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CQ Student Success Stories - Healthcare/Medical

Guest Post by Andrew Belanger – Career Services Coordinator

Andrea Bollinger enrolled in Career Quest Learning Centers Medical Assistant train-in program in October of 2010. Andrea was looking to build on her two years of direct patient care experience and grow as a healthcare professional. When asked what she liked most about Career Quest, Andrea recommended, “The staff. Everyone is SO helpful and encouraging. I had some of the best instructors that helped me through the program. If it weren’t for them, I probably would have given up when ‘life’ got in the way of my learning. But they were there to encourage me to keep trying.”

Andrea completed her externship at Michigan State University’s Family Medicine Clinic and graduated from her program in September of 2011. Through hard work and networking Andrea interviewed and accepted a position as a Medical Assistant with Sparrow Medical Group – North that same month. “I love it here. I want to work at my current job for as long as they allow me!”

Andrea credits the following three items in part for her success. “Interview skills, Resume building, and CONFIDENCE! Knowing that I knew what I knew, and that I was good at it, thanks to the instructors at CQ!”

“Career Services helped me make the finishing touches to my resume, making it more professional, which grabbed the attention of my current employer.”

Andrea’s advice for current students is to, “Soak up as much "hands on" knowledge as you can. It's different when you’re actually performing the tasks that you have learned about. Don't be afraid to ask for help, everyone understands that you are still learning!” Andrea loves working in the medical field and at Sparrow, she is hoping to attend Nursing School down the road.

About the Author

Andrew Belanger, GCDF is a Career Services Coordinator at CQLC’s Lansing Campus and is Managing Editor of “The Quest” CQLC’s Career Services Monthly Newsletter. He has several years of experience working in Career and Workforce Development and is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Higher Adult Learning and Education (HALE) from Michigan State University. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbelangergcdf

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Tips to Being an Organized Student

By Danielle Cook – Administrative Assistant at Career Quest Learning Centers






Going back to school can be scary and challenging, with trying to balance school, work and family. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized and be the most successful student possible.

1. Buy a planner– Planners range from $5- $10 at any store and can be used to write down all appointments, test dates and any other important data. This allows you to see your schedule on a day-to-day basis and plan accordingly.

2. Create an organized workspace or binder system– By using folders and labels you will know exactly where things are. For instance one folder for completed homework and a separate folder for things to do.

3. Plan ahead– Using your planner allow you to look ahead and not over book yourself. Leave room for travel, extra study time and time to relax.


4. Be flexible- you have to be able to adapt to these changes and not have it tear down your entire schedule. When the unexpected happens, such as getting sick or having car troubles, rearrange your schedule accordingly to stay on track.