How do I find a job???

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beaneek

IU 2009
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Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year and am starting to think about finding a job for when I graduate (I want to practice in Colorado). How do I go about doing so? Do I just call up random practices in the yellow pages and ask if they are hiring in 2009?? Does anyone know of any websites that list job openings for ODs? I'm just not really sure where to start.
 
Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year and am starting to think about finding a job for when I graduate (I want to practice in Colorado). How do I go about doing so? Do I just call up random practices in the yellow pages and ask if they are hiring in 2009?? Does anyone know of any websites that list job openings for ODs? I'm just not really sure where to start.

That's really easy. Just call walmart and ask if they need any more optometric slaves. Haha. 👍
 
Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year and am starting to think about finding a job for when I graduate (I want to practice in Colorado). How do I go about doing so? Do I just call up random practices in the yellow pages and ask if they are hiring in 2009?? Does anyone know of any websites that list job openings for ODs? I'm just not really sure where to start.

Just curious, what optometry school do you attend?
 
Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year and am starting to think about finding a job for when I graduate (I want to practice in Colorado). How do I go about doing so? Do I just call up random practices in the yellow pages and ask if they are hiring in 2009?? Does anyone know of any websites that list job openings for ODs? I'm just not really sure where to start.

Just find them before the 10 other ODs looking for a job in the area do!
 
hahha i am also a third year going to practice in colo in 2009... i worked for 1 doc and am on pretty good relations with 2 more so prolly i will just ask them if thye know anyone who is looking to sell or get a partner and if they need me part time at all while i am looking... where in colo do you want to practice??
 
I would prefer to practice in either a suburb of Denver, Boulder, or the Springs. I already know several optometrists in CO, but was wondering how I would go about finding others that are hiring, because I am not sure I want to work for the practices I already know of. Or am I looking too early? Should I just wait until I graduate to start looking??
 
i would say to ask the doctors you do know.. i dont know if i should say its too early to start looking but in general i think they dont really know if they are hiring in 2009 or not... i would say in spring right before you graduate get in touch with the doctors you do know and just mention that you are looking and see if they know anyone who is interested. if you already know a bunch of doctors im sure they will know of something.. usually i think doctors stay in touch and have a pretty good idea of where there are openings. also if you know any frame reps that you are close with you could ask them... they know EVERYTHING!!!!! 🙂
 
That's really easy. Just call walmart and ask if they need any more optometric slaves. Haha. 👍

People like you with all these condescending comments really make me sick. Just stop. I am so tired and sick with you bashing this profession. Give it some respect! No wonder no one seems to respect optometrists...it's because of ppl like YOU! If you want to be an MD so much, just quit and crack the MCATs...don't waste your time complaining in this forum.
 
Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year and am starting to think about finding a job for when I graduate (I want to practice in Colorado). How do I go about doing so? Do I just call up random practices in the yellow pages and ask if they are hiring in 2009?? Does anyone know of any websites that list job openings for ODs? I'm just not really sure where to start.

It depends on what you're looking for...

If you're just looking for a "job" then you can use any method you want. Internet postings are fine.

If you are looking for a more long term purchase opportunity, then the best sources I found were:

1) Frame reps (not drug reps)
2) If CO licenses ODs in sequential order, look up online to see which ODs have "older" license numbers and then just cold call them. Ask if they are thinking of taking on an associate, or looking to sell. I got more hits this way than any other.
 
Just out of curosity, what would people classify as "older" license numbers? To me, it seems difficult because of the wide age range of soon to be retiring docs. I know some optometrists who plan on retiring near 60, and other docs who are in their 70's and 80's and still going strong. Would you classify someone already practicing about 30 years (but only low-mid 50s) as an old doc?
 
Just out of curosity, what would people classify as "older" license numbers? To me, it seems difficult because of the wide age range of soon to be retiring docs. I know some optometrists who plan on retiring near 60, and other docs who are in their 70's and 80's and still going strong. Would you classify someone already practicing about 30 years (but only low-mid 50s) as an old doc?

No, I would not they are "old" but it's certainly more likely that someone of that age is going to be in a position to start thinking about selling a practice than someone who is much younger.
 
2) If CO licenses ODs in sequential order, look up online to see which ODs have "older" license numbers and then just cold call them. Ask if they are thinking of taking on an associate, or looking to sell. I got more hits this way than any other.

Great suggestion...I never thought of this. My state lists licensed ODs by county in alphabetical order. I can click on a name and see exactly what year the OD was licensed.
 
