Lab?

[pakbabydoll]

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Is working in the biology department's lab going to help me in anyway? They said it would teach me some basic things and so far all I have been doing is washing instruments and cleaning up after the anatomy class. I am getting kind of sick of it, it's been 3 weeks and I have not learned anything new or done anything remotely academic. I am taking 18 credits, I work part time, I Volunteer, tutor 2 kids, and I wanted to volunteer at this hospice and they finally said I could do it starting next week. If working at the lab is not going to help me in anyway then I want to drop it.
What do you guys think?

 

[merc280]

I guess it might help you in some way. I work at the local hospital and do nothing but answer phones, but people still tell me it's going to look good on my resume.

 

[Picklesali]

Is working in the biology department's lab going to help me in anyway? They said it would teach me some basic things and so far all I have been doing is washing instruments and cleaning up after the anatomy class. I am getting kind of sick of it, it's been 3 weeks and I have not learned anything new or done anything remotely academic. I am taking 18 credits, I work part time, I Volunteer, tutor 2 kids, and I wanted to volunteer at this hospice and they finally said I could do it starting next week. If working at the lab is not going to help me in anyway then I want to drop it.
What do you guys think?

No, that does not really sound like a meaningful experience. If you want *research* experience or want to know what it's like working in a real lab, I would suggest you find an actual lab to work or volunteer in where they can give you a project. (I know you're at a CC right now, so that could be hard, but I have heard of CC students finding undergrad research positions in universities close by.)

In any case, it's sounds like you are already super busy, and the hospice volunteering will probably be MUCH more meaningful. If this bio lab position will not offer you better opportunities than washing dishes, than quit. Remember though, it might be a stepping stone to better positions if you are interested in pursuing this route further in the future...then again, it might not.

 

[dontwakeme]

You gotta start somewhere. Just show a lot of interest in the research and ask a lot of questions and they'll probably give you some westerns or some other menial (although not as menial as maintenance) task to do.

 

[pakbabydoll]

It's like everyday they have some copying for me to do then I have to clean the stupid sinks because anatomy students are too lazy to clean after themselves. Today I hand wiped 300 surgical knifes. I love the hospital, and I want to volunteer at the hospice, I kind of don't enjoy this at all.

 

[Picklesali]

You gotta start somewhere. Just show a lot of interest in the research and ask a lot of questions and they'll probably give you some westerns or some other menial (although not as menial as maintenance) task to do.

maybe we should clarify things...

Are you working in a lab that does research, or the in the lab that runs the biology lab classes at your college?

I was under the impression that it was the latter, in which case - there would be no research to show interest in and no opportunities to do any type of research in this "lab" in the future. I think this type of job is best as a paid position rather than a learning experience.

If I was mistaken and it is the former, than it is relatively normal to start at the bottom of the ladder, but better things could be on the way...

 

[pakbabydoll]

maybe we should clarify things...

Are you working in a lab that does research, or the in the lab that runs the biology lab classes at your college?

I was under the impression that it was the latter, in which case - there would be no research to show interest in and no opportunities to do any type of research in this "lab" in the future. I think this type of job is best as a paid position rather than a learning experience.

If I was mistaken and it is the former, than it is relatively normal to start at the bottom of the ladder, but better things could be on the way...

No, its a class lab that runs anatomy and biology lab classes. There is no research going on whats so ever. It is a paid position, they pay me like $6.



My only concern is that one of the teacher I work for is my biology 2 teacher and I don't want her to be mad at me for quiting.

Another thing is LORS. Some students here said it is best to get LORS from university professors but these professors know me the best because our classes only have 60 some students.

 

[robo]

A lot of times, the way to get your foot in the door at a research lab is to do exactly the sort of menial work that you're doing now. If you're genuinely interested in research, then you're on the right track, and I would stick with it. If you're not really that interested in research, and want to focus more on clinical experience, then focus on your other volunteer options. Good luck!

edit: oops, you replied that it wasn't a research position just as I replied. Sorry!

 

[pakbabydoll]

AHHHH! I should have added a poll! cmon people, I need your input! what would you do?

 

[135892]

AHHHH! I should have added a poll! cmon people, I need your input! what would you do?

If you won't get a chance to participate in actual research, then forget it. I mean if you need the money, then by all means keep the job for that reason, but I don't think there is any real point of doing it "just for the experience."

 

[dontwakeme]

No, its a class lab that runs anatomy and biology lab classes. There is no research going on whats so ever. It is a paid position, they pay me like $6.



My only concern is that one of the teacher I work for is my biology 2 teacher and I don't want her to be mad at me for quiting.

Another thing is LORS. Some students here said it is best to get LORS from university professors but these professors know me the best because our classes only have 60 some students.

oh, nevermind then.

 

[emttim]

Work for 6 bucks an hour? Screw that.

The pay alone is enough reason to walk away from it....$6/hour is just insulting.

 

[BMBPSU2008]

Is working in the biology department's lab going to help me in anyway? They said it would teach me some basic things and so far all I have been doing is washing instruments and cleaning up after the anatomy class. I am getting kind of sick of it, it's been 3 weeks and I have not learned anything new or done anything remotely academic. I am taking 18 credits, I work part time, I Volunteer, tutor 2 kids, and I wanted to volunteer at this hospice and they finally said I could do it starting next week. If working at the lab is not going to help me in anyway then I want to drop it.
What do you guys think?

Get rid of it, you are essentially a lab rat. Anyway in terms of admissions, I feel the hospice would be looked upon as a better investment of time at this point.

 

[pakbabydoll]

Thank you!

