Both of my parents work here. When I started, I told them we are now all co-workers. I have grown up in Rochester and have been on the Mayo campus all my life. It is nice being on the other side as an employee.

My job is to analyze information from research studies done by Mayo doctors and scientists. A lot are cancer studies. My typical tasks on my job are weekly seminars and discussing the status of studies and how we should proceed. Much of my time is spent in my office doing computer programming. I work with statisticians, other data analysts and medical oncologists.

I have always enjoyed math so I appreciate the ability to apply it to my job and to real-world problems. This job allows me to learn about topics in medicine. Communication skills are required since you interact with others when receiving or responding to requests. Writing skills are a plus because you have opportunities to help write papers for professional journals. Being detail-orientated and accurate are also important qualities.

I suggest that students participate in work-study opportunities, mentorship programs or other career awareness programs. That is the best way to learn -- meeting other people and following them on their daily responsibilities.