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Michael Z.
5.0
Career & Admissions Coach | Tufts Med School | 8+ Years Mentoring
Studied at Tufts University School of Medicine
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
Psychiatry Research
Tufts Medicine
June 2022 - Present
Sharma Lab Team — Department of Psychiatry
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
Pediatric Neurology Research
Connecticut Children's
December 2018 - May 2019
Clinical Case Report Team — Department of Pediatric Neurology
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Trauma Surgery Research
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center
July 2018 - September 2018
Shapiro Lab Team — Department of Surgery
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Psychology Research
University of Oxford
January 2018 - July 2018
Cognition and Health Research Group — Department of Experimental Psychology
Pediatric Neurology Quality Improvement
Boston Children's Hospital
May 2017 - August 2017
Admissions Committee Experience
Quality Improvement Team — Department of Pediatric Neurology
Neuropsychology Research
Trinity College
May 2016 - May 2017
Admissions Committee Experience
Raskin Lab Team — Department of Neuroscience
Education
Tufts University School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine - MD
2021 - 2025
Harvard Extension School
Career Development - Biochemistry
2019 - 2019
Trinity College (CT)
Bachelor's Degree, Neuroscience
2015 - 2019
Admissions Committee Experience
University of Oxford
Visting Student, Experiment Psychology
2018 - 2018
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La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club
Trinity/La MaMa Program, Performance Art
2017 - 2017
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University of Connecticut
Early College Experience, Biology & English Literature
2014 - 2015
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Michael has helped clients get into these schools:
Michael has helped clients get into these companies: