A Career in Health and a Healthy Career

Elise Tofias Phillips, Director, Office of Health Promotion

“Do you want to work with people on their health or sick people in the hospital?”, my college advisor asked, as I was deciding on whether to go into nursing, physical therapy, or health promotion and education. In a flash I said, “work with people on their health.” And I have never looked back!

I have always been very interested in health and wellness, this was a way to support my passion and to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. So I chose the career in health — and a very healthy career. 

I studied health education and communication in college and graduate school, and attended many educational trainings, certifications, and conferences throughout my career — and I have even presented at a few! I have worked with kindergarten through grade 12 school-aged children, college students, with employees in businesses, and staff and patients in large medical center. I have loved every minute of my career and many days found myself asking — do I really get paid for doing this? Is this really my work and career? In turn, I find that I am always thinking about my work: how to motivate others, developing exciting new content, and the next best way to do something.

But I always come back to a few things that are the guideposts to my work: know your target audience, figure out what they need, gather and follow the data, talk with them, engage in their lives, and in doing this, it will all come together. You can support others and journey with them to become healthier and feel well. The results are apparent when successes are shared and challenges provide growth. Being resourceful is important — chase the important information, take time to read, follow and engage in your professional organizations, and talk to everyone and anyone that you admire. Find a mentor that you aspire to be, and colleagues that you support and support you, keep them close, and nurture those relationships. 

I feel lucky to be in the health and wellness arena, this career has been fun, motivating, exciting, healthy, and very challenging. It is filled with so much opportunity and creativity, and really wonderful people! But mostly this career has helped me to grow as a person and a professional, a mentor and mentee, a mom, a grandmama, a friend, and athlete. I am so grateful for all of it. For me, a career in health and a healthy career — what could be better than that?

Resources

Did you know that the Office of Health Promotion at Boston College offers Wellness Coaching Sessions, and individual and group sessions on general health, nutrition, and alcohol and drug education and support? Check out our website for more information. 

Does learning more about a career in Health and Wellness interest you? Are you interested in learning more about Elise’s career journey? Feel free to be in touch with her at Elise.Phillips@bc.edu to discuss the many entry points to a wonderful and fulfilling career. 

—Elise Tofias Phillips, Director, Office of Health Promotion