Would being a hostess/waitress during gap year impact my med school application?

[IceDuchess]

Hello everyone,

How do med schools view applicants who had a job as a hostess or waitress during gap year? What are the pros and cons of having this as a job experience?

I have hospital volunteer, leadership, and research experience and am now looking for something to do during my year off. I got a job offer for Red Robin today and would like to know how that'll impact my application. This would be my very first job.

Thank you for your replies.

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[Catalystik]

How do med schools view applicants who had a job as a hostess or waitress during gap year? What are the pros and cons of having this as a job experience?

I have hospital volunteer, leadership, and research experience and am now looking for something to do during my year off. I got a job offer for Red Robin today and would like to know how that'll impact my application.

A service job where you are required to use your people skills is a positive.

 

[aymar]

I'm currently working as a scribe and a hostess in my gap year. In the midst of my application cycle right now so we'll see how things go
I definitely think it is something that, if asked about in interviews, I would be able to explain in terms of how it prepares me to interact with people in a variety of scenarios

 

[spartawdw]

Hello everyone,

How do med schools view applicants who had a job as a hostess or waitress during gap year? What are the pros and cons of having this as a job experience?

I have hospital volunteer, leadership, and research experience and am now looking for something to do during my year off. I got a job offer for Red Robin today and would like to know how that'll impact my application. This would be my very first job.

Thank you for your replies.

I can't imagine it being negative on your application. As a previous server, it requires a lot of multitasking in a high-stress environment, time management skills, and good communication skills. Also you're part of a team, as you will be in a healthcare setting. If you want to be safe, you could supplement some type of volunteering as well once or twice a week.

 

[Coltuna]

I'm currently Chief Scribe in an ED and being a server still trumps this job as most stressful and requiring most time management skills. Definitely a good thing.

 

[lpp06]

Congrats on getting a job!

Go for it. In addition to the above, it's a job that will teach you how to work as apart of a team - lending and receiving aid simultaneously to work towards a common goal. Collaboration at its finest.

 

[GinnyWeasley]

At one of my interviews, one of the interviewers literally spent the whole time talking about a service job I had during the summer and how she was trying to get her daughter to get a retail/service job. In my opinion, there are no cons in making an honest living and paying for your med school apps and interviews.

 

[Dr. Jan Itor]

At my interview, the adcom told me that having experience in a field other than medicine is usually a positive.


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[pr3m3d3r]

I'm a gap year scribe, and had this question before choosing what to do with my free time. A physician I shadowed who is extremely well-respected and well-versed with pre-med affairs gave me good advice.

If you can, get a job in the medical field somehow.

If you can't, find a job that pays good money and try to get involved in medicine through other routes. Maybe on your off days, volunteer at a hospital or join a local medical club of some sort. There is no negative impact to choosing a different gap year job like serving... but there are positives to staying involved in the medical community.... If that makes sense.

Hope this helps and good luck! Don't stress it.