Michael Z.

Michael Z.

5.0

Career & Admissions Coach | Tufts Med School | 8+ Years Mentoring

Tufts University School of Medicine Logo

Studied at Tufts University School of Medicine

Mass General Brigham Logo

Worked at Mass General Brigham

Available Monday at 10:00 PM UTC

Additional availability upon request, please inquire.

Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.

Michael’s Career Development Qualifications

Coaches professionally

Experience level: Associate

20+ people coached for Career Development

Michael has helped clients get into these companies:

Welcome! I’m Mike, a professional career coach here to help you navigate every stage of your professional journey. I know firsthand how overwhelming career decisions can feel, but you don’t have to go it alone. When I launched my own career, I faced intense competition while balancing academic excellence, securing scholarships, and leveraging my network to create meaningful opportunities. Along the way, I not only learned how to craft a compelling cover letter and resume but also how to pivot under pressure—a skill I instill in my clients as they navigate their own career challenges. Through my work in Trinity College admissions and recruiting at Boston Children's Hospital and Mass General Brigham, I gained firsthand insight into what makes candidates stand out—not just on paper, but in the minds of decision-makers. I also saw how non-traditional predictors of success—like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and storytelling—can be just as powerful as credentials in securing the right opportunities. As a seasoned mentor, I know what truly makes a candidate shine—whether in applications, interviews, or on the job. My coaching is structured, results-driven, and deeply personalized. Whether you’re a student exploring career paths, a recent graduate entering the job market, or a professional looking to transition roles, I’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next steps in your journey. By identifying your unique strengths and aspirations, we’ll craft a winning strategy that allows you to advance while maintaining balance and wellness. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s build your career together—I’d love to help you succeed!

Michael can help with:

Interview Prep

Skill Building

Career Planning

Professional Networking

Resume Review

Personal Branding

Networking Strategy

Freelancing

Salary Negotiation

Job Search Strategies

Michael also coaches for Medical School, College, and Physician Assistant (PA). View all.

About Michael

Michael (Mike) Zarra is a 4th-year medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine and holds a B.S. in Neuroscience from Trinity College. With eight years of experience in undergraduate and graduate admissions and career counseling, Mike brings a unique perspective shaped by his own academic journey and the meaningful relationships he has cultivated with aspiring students along the way. Higher education provided Mike the opportunity to be recruited as a varsity track athlete, receive nearly $300,000 in scholarship awards, conduct research internationally at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford Universities, perform professionally as an actor in major cities like New York and Boston, and author nationally recognized health policy addressing the youth mental health crisis. Mike is passionate about helping students realize their potential while prioritizing wellness amidst academic and career stress. He views mentorship as a partnership for mutual growth and invites future colleagues at any stage of their journey to connect and explore their path together.

Why do I coach?

Without the insider advantages common in elite academic and professional circles, I faced steep challenges breaking into Boston’s competitive healthcare scene. My journey taught me the value of resilience, strategic networking, and relentless determination—and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my own mentors. I coach because I believe every passionate, hardworking individual deserves a chance to succeed—no matter their background. Coaching is more than just offering advice; it’s a mutually enriching relationship where both mentor and mentee grow together. I’m committed to empowering you with the insights and tools that helped me turn obstacles into opportunities, so you can achieve your dreams and inspire others by becoming a mentor yourself. If you're ready to take action toward your goals, let’s work together to unlock your full potential!

Work Experience

Tufts Medicine Logo

Psychiatry Research

Tufts Medicine

June 2022 - Present

Sharma Lab Team — Department of Psychiatry

Mass General Brigham Logo

Orthopedic Research

Mass General Brigham

June 2019 - August 2021

Admissions Committee Experience

Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe) & Policy and Innovation eValuation in Orthopaedic Treatments (PIVOT) Centers — Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School

Connecticut Children's Logo

Pediatric Neurology Research

Connecticut Children's

December 2018 - May 2019

Clinical Case Report Team — Department of Pediatric Neurology

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Logo

Trauma Surgery Research

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center

July 2018 - September 2018

Shapiro Lab Team — Department of Surgery

University of Oxford Logo

Psychology Research

University of Oxford

January 2018 - July 2018

Cognition and Health Research Group — Department of Experimental Psychology

Boston Children's Hospital Logo

Pediatric Neurology Quality Improvement

Boston Children's Hospital

May 2017 - August 2017

Admissions Committee Experience

Quality Improvement Team — Department of Pediatric Neurology

Trinity College Logo

Neuropsychology Research

Trinity College

May 2016 - May 2017

Admissions Committee Experience

Raskin Lab Team — Department of Neuroscience

Education

Tufts University School of Medicine Logo

Tufts University School of Medicine

Doctor of Medicine - MD

2021 - 2025

Harvard Extension School Logo

Harvard Extension School

Career Development - Biochemistry

2019 - 2019

Trinity College (CT) Logo

Trinity College (CT)

Bachelor's Degree, Neuroscience

2015 - 2019

Admissions Committee Experience

University of Oxford Logo

University of Oxford

Visting Student, Experiment Psychology

2018 - 2018

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club Logo

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club

Trinity/La MaMa Program, Performance Art

2017 - 2017

University of Connecticut Logo

University of Connecticut

Early College Experience, Biology & English Literature

2014 - 2015

10 Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0


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Michael has helped clients get into these companies:

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Michael Z.

Michael Z.

5.0

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