Interview question

[beegeforty4]

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This past summer I interned as a chemical engineer (actually more food scientist) at a major gum company. While working there, I was in charge of developing a new flavor of chewing gum and, lo and behold, it passed the Canadian market and is now being sold (at least right now) in the Midwest US.

I was told through some other sites that having a unique characteristic really helps your chances getting into med schools. So I was wondering if it is poor form to bring in packs of gum for my interviews, to show them that I have done something unique compared to other candidates, even though this really has little to do with medicine and sorta looks like a bribe🙂 ?

 

[cubbbie]

This past summer I interned as a chemical engineer (actually more food scientist) at a major gum company. While working there, I was in charge of developing a new flavor of chewing gum and, lo and behold, it passed the Canadian market and is now being sold (at least right now) in the Midwest US.

I was told through some other sites that having a unique characteristic really helps your chances getting into med schools. So I was wondering if it is poor form to bring in packs of gum for my interviews, to show them that I have done something unique compared to other candidates, even though this really has little to do with medicine and sorta looks like a bribe🙂 ?

I have no opinion on the matter, but may I say this question is fantastic.

 

[ICCONFETTI]

if the packs of gum are the flavor you developed, i think that would be kind of cool.

I would only pull em out if they asked about your research/summers/jobs (which they usually do).

I wouldn't walk in there, shake the interviewer's hand and be like "here is some gum i developed". but i'm sure you wouldn't do that either 😛

 

[cakebaker2]

Wow, beegeforty4 that is really neat. I think as ICCONFETTI said, you could pull out the gum if asked about your research. The interviewer might remember you better. Are you a chemistry or nutrition major? I was originally a nutrition major (before switching to biology).

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

Bring a pack or a few pieces not only for show but for your stinky-mylunchisyetanotherwrapwithdietsodaandchipsthatcauseanalleakage-breath. If the gum should come up on the interview you can deliver your story with your fresh smelling smile. 🙂

 

[mshollywoodmd]

This past summer I interned as a chemical engineer (actually more food scientist) at a major gum company. While working there, I was in charge of developing a new flavor of chewing gum and, lo and behold, it passed the Canadian market and is now being sold (at least right now) in the Midwest US.

I was told through some other sites that having a unique characteristic really helps your chances getting into med schools. So I was wondering if it is poor form to bring in packs of gum for my interviews, to show them that I have done something unique compared to other candidates, even though this really has little to do with medicine and sorta looks like a bribe🙂 ?

That's hot...and pretty unique. If you mentioned it in your AMCAS app or secondary...there may be a good chance that it would come up in your interview. I would definetly pocket a pack for the possibility of that happening...I mean how much closer can you get to evidence based research than showing and proving your results right there...and if it doesn't come up you could always place a pack in an update letter...j/k...good luck

 

[armybound]

I'd take some with me and give it to them if they ask about it. I think that's really neat and unique, if I was on the adcomm I'd have a hard time forgetting you.

 

[beegeforty4]

Wow, beegeforty4 that is really neat. I think as ICCONFETTI said, you could pull out the gum if asked about your research. The interviewer might remember you better. Are you a chemistry or nutrition major? I was originally a nutrition major (before switching to biology).

I'm actually a biochemical engineering major (go figure I get food science!)...when I applied for the position I wanted something in research, not necessarily development, but that's what they decided was the best fit for them.

 

[beegeforty4]

Thanks everyone for the good advice and making me laugh🙂...

Now I'm just worried they won't like the gum. I've been showing off and passing it out to all my classmates (I'm so humble) and about half of them hate the stuff! I'll have to give my interviewers a disclaimer or something.

 

[swtiepie711]

Alright, I'll bite - what's the flavor?

 

[LizzyM]

We adcom members love treats! Bring it and have it "added to your file." I just hope that the flavor isn't unforgettable in a bad way. We'd hate to have this leave a bad taste in our mouths. 😳

 

[armybound]

it's not mashed potatoes & gravy, is it?