Gap Year... Working at Chipotle?

[kangaroodog]

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Hey, guys. I am currently on my first gap year but have applied to medical school. I applied very narrowly and very late, which resulted in me getting two interviews (no news yet). In the case that I do not get in this year, I am confident that I could get in somewhere next year. I have a bachelor's degree in biology from a small private school, 4.0. 140 hours ER volunteer. 140 hours shadowing at a family practice clinic. 31 MCAT. No research.

My temporary job at a clinic ended a couple of months ago and the only place that really wants to hire me right now is Chipotle Mexican Grill. I honestly think that it would be kind of fun to work there for a year, but my dad keeps telling me that it would look terrible on my application. But I am not really qualified to do really anything in a hospital. My school didn't have a research program, so I don't know how I would get hooked up with that..

Would it look bad for a reapplicant to be employed at chipotle? Do gap year jobs have to be in the medical field?

 

[pepes1lv1a]

I have not even applied yet, so take this with a grain of salt, but I think your dad is dead wrong. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind, adcom members included, would think less of you for making an honest, hard-earned hourly wage. If it's between that and no job, I'd take it. 'Terrible' sounds a little melodramatic...and a tad elitist.

 

[EmergencyMonkey]

It's a job, it sounds like fun, and chipotle is AWESOME!!! It's all experience. You have volunteer work, it's temporary and it pays some bills. I had Kmart on my application. Proud of it!

 

[kangaroodog]

Thanks so much for the responses, you guys! That makes me feel better about where I am at. I don't think my dad is trying to be an elitist, either. I think he just believes that the adcoms want to see continued, strong interest in medicine. I don't know... I am just trying to find the right balance between doing whatever it takes to achieve my goals and enjoying every stage of my life. I felt kind of intimidated at my interviews. I feel like lots of the applicants went to top 20 schools, had two bachelors and a masters, several years of research, or several years of direct patient contact through their work. But I don't really want a masters, and I think that I would enjoy this next year more just taking a break from school and being a regular guy. I would have tons of time to spend with my family and friends before going to med school. And I would get a free burrito every shift! Honestly, that in itself is almost worth it for me. As a broke college student/recent grad, I have often had to survive for extended periods of time on Kraft mac n' cheese.

 

[WillburCobb]

Go ahead and stick with the job! I would definitely try to continue with volunteer experiences and try to get some direct patient care experience on the side as well though. You could even just get a PRN job as an aid or an EMT. A lot of states don't require certification to become an aid, but if you happen to live somewhere that does it only takes a couple of hours in the evening for about a week.

 

[235009]

i agree with others. take the job at chipotle. it would be wise to continue shadowing or volunteering a few hours per week to show that continued interest in medicine. adcoms know that the average premed has no marketable skills in the healthcare industry and my guess is they see many applicants with jobs like the one you're talking about.

 

[MountainDeW]

finding something in research wouldnt be bad either. Getting a publication would be a bonus

 

[ironlionzion]

you graduated with a 4.0. get a job as a research tech/assistant. you'll earn as much as you will at chipotle, you'll be able to do some research, and you'll be able to get a nice letter of rec.

 

[235009]

you graduated with a 4.0. get a job as a research tech/assistant. you'll earn as much as you will at chipotle, you'll be able to do some research, and you'll be able to get a nice letter of rec.

highly unlikely that anyone will hire a research assistant with zero experience no matter how high the GPA is

 

[mystifire]

Hey, guys. I am currently on my first gap year but have applied to medical school. I applied very narrowly and very late, which resulted in me getting two interviews (no news yet). In the case that I do not get in this year, I am confident that I could get in somewhere next year. I have a bachelor's degree in biology from a small private school, 4.0. 140 hours ER volunteer. 140 hours shadowing at a family practice clinic. 31 MCAT. No research.

My temporary job at a clinic ended a couple of months ago and the only place that really wants to hire me right now is Chipotle Mexican Grill. I honestly think that it would be kind of fun to work there for a year, but my dad keeps telling me that it would look terrible on my application. But I am not really qualified to do really anything in a hospital. My school didn't have a research program, so I don't know how I would get hooked up with that..

Would it look bad for a reapplicant to be employed at chipotle? Do gap year jobs have to be in the medical field?

Take the job at chipotle and do some volunteer or minor paid part-time clinical gig on the side. It will be very refreshing for you to have a job OUTSIDE of the health/medical/science field for a year. I am on the tail end of my gap year right now and have been working in a hospital. If there is any regret I have it is having been in the field for this year. Not that I dont love it (it is the career I am signing up for after all) but I kinda wish I had spent the year doing something different because medicine is going to be what I will do for the rest of my life.

Honestly, the only problems I can see you facing are that you may feel embarassed when you introduce yourself at interviews and when we all go around and say where we are from, degree, college, etc etc... when you are asked what you are doing now you will have to say you are working at Chipotle. NOT that there is anything wrong with that; you may just get some strange looks from every other kid who is doing research, doing TFA, or working for a non-profit. Honestly, if anyone at my interviews said that I would have thought it would be cool. And during your interviews, you may come across some old timer MDs who scoff at it... but I ABSOLUTELY think you can TOTALLY make this experience relevant to the MD skill set. I mean... docs are in a service industry and serve patients. Many patients have requests and needs and desires and can sometimes be very particular. What better way to practice service that than be one of those dudes at Chipotle making custom burritos? I have heard many docs casually remark that experience as a waiter or waitress is more relevant and useful to their job than having a degree or research experience.

If you are content with just going to any MD school, you should be set if you apply early and broadly. Your numbers are good and your experience is OK. Hopefully you have other extracurriculars. While you are in your gap year I would definitely continue doing some kind of clinical experience or volunteer/service activity. I think you have enough shadowing so do something a little different.

Yeah, your dad is wrong that Chipotle looks terrible on an application. It shows that you are humble enough to earn an honest wage in the service industry; there is NOTHING wrong with that. It is truly tough out there for recent college grads in this market. Chipotle is better than nothing and, believe me, I've been at MD interviews this cycle at top schools where some interviewees basically said they are doing nothing at home during their year out. At least you are working and can say that 🙂

 

[goofball]

On the interview trail I've met quite a few people doing things besides the typical NIH Research/TFA thing. You'll be fine.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Medicine these days is all about customer service. Being a waiter is probably the best job you could do.

 

[PhotoMed]

I agree with the others. There is nothing wrong with working at Chipotle; however, getting an EMT or CNA certification could be a feasible alternative.

 

[VictorAlpha]

go ahead and take the job. Stay busy though...keep volunteering / shadowing. Those suggestions on various certifications sound good. Just stay busy and continue to show interest and determination.

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

Although I think it's fine to work at Chipotle and earn an honest income in a gap year, I do want to play devils advocate (especially because I'm totally bitter about having an unsuccessful cycle after busting my ass in a research lab in my last gap year 😛 ), but since admissions is so competitive, it doesn't seem to me that you are doing yourself any favors by not trying to get in with a nonprofit or some type of research experience that "looks good" on an application. If you aren't also getting some epic volunteer or service hours, it seems like you should find a fit more oriented towards community service or medicine.

I mean in an interview, you could definitely try to sell working at Chipotle as being part of a team, and serving customers from a variety of backgrounds, but it's kind of a stretch compared to things that some people might consider more relevant to medicine. I'm just not sure you are becoming a more dynamic applicant with Chipotle after college instead of other things.

I wish I could say don't worry about it, but I didn't "play the game" of checking boxes and I think it hurt my app in a lot of ways. Just another perspective to consider. More than anything, work hard and you'll be set. Good luck!

 

[pp77]

Although a lot of people pay lip service to these types of jobs, my experience is that they get very little respect from ADCOMs. Your mileage will vary of course, but if it were me I would look harder (tutoring jobs aren't too hard to find IME).

 

[Meihua]

Although a lot of people pay lip service to these types of jobs, my experience is that they get very little respect from ADCOMs. Your mileage will vary of course, but if it were me I would look harder (tutoring jobs aren't too hard to find IME).

One interviewer asked me if I had any "real" work experience and when I pointed out that I have hundreds of hours doing tutoring/teaching/research he said, "But have you ever worked retail or food service or something like that" 😕

 

[cabinbuilder]

One interviewer asked me if I had any "real" work experience and when I pointed out that I have hundreds of hours doing tutoring/teaching/research he said, "But have you ever worked retail or food service or something like that" 😕

Right because medicine is about being on time, being accountable, showing up per the schedule, customer service, etc.
Having a real job means you understand that life is not under your control. You have to show up when you are told. You have to please the customer. You may be wearing a uniform. You have to earn your time off.

It is ALL relevant.

 

[pp77]

One interviewer asked me if I had any "real" work experience and when I pointed out that I have hundreds of hours doing tutoring/teaching/research he said, "But have you ever worked retail or food service or something like that" 😕

I think what makes me wary is that the OP has already graduated from college. It's fine to do that stuff for a summer or two (although nobody ever commented on it in my case) but it might be perceived as strange for a college graduate to be working fast food (especially by older people unfamiliar with current economic realities).

 

[cabinbuilder]

I think what makes me wary is that the OP has already graduated from college. It's fine to do that stuff for a summer or two (although nobody ever commented on it in my case) but it might be perceived as strange for a college graduate to be working fast food (especially by older people unfamiliar with current economic realities).

Have to work where you can to pay the bills and feed your kids. A job is a job.I had a 7 year gap between undergrad and med school. In that time I delivered pizzas, worked in the deli for 4 years, cut fish for 2 years and was a CNA.

 

[pp77]

Have to work where you can to pay the bills and feed your kids. A job is a job.I had a 7 year gap between undergrad and med school. In that time I delivered pizzas, worked in the deli for 4 years, cut fish for 2 years and was a CNA.

OP has kids to feed?

 

[QofQuimica]

OP has kids to feed?

Doubtful, but that's not CB's point. Her point is this: when you have a job, and when you will be homeless/foodless should you fail to maintain said job, you get a pretty darn good dose of what many people would call reality. Doing what's expected of you even when it's not fun is hard. Dealing with interpersonal issues (either coworkers or customers) is hard. Living paycheck to paycheck is hard. If your prior "work experience" has consisted of unpaid internships, missions abroad, or other unrealistic modes of supporting yourself because you've been subsidized by your parents, you aren't going to have the same appreciation for what it means to be a "grown up" compared to someone who worked at Chipotle for a year.

OP, I agree with those who are arguing that any honest work is worth doing, especially if you are self-supporting with it. I also agree with those who are suggesting that you continue shadowing and/or volunteering in a medical setting for a few hours per week during your gap year. And definitely apply early this time. Best of luck. 🙂

 

[wholeheartedly]

I will also have several years of burger flipping on my app. 😎

It was actually quite striking how much my fast food experience resembled my experience working in the transfusion lab: taking orders, reminding people that despite the fact they wanted the product right now we needed time to prepare it safely, running around trying to do multiple things at once, and even passing the products out the drive through (or OR) windows

I agree with the others that there is a different level of responsibility and perspective you get from a real job. Not that teaching, tutoring, research, etc, aren't real jobs, but it was a very good point that was made that there can be too much inherent flexibility and independence in those jobs being able to take off when you want or come in late cuz you were out late the night before and setting your own schedule.

Right now I'm doing an ED research program with a bunch of young pre-meds and next week is spring break and they are all trying to get off for spring break. Problem is with so many people trying to leave town, there aren't many left to cover shifts. One girl was like, "well what happens if you can't get someone to cover for you? do you have to stay here?" I said, nicely, "Yeah. What do you think happens in a hospital when everyone wants to leave for a holiday? someone has to stay and cover it, so we rotate holidays and if you can't get someone to cover when you want of, you stay and work." She was like, "oh, yeah, i guess they'd have to."

 

[QofQuimica]

Right now I'm doing an ED research program with a bunch of young pre-meds and next week is spring break and they are all trying to get off for spring break. Problem is with so many people trying to leave town, there aren't many left to cover shifts. One girl was like, "well what happens if you can't get someone to cover for you? do you have to stay here?" I said, nicely, "Yeah. What do you think happens in a hospital when everyone wants to leave for a holiday? someone has to stay and cover it, so we rotate holidays and if you can't get someone to cover when you want of, you stay and work." She was like, "oh, yeah, i guess they'd have to."

Heck yeah. And in your neck of the woods, just wait until the police show up on a blizzardy day to escort you to work because you're essential personnel.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Doubtful, but that's not CB's point. Her point is this: when you have a job, and when you will be homeless/foodless should you fail to maintain said job, you get a pretty darn good dose of what many people would call reality. Doing what's expected of you even when it's not fun is hard. Dealing with interpersonal issues (either coworkers or customers) is hard. Living paycheck to paycheck is hard. If your prior "work experience" has consisted of unpaid internships, missions abroad, or other unrealistic modes of supporting yourself because you've been subsidized by your parents, you aren't going to have the same appreciation for what it means to be a "grown up" compared to someone who worked at Chipotle for a year.

