ZF Seminars
Each year ZF presents a seminar on a theme of interest put forth by coaches, students and/or alums. For 2026, based on recommendations by students and ZF's Student and Alumni Advisory Group, the focus was on networking—specifically how to build trusting relationships and seek win-win solutions that support mutual growth and opportunity.
Internship and Career Networking
Internship and Career Networking
The Internship & Career Networking Seminar showcased inspiring real-life stories, practical tips, and expert advice shared by our speakers to help students and alums gain insights that can help them stand out in interviews and build meaningful career connections.
We’ve combined all the seminar’s tips, templates, and resources into a handy handout. Use it as a guide to craft your resumes, network effectively, and navigate your career journey with confidence. Handout
Participant feedback on ZF's Career and Internship Networking Seminar:
I enjoyed learning about the importance of networking and how it will help me with getting my first job or internship after I finish my bachelors next year." - ZF Student
After this seminar, I will be reviewing my resume and applying to a wider variety of internships, even ones that I'm unsure or nervous about. I also want to be looking more into my university's clubs, programs, or even contact more of my professors to find any opportunities that align with what I want to do ..." - ZF Student.
"I will pay more attention to how I'm connecting with people when I go to an interview and try to make a personal connection. I will also make sure to always follow up with an email after an interview, it was interesting hearing one of the panelists say that her follow up email was the deciding factor in her getting the job in one case." - ZF Student
Journeys in Healthcare
The Journeys in Healthcare seminar introduced students and recent graduates to the wide range of career opportunities within the healthcare field, listening directly to professionals with diverse backgrounds as they shared their educational journeys, career paths, and insights. Whether considering a first step or looking to pivot within the field, this session offered valuable guidance for navigating and thriving in the world of healthcare. Moderated by Dave Spach, ZF Coach & Physician Assistant and Chelsea Weidman Burke, ZF Alum & Science Literacy Writer, with speakers: Kyle Burke, ZF Alum & Family Medicine Physician and Heather McDougal, Operating Room Nurse.
What participants said about the ZF "Journeys in Healthcare" seminar:
"The presenters were all different in their experiences, their paths, their individual careers. I like that they presented different areas of focus, opening up opportunities for different career paths within healthcare. The session was engaging as they opened up the floor for questions, allowing participants the opportunity to ask their own questions." - ZF Alum
"It is always a pleasure to hear people who are passionate about what they do"." - ZF Coach
"The seminar opened my eyes up to how many different careers there are in healthcare beyond what I originally thought." - ZF Student
"It emphasized the importance of trusting in your own journey and understanding that everyone's journey is different. Moreover, it showed me that whatever hurdle you face along the way, it will be rewarded by your service to others." - ZF Alum
"It made me think of the many ways I can achieve my goal of entering the healthcare profession, while also reminding me to stay open to other careers in the medical field. Anything can change, and I might discover a new interest within healthcare, so it’s important to keep an open mind." - ZF Student
"It reaffirmed to me that healthcare is not always a linear path, it tends to have a few curves in the road. It highlighted the importance of finding a career that fits within the lifestyle you envision for yourself. Furthermore, it taught me to stay open minded to different areas as you never know what might truly capture your interests." - ZF Alum
"It is always a pleasure to hear people who are passionate about what they do"." - ZF Coach
"The seminar opened my eyes up to how many different careers there are in healthcare beyond what I originally thought." - ZF Student
"It emphasized the importance of trusting in your own journey and understanding that everyone's journey is different. Moreover, it showed me that whatever hurdle you face along the way, it will be rewarded by your service to others." - ZF Alum
"It made me think of the many ways I can achieve my goal of entering the healthcare profession, while also reminding me to stay open to other careers in the medical field. Anything can change, and I might discover a new interest within healthcare, so it’s important to keep an open mind." - ZF Student
"It reaffirmed to me that healthcare is not always a linear path, it tends to have a few curves in the road. It highlighted the importance of finding a career that fits within the lifestyle you envision for yourself. Furthermore, it taught me to stay open minded to different areas as you never know what might truly capture your interests." - ZF Alum
Leadership Seminar
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ZF's inaugural Seminar focused on leadership: Journeys in Leadership Three stories, Three stages, in 2024. The speakers explored their experiences with leadership at different life and career stages. The seminar, whose concept was developed by the ZF Student & Alumni Advisory Group (SAG), was moderated by Coach Sharon Bracken and alum Willow Dunster. The speakers, ZF alums Abe Shkara and Bob Chabot and current ZF student, Anna Ionescu, explored their experiences with leadership at different life and career stages. |
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What participants said about the ZF "Journeys in Leadership" seminar:
"I enjoyed the seminar. I thought it was helpful in my understanding of leadership and particularly liked the three very different versions of leadership styles that all worked together and helped them in their line of work." - ZF Student
"I think it was a great event overall! I liked having a large group of ZF people all together in one space."
- ZF Alum
"I love the point that everyone can be a leader and that we all have our own styles of leadership. The importance of building relationship with coworkers was key. - ZF Coach
"The seminar was insightful. I enjoyed being exposed to various approaches to leadership. Being able to appreciate the similarities and differences between each approach. Most importantly, I enjoyed learning about the journey that helped foster each perspective." - ZF Alum
It expanded my understanding of leadership in the multiple ways it can relate to daily life and all types of work." - ZF Student
"I loved their stories. I could relate to some aspects and it was engaging." - ZF Coach