Applewood Shares Senior Living Career Expertise with Local High School Students
Sales & Marketing Director introduces senior living sales and marketing opportunities to Healthcare Professions Pathway Program
Applewood is committed to partnering with the local community to support the future of the senior care industry. In 2021, we launched an educational program with the Freehold Regional School District helping healthcare-focused students learn that career opportunities in the senior healthcare industry extend far beyond nursing and clinical care.
“By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be age 65+,” explains Jennifer Kohan, Sales & Marketing Director at Applewood. “The opportunities to build a fulfilling and lucrative career in the managed care industry have never been stronger.” According to a report by the US Census Bureau, New Jersey’s 60+ population is growing more rapidly than any other population, increasing by 30 percent since 2012.
THE EXPONENTIAL GROWTH OF THE SENIOR CARE INDUSTRY
Jennifer recently spoke with Healthcare Professions Pathway Program (HPPP) junior students at the Freehold and Manalapan High Schools about how the sales process for senior living is more about learning who the prospective residents are and understanding how personal background and legacy wishes shapes decision-making in making a move into Applewood. Students role-played various conversations demonstrating strategies to learn more about prospective residents to uncover their individual stories. Previously, Assisted Living Dining Services managers met with students to discuss their roles and employment journeys leading to the senior care industry.
“Professionals from Applewood graciously volunteer their time for Freehold Regional High School District’s Health Professions Pathway students,” said Brittney Henry, Academic Supervisor of Health Professions Pathway Program at Freehold High School. “Our students are excited and inspired by Applewood’s professionals whenever they enter our classrooms.” Ms. Henry noted that Applewood has also provided flexible employment opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to support future health careers.
“When you consider a career at Applewood, the sales and marketing avenue isn’t necessarily the first career path students consider,” Jennifer notes. “Working in senior living, you develop a skillset for person-centered sales as opposed to transactional sales.” She explained that developing this sales niche expertise can also be transferable to other job roles and industries.
Senior living career opportunities will increase exponentially over the next several years to meet care needs for the influx of older people. Jacinda Stevens, Applewood Employee Relations Business Partner for Senior Services, reflected on current job openings: “We have a wide range of part-time and full-time employee positions right now,” she notes. “From senior clinical roles to entry-level opportunities in Dining Services and Operations, our industry offers highly competitive pay and an outstanding employee benefits package.”
INTRODUCING TEENS TO THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH OLDER PEOPLE
Jennifer Kohan, Director of Sales & Marketing at Applewood
In the future, Jennifer confirms that Applewood managers from nursing, nursing administration, recreation and operations plan to meet with Healthcare Professions Pathway students. “Ultimately, our collective goal is to impart a message that working with older adults can be a dynamic career path that offers a wide spectrum of fulfilling opportunities that extend far beyond just collecting a paycheck.”
Henry says Freehold Regional High School District looks forward to launching Summer Internships for the Health Professions Pathway & Culinary Arts Magnet students offered at Applewood beginning June 2023.
Learn more about careers at Applewood and our CentraState Healthcare System partner.