knew I wanted to pursue sports medicine. A friend, and now colleague, talked to me at the time about becoming an athletic trainer.
I received a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and began working as an athletic trainer in a high school clinic in Toledo, Ohio. Over the next 18 years, I worked in the sports medicine field in various settings including clinical, collegiate, and professional.
Q. What compelled you to make the transition from sports medicine to health care administration?
A. A lot of my work as an athletic trainer took place on Friday evenings and weekends, and that was not what I wanted. I wanted to pursue a more routine career that was balanced between work and personal life.
I went back to school to get an MBA and found that the coursework did not come easy for me. It was a little difficult transitioning from my clinical setting into the business classes. But I adjusted, and subsequently decided to pursue a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) degree at Capella University.
Q. What are your career ambitions and how are you reaching those goals?
A. I recently completed my DHA. First and foremost, I would like to work in a leadership or program development role within the health care sector. Eventually I would hope to find myself teaching health care administration, either part-time or as an adjunct.
I know that I will need to set realistic goals for myself and start building this career one new role at a time.
Q. Why did you choose Capella University to pursue your DHA?
A. I originally started in a different doctoral program at another school, but quickly realized it was not the right one for me. I then chose Capella’s DHA in Health Care Leadership program in part because of the course structure, which allowed for an intensive, 10-week course work component. This program aligns with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NHCL) Health Leadership Competency Model, which is important if you plan to work in leadership positions in health care.
The program also offers a more well-rounded approach to health care leadership and policy, with the option to pick a concentration in health care leadership, policy, or a general track.
Q. How was the Capella University experience?
A. My experience with the doctorate program was very good. Everyone encounters bumps along the way during their education and career path, but making this career transition has gone well for me. I am finished, and during my time I was working as a teaching assistant within the program.
I am thankful for Dr. Stone Meredith in the Health Care Leadership program, who took me on as a teaching assistant, showed me how things work, and supported my career decisions. She also gave me insights into the online teaching culture and allowed me to engage in it, which has inspired a new passion for that type of learning environment.
Q. You have probably built up a network in the sports medicine industry. How are you creating a new network in the health care industry?
A. A number of athletic trainers have made the jump from sports medicine to health care administration, and I have been able to transition a lot of my network over. The DHA program has also been able to assist in helping to build my network.
I appreciate Capella’s cohort method for classwork—I have been able to build friendships among our cohort of nine learners, all with diverse careers and at varying stages of the program. I have also created a solid network among administrators and faculty. I always welcome new opportunities to connect with people.
Q. What advice do you have for others who are considering making a significant career change?
A. Most importantly, I would say you should have a transition plan. Determine what your goals are for your education path and career, and plan out the steps required to get you where you ultimately want to be.
Make connections and meet individuals within your chosen industry who can teach and mentor you. Support from your professors and mentors will be critical for your growth and advancement.
Also, make the effort to connect with classmates, as they may know of opportunities or connections that you do not have, and in return, be willing to help them and pass their names along as well.
The Capella University Career Center counselors, resources, and tools help students and alumni manage their careers at every stage and move toward the careers they want.
Learn more about Capella’s Doctor of Health Administration degree programs.
See graduation rates, median student debt, and other information at Capella Results.
