Career exploration offers high school and college undergraduate students exposure to career options at Mayo Clinic through a variety of real-world learning experiences and programs to help students discover a life-changing career.

Discover Mayo Clinic Meet & Greet (Rochester, MN & Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ)

Discover Mayo Clinic Meet & Greet (formerly Career Observations) provides students with the opportunity to learn directly from a Mayo Clinic professional about careers they are considering.

Participants gain insight into:

  • A typical day in the profession
  • Career responsibilities and work environment
  • Tools and technology used in the role
  • Education and training requirements
  • Career pathways and preparation tips
  • Personal experiences from Mayo Clinic professionals

Eligibility

Student Type - Observation Length

High School Students (Grades 10-12)
Up to 1 day

College Undergraduate Students (2-year or 4-year programs)
Up to 5 days

Note: All participants may be required to sign confidentiality agreements if they could be exposed to confidential information.

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Program Guidelines

High School Students

High school participants:

✅ Must complete Compliance Training before applying

✅ Must complete required confidentiality and guideline forms

❌ Cannot access patient information

❌ Cannot access confidential information

❌ Cannot observe patient interactions, even with patient consent

❌ Cannot enter surgical areas or suites, including virtual observation

❌ Cannot have physical contact with patients or family members

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College Undergraduate Students

College undergraduate participants:

✅ Must complete Compliance Training before applying

✅ Must complete required confidentiality and guideline forms

✅ May observe non-patient care careers through Meet & Greet

❌ Cannot access patient information

❌ Cannot access confidential information

❌ Cannot enter surgical areas or suites, including virtual observation

Interested in a Patient Care Career?

Students seeking patient care observations must apply through the Education Visitors Office (EVO) Observer Program rather than Discover Mayo Clinic Meet & Greet.

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How to Apply for Discover Mayo Clinic Meet & Greet

Step 1: Find a Host

Identify and contact a Mayo Clinic professional who is willing to host your Meet & Greet experience.

Helpful resources:

Step 2: Complete Compliance Training

Review and complete the required Compliance Training.

Step 3: Schedule Your Experience

Work with your host to determine:

  • Date
  • Time
  • Location

Important: Schedule your Meet & Greet 14-21 business days after application submission to allow sufficient time for processing and clearance.

Step 4: Complete the Confidentiality Agreement

Review and complete the required Confidentiality Agreement before submitting your application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After the application is submitted:

  • The Host will receive an email requesting completion of their agreements.
  • Once all agreements are received, the student's information will be entered into the Non-Employee Access System.

Step 6: Identity Verification

The student will receive 2 emails to:

  • Complete self-registration
  • Virtually verify their identity

Step 7: Clearance

Once all requirements are completed and approved, all parties will receive a clearance email authorizing the Meet & Greet to proceed.

Step 8: Participate in the Experience

On the day of the Meet & Greet, students must follow all Mayo Clinic policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

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College Undergraduate Students: Patient Care Observations

Education Visitors Office (EVO) Observer Program

Students interested in observing patient care careers must apply through the Education Visitors Office.

Step 1: Secure a Host

Identify a Mayo Clinic professional to sponsor your observation.

Hosts cannot be:

  • Residents or fellows
  • Relatives of the visitor

Step 2: Host Initiates Request

The Mayo Clinic host must email: MCCMSVisitors@mayo.edu

Include:

  • Visitor's CV or résumé
  • Requested observation dates
  • Name of Mayo Clinic host sponsor

 

Observation Timing Requirements

Abbreviated Visits (5 Days or Less)

Minimum notice required:

2 weeks

Standard Visits (6 Days or More)

Minimum notice required:

2 months

 

Approval and Onboarding Process

  1. Visitor Application

After receiving the initial request, the Education Visitors Office will invite the visitor to complete an online application.

The onboarding process cannot begin until the application is submitted.

  1. Host Agreement

The designated host receives an online Host Agreement requesting:

  • Visit dates
  • Support staff information (if applicable)
  • Department administrator information
  1. Department Approval

The Host Agreement is routed automatically to the Department Chair or Administrator for approval.

  1. Visitor Onboarding

After Host and Department approvals are complete, onboarding materials are sent to the visitor.

  1. Documentation Review

The visitor uploads all required documents through the application portal.

The Education Visitors Office reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy.

  1. Final Approval

Once all requirements are satisfied, a final approval email is sent to all parties.

 

Important Reminders

Monday Start Dates

The Education Visitors Office does not process approvals on weekends.

If all compliance requirements have not been completed and approved by Friday at 3:00 p.m. EST, a Monday observation start date will be delayed.

Peak Application Seasons

Summer and winter breaks bring significantly higher application volume.

Submit requests as early as possible to avoid delays.

Observation Limits

College undergraduate students may participate in a maximum of:

5 observation days per calendar year

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High School Students Interested in Patient Care Careers

Students interested in patient care professions should explore educational programs offered through:

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

These programs provide structured learning opportunities for students exploring healthcare careers.