People like you with all these condescending comments really make me sick. Just stop. I am so tired and sick with you bashing this profession. Give it some respect! No wonder no one seems to respect optometrists...it's because of ppl like YOU! If you want to be an MD so much, just quit and crack the MCATs...don't waste your time complaining in this forum.

Wow I was just joking. Oh well...
 
People like you with all these condescending comments really make me sick. Just stop. I am so tired and sick with you bashing this profession. Give it some respect! No wonder no one seems to respect optometrists...it's because of ppl like YOU! If you want to be an MD so much, just quit and crack the MCATs...don't waste your time complaining in this forum.

If ODs would give THEIR OWN profession some respect by acting as a real doctor I wouldn't be complaining so much, neither would others.

I don't see accepting low ball insurances, setting your fees less than an oil change, and working out of a low cost warehouse as giving it respect.
 
If ODs would give THEIR OWN profession some respect by acting as a real doctor I wouldn't be complaining so much, neither would others.

I don't see accepting low ball insurances, setting your fees less than an oil change, and working out of a low cost warehouse as giving it respect.

how does this help the OP find a job?
 
I'm surprised no one has given a truly helpful answer yet. 😕

In any event the best thing you can do is start searching now. It is never too early to start searching and preparing yourself. Putting yourself out there means increased chances of landing a job right out of school. Even though no one may be hiring for 2009 just yet, it is an opportunity to network. The biggest mistake graduates make is waiting until the last minute and finding out they don't have a job. Panic hence ensues.....

To avoid this I would start by taking advantage of your schools job placement center. They can give you advice on where and how to start looking. Also put a resume together and read up on job finding/interviewing techniques.

Having said all that, seriously think about owning your own practice instead of working for someone else That might be a whole other option worth looking into. I would consider widening the area where you are willing to work as well. Restricting your options solely to one geographical area may severely handicap your professional development.
 
I've talked about this topic before, do a little searching.
 
I've talked about this topic before, do a little searching.

Let's put it this way, from a student's perspective:
WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF YOU TROLL'S. 😡

We post questions on here with the intent of gaining some insight from this community about specific problems or concerns that we have. We do not want sarcastic remarks or argumentative posts about the state of optometry. The OP wants to know how to find a job. A lot of us students want to know how to find a job. GIVE US CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS. I thought KHE's post about the license #s was a great idea. We need more of that, not your and other people's BS you throw out to start arguments.

If I were a moderator I'd delete your posts every time you clicked submit reply because you have RARELY contributed to this forum in a positive way. And this feeling applies to others, too.

Quit trolling. If you want to talk about the state of our profession, create a new topic and type away. All of you! Quit hijacking legitimate threads. I already have enough doo-doo to wade through in my lecture notes; I'm sure many agree we don't like wading through it on this board all the time as well.

I am done now.

Now, to reply to the OP: Many schools have placement services that you can use, as does the AOA. I hear many of them aren't outstanding, but at least it is an idea. Again, I really like the license # thing, and you also might want to join the Colorado State Association as a student member. With your AOSA/AOA fees the state student membership should be free. I'm always told to keep making contacts and keeping a business card with me. Also, I'm told that with enough grunt work you can make something happen for yourself. Good luck!
 
Let's put it this way, from a student's perspective:
WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF YOU TROLL'S. 😡

We post questions on here with the intent of gaining some insight from this community about specific problems or concerns that we have. We do not want sarcastic remarks or argumentative posts about the state of optometry. The OP wants to know how to find a job. A lot of us students want to know how to find a job. GIVE US CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS. I thought KHE's post about the license #s was a great idea. We need more of that, not your and other people's BS you throw out to start arguments.

If I were a moderator I'd delete your posts every time you clicked submit reply because you have RARELY contributed to this forum in a positive way. And this feeling applies to others, too.



Quit trolling. If you want to talk about the state of our profession, create a new topic and type away. All of you! Quit hijacking legitimate threads. I already have enough doo-doo to wade through in my lecture notes; I'm sure many agree we don't like wading through it on this board all the time as well.

I am done now.

Now, to reply to the OP: Many schools have placement services that you can use, as does the AOA. I hear many of them aren't outstanding, but at least it is an idea. Again, I really like the license # thing, and you also might want to join the Colorado State Association as a student member. With your AOSA/AOA fees the state student membership should be free. I'm always told to keep making contacts and keeping a business card with me. Also, I'm told that with enough grunt work you can make something happen for yourself. Good luck!

