Fordham University recently reported that their post-baccalaureate program is investing in its students even after they have graduated.

For many individuals who are pursuing a post-baccalaureate program, it can be a challenge to finish well and find an appropriate job to utilize their newly acquired training and skills. 

Laura Bigaouette, Ed.D., who is the director of Fordham Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med/Pre-Health Program at the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, plays a big role when it comes to preparing students for the next chapter of their professional careers. This is particularly important in careers that require students to take big exams before entering the workforce, such as medical- or veterinary school, which require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). 

Bigaouette invests a great deal of time and energy into each and every student who reaches out to her. 

"This is a career-changer program and we offer classes at night so students can keep their day job," she said in a release published on the university's website.

Students are appreciative of the help that is given to them by the staff at the school, as they are able to dig deep into the preparatory work that will make them ideal candidates for their new ideal workplace. In many cases, students also reach out to one another and help each other in areas that they can lend a hand. This is not the normal approach of students in such competitive fields. 

"The students are extremely supportive of each other; it’s not cutthroat," Bigaouette said. "They tell me that even on Zoom they look out for each other and they meet individually online. Every single person who comes into this is different, except that they all share a passion for going into health care. We have a very diverse group of about 250 students from different ages, gender, ethnicity and interests, so we're focused on highly individualized advising."

At Fordham University, the whole student is respected and built up, and valued for their unique potential.