Jody Fink: It’s Never Too Late to Pursue the Career You Want
Jody Fink, wife and mother of two boys, is in her third semester of the Surgical Technology program at Mercy College. Her message to anyone considering a career change is simple: “It’s never too late to pursue the career you want.”
After high school, Jody earned an associate degree in general studies and worked in a variety of jobs, including retail, managing cell phone stores and spending 10 years in automotive manufacturing. She also worked in patient registration at a hospital.
“I wanted to work directly in healthcare for a long time, but life happens, and the timing wasn’t right with other things going on in my life,” Jodi said.
When the timing was right, Jodi extensively researched her options before choosing Mercy College’s Surgical Technology program. She has loved the experience and has earned honors in each semester.
“I find surgical technology very exciting and rewarding. The professors and resources they provide are wonderful. Every day has been different. I’m definitely out of my comfort zone, but it’s a good challenge.”
Jessica Hall, BAS, CST, Surgical Technology Program Director, says,“Jody works incredibly hard and consistently puts in the time and effort needed to succeed in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting. Just as importantly, she is someone her classmates can count on—always willing to help, share what she knows, and supports those around her. Watching her grow in her skills and confidence has been incredibly rewarding, and she is a great example of what can happen when someone is willing to take a chance on a new path and truly put in the work.”
Jody spends her clinical days from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, where she hopes to work after graduation.
“No two days are the same, and it’s so much more than passing instruments,” she said. “What I love the most is how well the surgical teams work together to achieve the best patient outcomes.”
Balancing school, clinicals and family life takes dedication. Jodi works outside the home as an Amazon Flex driver, a job that allows her to work around her family’s schedule and coursework. Her sons, ages 10 and 15, have noticed how much she studies, and along with her husband, they have become some of her biggest cheerleaders.
For Jody, pursuing a new career has been about more than earning a degree—it’s about finding meaningful work and creating a future she is excited about.
“I want everyone to know that you are never too old to make a career change. I have many years left to work, and I’m so happy that I will be doing something so meaningful.”