A Changing Workforce Brings New Challenges, Opportunities

Abstract

![Graphic][1] “For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice . And to make an end is to make a beginning!' “Little Gidding,” T. S. Eliot I am a creature of habit, uncomfortable with the idea of change. As I approach the end of my fellowship, my fellow cohorts, who started training with me five years ago, are all moving on to become practicing pathologists out there in the “real world.” While I am happy for them as they start this new chapter in their lives, I can't help feeling a bit sad to part ways after these years of camaraderie and friend-ship. Though saying goodbye is difficult, finding a job represents the crucial next step in every trainee's career. However, this can be an overwhelming task. I mean, I haven't had to apply for a job since high school, when I submitted an application to the local Ben and Jerry's. Like myself, other residents are just as nervous when it comes to looking for their first job out of training. In fact, when the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Resident Council polled residents about issues that matter most, the top three were passing boards, applying for fellowships, … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif