Spotlight
Turning a Political Science Degree into a Career in Healthcare
Majoring in political science, Cameron Gabrylczyk (‘25) originally planned to become an attorney after graduation. But after discovering an interest in healthcare administration, Gabrylczyk is utilizing the support of his professors to apply his major to his new career path.
“I really enjoy the way that political science challenges you to think.” said Gabrylczyk. “Because I’m going into healthcare administration, I’ve taken a fair share of business classes, and I feel that I have been able to look at things a lot differently in the business world because of that background in political science.”
With the analytical and philosophical nature of political science, Gabrylczyk has enjoyed Professor of Politics Jeremiah John’s classes which follow a conversation-style teaching method, finding that it encourages him to thoughtfully consider what contributions he could add to the discussions.
“Each class is an active conversation,” said Gabrylczyk. “I’m not just trying to intake as much information as I can, but I’m trying to really circulate the thoughts that Professor John is putting out, and think ‘Well, what can I add to this? And how does this impact me individually?’”
Gabrylczyk learned about healthcare administration during a conversation with Professor of Philosophy John Armstrong, who mentioned an alumni that graduated in philosophy and then went to Ghana to do Health Administrative work. Having served a mission in Ghana himself and wanting to go back one day to do humanitarian work, Gabrylczyk began researching the healthcare administrative world and felt it was what he should pursue.
As part of his preparation for a career in healthcare, Gabrylczyk is also completing a pre-masters of Public Administration concentration, a brand new program offered at Southern Virginia University that includes business classes to prepare students for careers in grant writing, education, and healthcare.
“It’s been really good because I took classes that I never thought I would, such as statistics, data analysis, and excel,” said Gabrylczyk. “It’s been pretty cool to see how all the pieces have fallen into place.”
From Rapid City, North Dakota, Gabrylczyk plans to stay in Buena Vista another year after he graduates to work in the area while his wife finishes her degree at Southern Virginia University. He then plans to apply to grad school and pursue a masters in healthcare administration.