Alianna Olivier, a psychology and sociology major with a religious theological studies minor at Merrimack, is starting a new job at Massachusetts General Hospital in January. She will serve as a patient observer, checking in on suicidal patients, assisting nurses, ensuring patients take their medication and monitoring their health.
Alianna found this job through the PDR, which she attended two semesters ago. An employee at Mass General found Alianna’s email through the PDR, and asked if she was interested in this job.
“I had a lot of questions because that’s a big job. My first big girl job. So I need to know what I’m going to be doing,” Alianna said. “She had a couple of calls with me and I explained to her that I’m going to be graduating in December, so [I asked] if it’s ok to start in January, [instead] of starting in August. They were so easygoing about that. They were so flexible.”
Alianna reflected on the importance of the PDR, especially later in her college career. “I went as a junior. I think it’s very beneficial because that junior, senior year is when you’re starting to get those internships and jobs,” she said. “Being able to go to the PDR, it ensures you a job or an internship.”
She encourages people who are unsure about going to the PDR: “You just have to go through an experience to see how it actually happens. Say if somebody never had their first job before, [it’s] a good experience to mellow it out and see how it actually could be in the real world.” she said. “It’s a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone because you never know what can happen for you.”
Prior to the PDR, Alianna worked closely with her career advisor, Stephanie Sartori. They made sure her resume was ready to go so it could stand out to the employers. “[Stephanie] was super sweet. I think getting a different perspective could be beneficial. A lot of people…are in the same boat as you and seeing [how] they wrote their resume [is] good for that better perspective.” Alianna said.
Since she was 16 years old, Alianna has worked for a camp that oversees children on the spectrum. She’s an assistant division leader there, and this summer will be her seventh year with the camp. She also works with kids on the spectrum currently in her trauma and crisis class at Merrimack. While she has plenty of experience with children, Mass General will be her first time treating adult patients.
“Even though I want to work with kids, I work better with adults. I handle behavior management [at camp], but not to this extent with suicidal patients,” she said.
While she’s starting this new job, Alianna is also working toward her master’s degree. She’s currently in the Double Warrior program for clinical mental health counseling. She also has an opportunity to do a doctorate program at William James, where she can get her master’s and her doctorate within five years.
Having this new opportunity at Mass General is a huge step toward Alianna’s career goals as she wants to become a behavioral therapist.
