Securing a Job After Graduation...

[PT2Bee]

Just a random question/concern that passed through my frazzled, exam riddled brain today. I am a current 2nd year student and was wondering if you absolutely need faculty references to snag a job out of school? I always assumed most clinics want to know you passed the boards and then just interview you in person to get a feel as to if you will fit in with their clinic. Am I wrong or have all of you needed a few references? I'm asking because my class size is fairly large (50) and I feel that although I am on good terms with all the faculty, I don't really socialize with them as much as would be needed for a reference. It's hard to even get an appointment with them during the quarter because they are so busy with the younger class and getting the 3rd years ready for boards.

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[Schland]

It's not necessary but it's helpful. I used my CIs as references for my job hunting and that was fine (ended up getting hired where I interned at). I would recommend to try to get close with one because you never know when you may need it. While I passed all my internships and was told to let them know if I need a reference; there were some internships that I really didn't like and I had zero desire to contact again. If it wasn't for the great CIs I had faculty would have been my next go to and you never know how your CI will be and what kind of relationship you will have.

 

[callmecrazy]

You will most likely need references, but there's no reason any of them need to be faculty. CIs, TAs, and former supervisors if you worked before/during school are just a few reasonable choices. Honestly, your last CIs can probably say a lot more about you as a PT than anyone else.

 

[CristianoParese]

To piggy back on what perspective has been given, although not hired yet, I am going off of ONLY CI and former manager reference. It seems my faculty could give a damn about me (often) and I could often give even less about some of them!

 

[PT2Bee]

thanks for the replies everyone!

 

[truthseeker]

As one who hires, I find the commentary from CIs infinitely more useful than academic types.