Wildcat Network Success Story: Making Connections

Lizzie Piipponen, a senior at UK looking for a mentorship in healthcare, reached out on Wildcat Network to alumni from the healthcare industry who indicated a willingness to serve as a mentor on their profile. She received responses from a few alumni, and one of them, Dr. Michael Taylor, scheduled an hour-long Zoom meeting.  

During that meeting, Taylor shared valuable information about his career in pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the steps he took to get there and other advice to Lizzie. He was willing to help and intrigued to hear about her life at UK and her plans. 

“It was a very pleasant conversation with Lizzie,” Taylor said. “She is actively looking into what she wants to do for a career in a healthcare provider field. Hopefully, I was able to help her understand the differences between training times between Physician Assistant School and Medical School. I hope that I was of some assistance to her.” 

Additionally, he offered to help at any time in the future. 

“Dr. Taylor was eager to offer not only his time but also share an abundance of advice and knowledge about his career in medicine,” Lizzie said. “Making a connection with him on Wildcat Network allowed me to learn a unique perspective from a UK alum and current doctor that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to make.” 

Are you a student or young alumni looking for career advice, mentorship, resume review, networking and more? Follow the steps below: 

1. Log on to your Wildcat Network account.  

2. Locate the Directory tab on the left side. 

3. Reach out to Wildcats who are willing to serve by clicking “Request Help” or “Request Mentoring” in their profile. 

Are you an alumnus looking to give back to UK? Follow the steps below: 

1. Log on to your Wildcat Network account. 

2. Locate the Mentoring tab on the left side and click Settings. 

3. Scroll down to the Offer Help and Offer Mentoring sections. 

4. Select categories you are willing to serve in. 

5. Click “Update Mentorship Settings.”