As healthcare organizations continue to navigate a competitive labor market, many are looking to summer hiring strategies to help attract and retain Generation Z talent as they exit the classroom and head for their first “real-world” job.
Becker’s spoke with multiple healthcare workforce leaders to learn how their innovative approaches — from interactive career fairs and immersive student programs to social media-driven outreach and manager generational training — are helping connect organizations with the next generation of professionals.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How is your organization adapting its summer hiring strategy to attract and retain Gen Z talent?
Jeremy Stephens. Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President, Tidelands Health (Georgetown, S.C.): At Tidelands Health, more than a quarter of our open positions are filled by students who have participated in one of our various student programs that focus on the Gen Z age group.
We have a robust student program that includes on-site shadowing, as well as interactive programs and opportunities designed to engage students in middle school, high school and college.
A few highlights:
- The Tidelands Health Scholars program, in collaboration with our local school district and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, provides support to 50 rising high school seniors annually with a dual certification, guaranteed job [placement] and potential free education for two to four additional years after graduation.
- The Pathways 2 Possibilities interactive career fair attracts more than 8,000 eighth graders throughout the region each year. Tidelands Health serves as the leader and organizer of the event’s health care hub.
- Tidelands Health is a champion sponsor of Coastal Carolina University’s Community and Business Engagement Institute, a student-led professional organization that acts as consultants on projects. Recently, the student group conducted a project on first-year turnover, and we have hired a student from CoBE to initiate the next phases of this project.
- We also host students in our hospitals and care locations for our “Nurses are Extraordinary” and “Healing Hands” programs, which provide a daylong experience in the clinical setting where students can learn about careers in nursing and rehabilitation therapy and complete interactive activities to encourage a career in those in-demand fields.
At Tidelands Health, we know those who are in the Gen Z group are key now and as we move forward, and we are committed to helping them become our future leaders.
Malia Yee. Senior Recruitment Marketing Specialist, Talent Acquisition, Houston Methodist: At Houston Methodist, we cultivate a consistent brand presence every day, whether it’s online via job boards and social media or through billboards and community events that meet people where they are.
We naturally align with Gen Z because we offer more than jobs. We offer impactful, purpose-driven careers rooted in a culture of excellence and teamwork. Our commitment to growth and support is reflected in on-the-job coaching, educational assistance, mentorship opportunities and an attractive total rewards program.
We’re proud to invest in the next generation of health care professionals and to provide a place where they can develop, thrive and lead.
Maureen Abaray. Recruitment Lead, UPMC (Pittsburgh): We did a training on generation differences and focused on interviewing points that are different for each generation. It was very popular with our hiring managers. It also gave insight into retention of the various generations. [For example], how to keep them engaged, what things are they looking for in an employer?
It really showed the managers the type of questions to ask various generations, [like] what drives them to stay at their company, what type of praise they like and learning opportunities.
The managers were so engaged and really appreciated the feedback not just on one generation, but how each generation is different.
Michelle Skarbek. Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Cape Cod Healthcare (Hyannis, Mass.): At Cape Cod Healthcare, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports career progression, strong mentorship, competitive compensation and benefits, and the integration of cutting-edge technology — core values that align with Gen Z expectations.
Our summer hiring strategy embraces innovative recruiting approaches, particularly through social media, to engage this generation where they’re most active. We spotlight student helpers, apprenticeships, trainee programs, co-ops and career development opportunities through engaging content, including testimonials from recent hires. These individuals — often comfortable in front of the camera — share their personal experiences and growth journeys at Cape Cod Healthcare. Their authentic stories resonate with their peers and help us build meaningful connections with prospective candidates.
In addition, we’ve partnered with local high schools to promote both clinical and non-clinical career opportunities in the healthcare industry, showcasing the wide range of opportunities and career paths available. By engaging early, we aim to inspire and build the next generation of healthcare professionals, building a robust, sustainable talent pipeline that supports the long-term needs of our community.
