Go for the lab aide job?

[kernel]

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I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have had lab jobs, but dislike research. I want to become a doctor so that I can work with patients - lab work isn't really my thing. I realize, though, that research experience is a vital for one's application credentials.

Anyway, I am desperately in need of a job right now and as luck would have it I was just offered an interview for a position as a lab aide in a biochem lab.

So, I guess what I'm asking is, is it worth it (in general and for your applications)? Did you discover that you actually had an insatiable passion for research? Should I suck it up and take the job (hey, it's money!) or leave it for someone more deserving?

I also might point out that I've notice that I'm digging for excuses - I feel underqualified (yes, I did a fair amount of research in high school, but I'm still only a freshman and I've only taken gen. chem) but this COULD be a really good learning experience for me.

 

[MILK07]

I say do it. No medical school would ever hold it against you. If anything, you can spin it in a positive way. You can say you couldn't decide between a career in science and a career in research. You got experience in both and now know without a doubt that medical school is what you want.

It pays, it looks good on a resume, it affords connections and relationships with professors for LORs, it present opportunities to get published, present at conferences and gain confidence. I really can't see the downside.

If you are feeling under-qualified, then do some learning on your own time. When you finally take biochem, it will be a breeze. Having more in depth knowledge will help in other classes like cell bio and organic chem. Take it as an opportunity to challenge yourself.

Good luck!

 

[kernel]

Thanks Milk - you're right: I've got nothing to lose. I've got a formal interview on Thursday, so if all goes well I'll take it. I'm excited and scared , I'm a newbie!