confused-what to do during my semester off?

[sb1759]

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Hi guys...

I just needed someone's opinion about my situation. So i graduated from college this December (a semester early), and now I am confused as to what I should do during my time off. I have already applied to dental schools, so assuming that I will be attending dental school in August, what do you think I should do from now until then? I live in NYC and was wondering if anyone knew about any good paid internships or dental related jobs. (I am already a volunteer at the NYU dental clinic, but other than that, any suggestions?)

Any advice would be very helpful...thanks and hope the application process is going well for everyone!

 

[tamkhan]

I am pretty much in the same situation as you, but considering that fact that I don't have any acceptances yet, I am VERY eager on going back to school and doing something worthwhile. I don't think you'll be able to find a decent job for just 4-5 months.
A friend of mine is working as a security guard. He gets paid quite handsomely. All he does is watch movies and listen to music on his job (most of his shifts are graveyard ones). Plus, he gets to work on his communication and interpersonal skills to some extent. He's heading to dental school next year. So, you might want to look into security.🙂

 

[USU24]

So, you're just assuming you're going to get accepted? Sounds risky. I personally graduated in May so I had a year off. I wouldn't bother getting a dental related job (they're hard to find and may or may not pay very well). I'm just working in a research lab. Try and get a job with your degree and save up for dental school. It is a valid point that most people probably won't want to give you a job if you're leaving in like 6 months, but, if it doesn't come up in the interview...

 

[dmd2011]

Hi guys...

I just needed someone's opinion about my situation. So i graduated from college this December (a semester early), and now I am confused as to what I should do during my time off. I have already applied to dental schools, so assuming that I will be attending dental school in August, what do you think I should do from now until then? I live in NYC and was wondering if anyone knew about any good paid internships or dental related jobs. (I am already a volunteer at the NYU dental clinic, but other than that, any suggestions?)

Any advice would be very helpful...thanks and hope the application process is going well for everyone!

not knowing where or if you are going to dental school makes things more complicated. you could always use this time to improve your application if you don't get in and worst case you would still be able to apply early next cycle. if you do get in, get a job and enjoy the time off from school.

 

[rose786]

Just a tip: don't tell employers you might be leaving in a few months. It makes them more reluctant to hire you.

As far as finding a dental related job goes, that's tough without training. And by the time training is over, you'd have to leave anyway. Try to find a job in your major or in a lab. Just nothing that looks bad, like working at McDonalds.

 

[dmd2011]

Just a tip: don't tell employers you might be leaving in a few months. It makes them more reluctant to hire you.

As far as finding a dental related job goes, that's tough without training. And by the time training is over, you'd have to leave anyway. Try to find a job in your major or in a lab. Just nothing that looks bad, like working at McDonalds.

that's probably the most terrible thing i've ever read on SDN. i hope your wonderful personality shines at your interviews.

 

[armorshell]

that's probably the most terrible thing i've ever read on SDN. i hope your wonderful personality shines at your interviews.

What's wrong with that? If he doesn't get into dental school working a McJob does nothing for him...and it similarly does nothing for him if he does get in.

 

[Suren911]

I would just find something fun to do or go make some money. Either or. Or maybe volunteer in the hospital? Or work at a research lab?

 

[toofshucker]

Do Nothing.

 

[Frederico Albin]

yeah, i think you should take these guys advises... do some research or work in a lab
use this time that u have to your advantage... but the 1 one thing
is that have some fun while you can hahaha because when dental school comes around... its going to be painfull. (by painfull i mean, no more poker nights during week days 😛 hehe)

 

[rose786]

that's probably the most terrible thing i've ever read on SDN. i hope your wonderful personality shines at your interviews.

I see somebody's sarcasm detector is not working. 🙄

Seriously though if you want a McJob, go for it. 👍

 

[jigabodo]

I see somebody's sarcasm detector is not working. 🙄

Seriously though if you want a McJob, go for it. 👍

Burger flipper with a bachelor degree, ey? 🙄

Actually I wouldn't be opposed to the idea. I gotta find a job soon!

 

[sb1759]

haha, thanks for the input guys!! i appreciate it - & no mcdonalds for me =)

I majored in psychology with a "pre-business" minor... so maybe I should find a psych-related paid internship instead of something dental related? but all the psych internships i've been looking at are part-time, hmph...

someone told me to try and find a business internship b/c of my minor but i don't think i'd have enough experience to work at a firm since most of the classes i took are psych or science related....

and yes, i haven't been accepted into d-school yet (waitlisted at one school and yet to hear back from the other i interviewed at), but this is all assuming i will. =(

 

[litldime]

i'm working, working, working...and saving money...my job is real laid back so we play most of the time...that's why i'm on sdn so much....

 

[mikey4226]

I'm done a semester early too, so right now i'm just chilling at home doing absolutely nothing lol..it's getting boring quick, but it doesn't help that i dont have a car during the day. but hopefully i can get a job (maybe retail or something like express or banana republic) and in the summer i might be taking a trip to europe. thats my plan for the semester off

 

[Saddleshoes]

I had a dental school classmate that graduated at mid term. He spent 5 months working as a "bench monkey" in a large commercial dental lab.

He earned a few bucks and learned a lot of useful skills that served him very well in dental school.

His contacts in the dental lab were very helpful to him when he got out of dental school in setting up a private practice and in years to follow.