Jobs during Time Off

[Supafly MD]

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Hey everyone taking time off between undergrad and med school,

Just wanted to start a post outlining what type of work you are doing until you get accepted?

I am actually looking for a job right now and I am wondering how you handle the fact that you would leave as soon as you get into med school?
---Especially when most employers are looking for long-term employees!


Let me know and post your current jobs!

 

[mma]

Health Project Coordinator, Adolescent Health Services Research

I was hired by a man who prides himself on helping people with their careers. So, in fact, part of the reason I got this job was because I was going to apply to med school. I would say to stick with University jobs--employers there tend to be very understanding.

Good luck!

mma

 

[dlc]

I work at Emory University as a Research Specialist. I too went through the ordeal of how to handle time off and was really torn between getting a "real" job (which by the way would have paid so much more) or a university job. I found my current job kind of by accident but it really helped to keep me motivated towards becoming a doctor. Plus, since my boss is closely involved with the admissions committee for the MD/PhD students, he is very lenient with how much time I have had to take off and has been very helpful with everything. Plus, he knew from the start that I wanted to go to medical school so I never had to "hide" anything like I probably would have if I had gone for the "real" job.
dlc 😉

 

[UCLA2000]

went to culinary school....after that started modeling part time....and I'm doing some model scouting as well.

 

[andrea]

Hey, good luck with your job search! I've been working at the American Cancer Society for the last two years. It's taught me a lot about patient interaction and the general public, for sure. Ask yourself what your weaknesses are right now and look for a job that will teach you a lot! My employer even wrote a recommendation letter for me for med school which helped greatly. I think you will find a lot of support from your employer because they will view you as smart and dependable. Best wishes to you!

 

[DarkChild]

I have a slightly different story. I'm investment banking now - started in september, and I'm applying for entry into med schools in fall 2002.
To be honest - I lied. I told people I wanted to get into finance, even though I knew it wasnt what I ultimately would be doing. I was also under pressure to apply ASAP because my MCAT scores were about to go stale. I dont feel bad about it, wall street has no love for any one. That being said, I'm going to try and defer (spelling?) admission for a year, so I can finish out my two years. I really like what I'm doing, even though I'm still drawn to med school. Consider this an option, because you might really find that you enjoy working, having a life, meeting new people. After all med school isnt going anywhere.

 

[Refuter]

Its not really taking time off for me, i just graduated ealry a semester and now doing research in my old lab and found another job online doing graphic design. Anything to get some money before I wont be able to work for cash (as during school)

 

[BushBaby]

I am the Jr. Q.I. Support Analyst at an insurance company. My boss knows about my dream to attend medical and hopefully she knows I will ditch when I get accepted. I also work with the chief medical officer of the company, a guy with MD/MBA degree (basically does nothing, gets here late, leaves early, signs a couple of referral papers and calls it quits and gets $300,000+ for it) so looking at him helps me stay motivated.

 

[shimmer118]

I'm an associate for the biotech and life sciences group at an intellectual property research and consulting firm. It's ideally a 2 year position (but you can leave/stay whenever...), and after the 2 years are up most (usually all) associates head off to medical, law, business, or graduate school. I told them upfront in their interviews that I was applying to med school, and they welcomed it. They even introduce me to all their ex-employees who are currently in medical school whenever said employee stops by to say hi. The CEO also writes recommendations for the associates if you want him to do so.

 

[StitchEM]

I'm a Park Ranger and it's great! If your a bio major or envi sci or even a history major you can do this. I mainly work on school programs, field trips, and scout programs but being able to work outdoors, hike and do the things I would do on my weekends and get paid is great. All of my interviewers have been courious and some even envious of my job. National Parks are hard to get into except in the summer months, you can also work for your sate or county park systems as well. And the turnover rate is high so they are used to people moving on, usually to other parks.

 

[dukeblue01]

I am doing clinical research at my university's hospital. While it is true that you will not make as much money, you also gain the flexibility of an employer that understands your ambition. The chief of my dept. was great about letting me fly around for medical school interviews etc. I told them initially that I was applying to med school, and he told me that this job would provide an incredible experience, and that they were definitely looking for highly motivated people with futures as medical professionals. Also, they wrote me great recommendations just recently to help with a school that has waitlisted me. LORs from doctors are good. 😉 Also, if the money is not enough, you can always take a second job. I teach MCAT for TPR and that definitely makes it easy to get by, and even save some $$$ for next year.

Strange, I never considered quitting my job as soon as I was accepted by a med school. I have a few acceptances now (one as early as October), but I am definitely going to work until June. Maybe I am taking your assumption the wrong way.

 

[BlueDevil7]

I'm teaching second grade here in Washington D.C. I really enjoy it and I was upfront with the school that I was only doing it for a year. I'm interested in Pediatrics so the extra experience with kids is really fun and valuable. My interviewers have looked favorably on it as well. 🙂

 

[figure five]

I wait tables at a restaurant 4 nights a week, and work as a professor of chillin the other three