Get a life, I've helped more students on here than you will ever know. My PM box currently has 100 open PMs in it. I've had meaningful supportive conversations with quite a few students and pre-ops.

I'm sorry there aren't more coddeling commercial docs on here to help you out. It seems the private docs with a sense of urgency about the state of the profession are the only ones usually helping and nice enough to give a crap.

Your whinning is downright sad. The censorship on these boards is already bad enough. Forgive me if I don't want to repost the same thing over and over just because some doesn't want to look through old threads. Go read Ken's multi-part series.

If you want a JOB its easy. Walmart and Lux never stop opening OD ***** houses. Believe me, they will come to your school and find you. If you want a career it will take a lot of work or a stroke of really good luck. I looked for quite a while before and during my residency for a situation I liked.

The schools will do very little to help you out. Sure their websites have a few postings that are usually filled months ago.

You can also:
Check out the state association websites.
Check out the new classifieds on ODwire.
If you want VA, IHS check out the usajobs website
Go to local society meetings
Get involved in service groups like FCO, VOSH, etc to make connections.
Unless the AOA classifieds have improved a lot I found them useless
Talk to the spectacle and contact lens reps
Go to CE lectures and talk with the docs

Would you be happy if the main posting ODs like Watson, McD, Chunder, and myself quit offering help and opinions?

I think Watson must have given up on this site, hasn't been around much. Where are ya buddy?
 
Check out the state association websites.
Check out the new classifieds on ODwire.
If you want VA, IHS check out the usajobs website
Go to local society meetings
Get involved in service groups like FCO, VOSH, etc to make connections.
Unless the AOA classifieds have improved a lot I found them useless
Talk to the spectacle and contact lens reps
Go to CE lectures and talk with the docs

Would you be happy if the main posting ODs like Watson, McD, Chunder, and myself quit offering help and opinions?

These are good suggestions. Why couldn't you have posted them in the first place? What is IHS, by the way? I had never heard of usajobs before; I must say there are a lot of jobs on there for NM and AZ. Thank you! 🙂

I don't want you to quit offering help and opinions. I just want you "attendings" to stay on topic. Debate is great, if that's what the thread's about! 🙂

And you are right, I do need a life. When is graduation?

And as a clarification, since it seems that you think I want to work for WallyWorld or Luxottica... I'd prefer Costco, geez! 😆 j/k
 
Assuming you want to work private, I would highly recommend calling up the state association wherever it is you want to practice. Not only will you get the practices already up for sale, but the executive director might know of someone who is thinking about retiring and just hasn't put up the for sale sign yet.
 
May I expect to see you on a walmart entrance sign sometime soon?

no for a couple of reasons:
1) seems like you are doing pretty well for yourself, i mean you are doing a residency and have great offers! so i dont think you are that poor to shop at walmart.

2) as its been stated before, costco is the way to go (not just for commercial but for all your shopping needs).
 
no for a couple of reasons:
1) seems like you are doing pretty well for yourself, i mean you are doing a residency and have great offers! so i dont think you are that poor to shop at walmart.

2) as its been stated before, costco is the way to go (not just for commercial but for all your shopping needs).


I'm practicing now FYI
👍👍
 
Wow, I'm starting to regret ever starting this thread. Anyways, thank you to the few of you who actually stayed on topic and gave me some good advice...
 
Speaking of the IHS, does anybody out there know more about the opportunities for externships and residencies at any of these locations? Or do you know of anybody who has done either? Thanks for any response!
 
People give and take things way too personally on this board. If someone gets you hot under the collar, go ahead and write a nasty reply, just don't click "submit." It's the old "write a heart-felt letter but don't mail it" trick. Although to be on the safe side, perhaps write it in a text file on the desktop rather than on the board; the "submit" button might be too tempting. I hate reporting posts because I don't want a good submitter banned (and I've seen it at plenty of other forums), but sometimes it feels like I should report an entire thread here.

Peace, love, agree to disagree, be accepting of others even if you don't accept their views, recognize that people have different goals in life, etc. Go for a walk, hit a punching bag, whatever works for you.

Sorry for not posting anything useful, but the things I know of have already been posted (IndianaOD had a good list that included many ideas by others and expanded on them).

Hmm, perhaps I should take my own advice. Aw, that submit button is too enchanting, and I am too weak.
 
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