I grew up in a small town in rural Idaho where career opportunities were limited for adults and youth alike–not to mention high-paying or industry-leading jobs. I can’t imagine having the opportunity to get a sneak peek from industry experts at my future career while still in high school, but that’s exactly what we are doing for young people in New Mexico through the University of New Mexico Hospital’s (UNMH) partnership with Future Focused Education. 

As if an inside look at a potential profession and/or potential employer wasn’t enough, X3 interns get to make meaningful connections that can support them on their career journey and earn school credit while getting paid. Interns enter one of New Mexico’s largest healthcare employers, with over 8,000 employees—almost double the population of my hometown—while earning a livable wage and learning about careers they may decide to pursue.

If I could go back in time and participate in a program like this, my own life might have followed a different path. My parents—a nurse and a remodeling contractor—instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. Watching the physical toll my dad’s work took on him, I saw healthcare as a more stable and promising career. My parents agreed. Healthcare offered growth, stability, and the chance to make them proud.

But my understanding of what a healthcare professional actually did was limited. Dinnertime conversations with my nurse mom—often hard to stomach—left me with the realization that nursing wasn’t my calling. It wasn’t until I landed a job as a receptionist in UNMH’s Human Resources department that I saw the breadth of opportunities within healthcare. That discovery shaped my career and inspired my passion for helping others explore this field.

Many people aren’t aware of what goes on behind the scenes at a hospital like UNMH and may only think of opportunities for doctors and nurses. But it takes a whole team to keep everything running smoothly. 

Patient-facing careers include not just nurses and doctors but also pharmacists, respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, physical and occupational therapists, and mental health professionals like counselors and social workers. On the non-clinical side, there are equally vital roles: security officers, nutrition staff, IT specialists, HR professionals, interpreters, facilities workers, and many others. These roles are essential to delivering the high-quality care UNMH is known for.

Through the X3 internship program, young people are introduced to this wide array of possibilities. It’s not just about landing a job—it’s about discovering a passion and charting a path toward a meaningful future.

The Future Focused Education Internship Program helps expose young people to the many possibilities a career in healthcare can provide. I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization that gives back to the community in such a meaningful way. As New Mexico’s only Level I Trauma Center and Academic Medical Center, UNMH is uniquely positioned to champion initiatives like this. Our partnership with Future Focused Education aligns perfectly with our mission and demonstrates our long-term commitment to education, mentorship, and community engagement.

I’ve witnessed incredible transformations among the youth who participate in this program. Interns often come into the program uncertain about their future, but after shadowing healthcare professionals, engaging in hands-on learning, and receiving guidance and mentorship, they discover their passion and develop plans for their future. Some have been inspired by personal experiences, like being born at UNMH or visiting a family member there, to pursue careers in healthcare. Others start the program thinking they want to work in healthcare, only to discover fears of needles or discomfort around blood. Rather than feeling discouraged, they explore roles in non-clinical support areas like Parking and Transportation, Employee Well-Being, Human Resources, Information Technology, or the Prosthetics Lab.

One intern believed college was out of reach due to financial constraints and a lack of family precedent, but they found their calling through this internship and are now enrolled in the UNM nursing program. Stories like these are not exceptions; they are the norm. 

The impact of this program extends far beyond the interns. It’s equally transformative for our team members who serve as mentors. They develop leadership skills, form personal relationships with the young people they guide, and rediscover their own passion for healthcare. Healthcare burnout is a real and pressing issue, but mentoring these interns can reignite a spark in our team members. Watching young people blossom into confident, passionate individuals is profoundly inspiring. These interns are treated not as students but as colleagues and equals by seasoned professionals, creating a truly special dynamic. The mutual benefits of the program enhance not only the lives of the students but also the morale and growth of our staff.

What makes the X3 program so impactful is its ability to address systemic challenges through community-driven solutions. By equipping young people with skills, knowledge, and experience, we’re not just filling workforce gaps—we’re creating a pipeline of talent ready to lead New Mexico’s future.

These internships also empower young people to become health experts within their families and communities. By sharing what they learn, they help expand access to healthcare and inspire others to pursue similar paths. This ripple effect extends far beyond the walls of UNMH. 

For the youth of New Mexico, this program provides opportunities to build meaningful careers. For organizations, it’s a chance to strengthen their workforce and contribute to a healthier, more educated community. I wholeheartedly recommend this model for other organizations. Whatever the industry is, students from any and all backgrounds deserve more exposure to career opportunities and hands on experiences like this. 

The joy and positivity these interns bring are contagious, and their stories remind us why we do what we do. Together, we’re shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

• Watch: What is the X3 Internship?
• About the X3 Internship Program
• How Work-based Learning Keep Students Engaged
• X3 Impact Report