For many students, choosing a career in healthcare begins with a desire to help others. For Dr. Marc Novak, dentistry became the perfect way to combine that goal with something else he enjoyed: working with his hands and building meaningful connections with patients. But as Novak’s career shows, entering the healthcare field is only the beginning; the real challenge comes in transitioning from student to professional.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to F-1 international students that allows them to participate in internships, practicums, cooperative education experiences, or other employment directly related to their major field of study. To qualify, the employment must either be required by the degree program or earn academic credit as part of the student’s curriculum.
For Dr. Svetlana Gelpi, a PhD is not just about becoming an expert, but learning how to manage complexity, endure discomfort, seek help, and grow into the person you choose to become, even when the path is uncertain.