OP, I agree with those who are arguing that any honest work is worth doing, especially if you are self-supporting with it. I also agree with those who are suggesting that you continue shadowing and/or volunteering in a medical setting for a few hours per week during your gap year. And definitely apply early this time. Best of luck. 🙂

Thanks Q. You always seem to know what I mean. Yes, they don't seem to "get it" that not everyone has luxury to pick and choose the jobs they take. The pre-meds are underestimating the value of a "real job" because like you said, you just have to do it sometimes to pay the bills, not because it might look good on some application. Medical schools value those who have had to work for what they get and know those of use who had to work for it are more appreciative of the opportunity and are less likely to cause them grief.

 

[cabinbuilder]

OP has kids to feed?

I was referring to my own kids. I didn't have parents to help me with my bills. I had to do it all myself. I've been homeless, penniless, was an abused wife, divorced, remarried, and worked 2 jobs. I started med school with 2 small kids. Makes me crazy all these students hemming and hawing over what school to attend and "should I withdraw vs go to the school I didn't like", blah blah blah. Must be nice to have such options because for most of us that one blessed YES was all the choice we got.

 

[QofQuimica]

Thanks Q. You always seem to know what I mean. Yes, they don't seem to "get it" that not everyone has luxury to pick and choose the jobs they take. The pre-meds are underestimating the value of a "real job" because like you said, you just have to do it sometimes to pay the bills, not because it might look good on some application. Medical schools value those who have had to work for what they get and know those of use who had to work for it are more appreciative of the opportunity and are less likely to cause them grief.

I know what you mean because I've worked my share of crappy jobs, lived in my share of crappy apartments, packed my s*** up and left in the middle of the night to escape an abusive boyfriend, and otherwise shared many of your other premed experiences to some degree. Sans the two small children.

 

[DrMidlife]

I didn't come anywhere close to getting all my work experience to fit in my med school app. I had literally 50 jobs before I graduated from college at 33, from cleaning toilets to tending bar to making billion dollar corporate decisions.

And I've been doing MD interviews as an M1 this year. It's a huge relief to me when I see candidates who have worked at a restaurant or otherwise have "working class" assets listed on their AMCAS, along with strong academics and good clinical exposure.

Candidates who have had to bust ass to pay their own rent, kiss ass to pay their own rent, put up with massive piles of BS to pay their own rent, work around toxic inappropriate dangerous sexually aggressive bloviators to pay their own rent, etc, have no problem in interviews that other candidates describe as "grilling" or "very difficult".

These candidates can handle any question...think on their feet...don't worry about nervousness...enjoy being tested...connect with me during a challenging interview question. They are fun to interview.

Best of luck to you.

 

[pp77]

I was referring to my own kids. I didn't have parents to help me with my bills. I had to do it all myself. I've been homeless, penniless, was an abused wife, divorced, remarried, and worked 2 jobs. I started med school with 2 small kids. Makes me crazy all these students hemming and hawing over what school to attend and "should I withdraw vs go to the school I didn't like", blah blah blah. Must be nice to have such options because for most of us that one blessed YES was all the choice we got.

If OP really needs the money then that's different. On the other hand, if he's a typical upper-middle-class medical school applicant and has the option of living with his parents while looking for something better, then, in my opinion, he would be well advised to do so (it's difficult to tell from his posts whether he has this option). Not because I think it's bad or dishonorable to work at Chipotle, but just because Chipotle isn't the first choice of most college grads and it looks (correctly) like he couldn't get anything better. That combined with being a re-applicant might make him look like damaged goods (at least that's the way I felt in a similar situation).

Here are several LizzyM posts on the topic:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13008827&postcount=24

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13010638&postcount=29

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8709218&postcount=19

 

[reviliver]

I also want to play devil's advocate... I've been out of school and working for a few years. I've also always been in the situation of having to work for a living (I send some home to my mom and sisters when I can, not the other way around, haha). I would definitely have taken any job I could get rather than do nothing, but I was always (4 years) able to find jobs in social work and teaching that helped me out on my med school apps instead of retail jobs that would have been neutral.

