How important is actual work experience?

[Jolteon]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As it is now, I can manage my job and school, but I don't have a lot of spare time once homework and studying are out of the way. I would love to do some volunteering and shadowing in the near future, but I don't think I'll be able to do it with my current job. Would there be any problems with gaps in/lack of work history when it's time to apply to medical schools?

Also, tuition is paid for through an academic scholarship so I don't need to work. I'm working to save for the future, pay for gas, and pay for food.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I don't think it will be a problem at all. In fact, it will be a bigger problem if you keep your job and skip the volunteering and shadowing. As long as you are doing something useful with your time, the fact that you aren't getting paid to do anything won't make much of a difference.

 

[JJMrK]

Some of my interviewers commented positively on my paid positions. Do both if you can, but definitely do what you need to do to get clinical exposure.

 

[ahmcadams]

I don't think it will be a problem at all. In fact, it will be a bigger problem if you keep your job and skip the volunteering and shadowing. As long as you are doing something useful with your time, the fact that you aren't getting paid to do anything won't make much of a difference.

Agreed. Emphasis is on medically oriented experiences, so make sure not to skimp on shadowing, research, volunteering, or whatever else you do in the field, but don't worry too much about other work experience. It will likely be a non-issue.

 

[J ROD]

I would work less but still have it be continous on the app. And use the extra time to volunteer. You only need to volunteer 3-4hrs/wk. You can schedule shadowing around work and school. I cut school on easier classes and went and spent the day shadowing....