Name: Declan Diestel
Class Year: 2024
Title: Medical / Research Assistant
Organization Name: Boston Bone and Joint Institute
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
My role as a research / medical assistant involves working closely with a shoulder replacement surgeon on several academic projects as well as helping patients and assisting providers during clinics.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
The Career Center and the resources it provides was a significant help in connecting me to my first employer after Holy Cross, Boston Bone and Joint Institute. One-on-one meetings pushed me to narrow my job search and seek my passions. I decided BBJI was a good fit for me as it provided me the opportunity for great clinical experience and exposure to medicine.
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
During my time at Holy Cross, I was an Orientation Leader, Spring Break Immersion Program leader, SPUD Volunteer, Club Soccer member, and a part of some other minor involvements.
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I chose Neuroscience as my major which definitely had an influence in my career decisions as it fueled my interest in the healthcare industry. I know I wanted to follow a path related to medicine that would continuously allow me to learn more about human behavior and biology.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
My time at Holy Cross helped me realize the importance of collaboration and the usefulness of working with other like-minded individuals. The closeness of the Holy Cross community inspired me to seek companionship in my coworkers as it makes everyone more motivated and successful.
6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
My advice for current students is to be as present as possible while being a student and enjoy all the wonderful things Holy Cross offers. Be resourceful, have as many conversations as possible, and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!