OP, if you aren't interested in a social work job that's cool, and go for the Chipotle gig since some job is better than no job. For me, though, social workish things were great experience that gave me a lot to talk about in my interviews. For example: I've been a teaching aide in a poor urban school district and worked in group homes for developmentally disabled adults and for teens in foster care. I also found a research job by starting out as a volunteer until I ran out of savings and had to ask my boss to hire me (he did). Just a few more angles to consider 🙂

 

[calimdluv]

Job market is tough, adcoms know that. There is no shame in working at chipotle. On the contrary, it demonstrates maturity and may even give you good stories to tell during interviews ( work under stress, deal with angry customers, etc).

Don't worry about what your dad says, tune it out once in awhile. 😀

 

[Redpancreas]

I didn't read the responses so pardon me if this was already said. Don't take what your dad said personally and let it put you down. He cares for you and wants you to do the best but there's NOTHING wrong with working at Chipotle (so long as that's not all you're doing in your gap yr).

Here's what I recommend:

You're a senior I'm guessing. Why don't you ask to volunteer in a lab. Try to find one that says they'll allow you to have your own project in some time. Chances are no one will pay you because with pay comes liability and they'd like to see experience before they pay you. Don't neglect things with sociology and psychology. As long as you're actually using the scientific method to do experiments you should be fine. In fact, it would look nice IMO. Then, what you should do is study for the MCAT following SN2eds plan if you don't have a 30+ (MD) 24+ DO.

So you're life should have three things:

1. Work for $$$

2. Voluntary Research (meaningful research though, avoid the voluntary lab monkey trap)

3. MCAT Prep.


Now if you're not going to retake the MCAT consider gaining some really cool healthcare experience. Get certified to do something like an EMT and go from there. Maybe pick up a language (only if you like it, not if you think it'll increase your chances).

 

[Redpancreas]

If OP really needs the money then that's different. On the other hand, if he's a typical upper-middle-class medical school applicant and has the option of living with his parents while looking for something better, then, in my opinion, he would be well advised to do so (it's difficult to tell from his posts whether he has this option). Not because I think it's bad or dishonorable to work at Chipotle, but just because Chipotle isn't the first choice of most college grads and it looks (correctly) like he couldn't get anything better. That combined with being a re-applicant might make him look like damaged goods (at least that's the way I felt in a similar situation).

Here are several LizzyM posts on the topic:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13008827&postcount=24

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13010638&postcount=29

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8709218&postcount=19

This is a great post! I second his opinion. It all depends why you're working there. I'd have to agree with your dad if you're in the "upper-middle class" family situation.

 

[IlDestriero]

How is it that you have a degree and no marketable skills? How can you not be qualified for a research job with a degree in biology? You must have the education to understand the material and many biology, chemistry, organic, etc labs. That's all you need for a starter research job.
I can't believe graduation is a couple weeks away and it sounds like you haven't even tried to get a decent job that would enhance your application. If high school grad level work is all you can find in the area, move.
Good luck.

 

[MedGrl@2022]

i agree with others. take the job at chipotle. it would be wise to continue shadowing or volunteering a few hours per week to show that continued interest in medicine. adcoms know that the average premed has no marketable skills in the healthcare industry and my guess is they see many applicants with jobs like the one you're talking about.

This makes me feel great about the many odd (non-medical) jobs that I worked to pay the rent and bills!

I think the OP should look into being a scribe or an EMT too. I would do it if I could! 🙂

 

[SaintJude]

Even though, I totally agree with the advice to take the job at Chipotle. I'd say if you can, don't.

If you have the choice, why not scribe for the same miserable minimum wage as you'd get at Chipotle?At least you'll get some relevant experience.

Essentially, I don't believe in going through s**** experiences, just to "know what it feels like." Will you appreciate a hard-earned dollar more? Probably- but I have lots of friends who never had a single job until after med school--and so what? An awareness of how lucky they've been has shaped their character to give back in other ways.

My advice: do what you want. And hopefully it's not working at chipotle. I agree with your parent.

 

[circulus vitios]

How is it that you have a degree and no marketable skills? How can you not be qualified for a research job with a degree in biology? You must have the education to understand the material and many biology, chemistry, organic, etc labs. That's all you need for a starter research job.
I can't believe graduation is a couple weeks away and it sounds like you haven't even tried to get a decent job that would enhance your application. If high school grad level work is all you can find in the area, move.
Good luck.

Location: The ivory tower.

It's tough out there.