Currently Taking a Year off, Need Advice

[FIREitUP]

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Hey guys, I am currently taking a year off, but need some help. First, I have a bachelor's in Anthropology who has done substantial research in a prominent lab on Long Island that I was planning on continuing for pay, however my PI lost a grant and cannot paying me. So, I am working for him on and off in the hopes he will get a grant. However, it has been very difficult for me to find another research job since I did not graduate with a science degree. So, I decided to help my father (who is a surgeon) at his office and shadow him. I have gotten a couple interviews and have told them I am continuing research and working for a physician. Is it frowned upon that I am working with my dad? Thanks for any and all input.

 

[sassilysweet]

I don't know if it is frowned upon, but definitely don't try to hide the fact that it is your dad. Does he have any colleagues you could work for instead? That will be more objective and give you the chance to have them as an LOR writer if you need another one....

 

[FIREitUP]

I don't know if it is frowned upon, but definitely don't try to hide the fact that it is your dad. Does he have any colleagues you could work for instead? That will be more objective and give you the chance to have them as an LOR writer if you need another one....

I don't need any more LOR's as I've already sent my applications in; I think I could find another doctor to work for (probably w/out pay).

 

[LizzyM]

Basically, your schtick is this, "I have been doing research with Professor X as a volunteer and hoping to transition to a paying job with his team this year but we are still waiting for a grant to come through. In the meantime I'm still helping out with the research and I've also had the opportunity to help my dad in his office. He's a surgeon. My responsibilites have included...."

You are keeping busy, you are "giving back" to someone who has provided for you, and you are getting exposed to the day-to-day reality of medical practice. I don't know why anyone would think badly of it.

 

[FIREitUP]

Basically, your schtick is this, "I have been doing research with Professor X as a volunteer and hoping to transition to a paying job with his team this year but we are still waiting for a grant to come through. In the meantime I'm still helping out with the research and I've also had the opportunity to help my dad in his office. He's a surgeon. My responsibilites have included...."

You are keeping busy, you are "giving back" to someone who has provided for you, and you are getting exposed to the day-to-day reality of medical practice. I don't know why anyone would think badly of it.

Thank you very much. This makes me very relieved.