 

[Habibti]

I'm sure there was a job description either posted or given to you (verbally or written) before you took the job. You took the position knowing this. Yes, it does suck, but how are you going to explain to future employers that you quit after three weeks because 'oooooh... I had to clean up after people.' If you ever plan on getting a research related position, you will likely start out on the bottom 'cleaning up after people' who are too lazy to do it themselves. No one wants to hire someone who is going to leave after three weeks because 'I'm just not getting anything out of it'. I know this a question we've asked undergrads looking for jobs (and we asked about jobs they quit after three months). Commitment is an important quality in a candidate, for both med school and future jobs.

 

[pakbabydoll]

I'm sure there was a job description either posted or given to you (verbally or written) before you took the job. You took the position knowing this. Yes, it does suck, but how are you going to explain to future employers that you quit after three weeks because 'oooooh... I had to clean up after people.' If you ever plan on getting a research related position, you will likely start out on the bottom 'cleaning up after people' who are too lazy to do it themselves. No one wants to hire someone who is going to leave after three weeks because 'I'm just not getting anything out of it'. I know this a question we've asked undergrads looking for jobs (and we asked about jobs they quit after three months). Commitment is an important quality in a candidate, for both med school and future jobs.

Actually I already have a almost full time job. I have switched 3 jobs in 4 years and for one year I worked 2 jobs (12th grade in high school.) They did give a verbal job description which included helping them set up the labs. They also said that I would get to learn basic lab things and I have not. I have not even seen the teachers to ask any questions, they just leave me a paper saying wash this, clean that. I don't mind doing it if I am actually doing something academic too, or if its going to help me do something academic (like they said) but this seems useless and I would much rather volunteer at the hospice.

 

[1956Goldtop]

Sounds like a pretty boring job, but maybe you are acting hastily. Did you talk to your bosses? I mean, its easy to think that you will never get the experience you wanted because you haven't yet, but perhaps you should voice your concern to the lab coordinator.

 

[45408]

No, its a class lab that runs anatomy and biology lab classes. There is no research going on whats so ever. It is a paid position, they pay me like $6.

screw that

 

[sunny1]

Yes, it does suck, but how are you going to explain to future employers that you quit after three weeks because 'oooooh... I had to clean up after people.' If you ever plan on getting a research related position, you will likely start out on the bottom 'cleaning up after people' who are too lazy to do it themselves. No one wants to hire someone who is going to leave after three weeks because 'I'm just not getting anything out of it'. I know this a question we've asked undergrads looking for jobs (and we asked about jobs they quit after three months). Commitment is an important quality in a candidate, for both med school and future jobs.

First of all, if the position isn't a fit for both parties there's no sense in prolonging the inevitable. It's not like the lab will need to put together a six-month long search party to find the right candidate - it's a dishwashing job. There should be plenty of other undergrads who will be willing to take her spot. And if she was only there for 3 weeks, that's not really something she ever has to put on her resume or AMCAS activities. Most jobs have a 6-MONTH probationary period anyway, during which time the employer sees if you are a good fit for the job and vice versa. But again, this position doesn't reach that level of significance in my opinion.

Second, aside from wanting to get a good recommendation from the professor, it doesn't sound to me like there's any other benefit to come from this position for pakbabydoll. It's not a research lab, so she can't get promoted. I would just sit down with the professor and explain the situation that it isn't your top priority right now given your other commitments (school, other job, volunteering, etc.) and you wanted to be honest with her and give them the opportunity to find someone else to take your spot before you leave. If the professor is a mature adult, they will respect this and you still have the option of getting a good LOR in the future without burning bridges.

Third, you have plenty of other ECs with your job, and I agree with others that the hospice volunteering will be more meaningful to you.

Good luck!

 

[MacBook Pro]

No, its a class lab that runs anatomy and biology lab classes. There is no research going on whats so ever. It is a paid position, they pay me like $6.



My only concern is that one of the teacher I work for is my biology 2 teacher and I don't want her to be mad at me for quiting.

Another thing is LORS. Some students here said it is best to get LORS from university professors but these professors know me the best because our classes only have 60 some students.

I don't understand how this job will improve your LOR from this biology professor. There are very few things that the professor can write about this job--1) you listen to directions, 2) you clean well, 3) ???...I'm guessing there are some things that I'm missing. In any case, this job will not have a significant effect on the quality of your LOR, which will be largely based on your performance in class and personality.

 

[pakbabydoll]

yea, so I'll be quiting tom; hopefully my prof would not totally hate me afterwards! I did get a 102% on our first test!

 

[ChubbyChaser]

Work for 6 bucks an hour? Screw that.

The pay alone is enough reason to walk away from it....$6/hour is just insulting.

haha I make 6 dollar/hr working on my own research project. Its terrible

 

[Crixivan]

yea, so I'll be quiting tom; hopefully my prof would not totally hate me afterwards! I did get a 102% on our first test!

I think this is the best move. It doesn't seem like it's working out to be a fruitful experience for you.

 

[pakbabydoll]

Since I am such a spineless coward, I told him that I could not do it because I was having to drive back and forth too much. It is half true, and so I was like it is too much hassel and my parents (jeez) are not happy with it. I ended with I am sorry and he said I am sorry too.

What does I am sorry too mean? Does it mean he is ok with it, or he will give me a bad recommendation? Since he gave me a recommendation letter for SMDEP can he call them back and say I am a worthless student? Can a site take an acceptance back?
Am I freaking out?

 

[MacBook Pro]

Since I am such a spineless coward, I told him that I could not do it because I was having to drive back and forth too much. It is half true, and so I was like it is too much hassel and my parents (jeez) are not happy with it. I ended with I am sorry and he said I am sorry too.

What does I am sorry too mean? Does it mean he is ok with it, or he will give me a bad recommendation? Since he gave me a recommendation letter for SMDEP can he call them back and say I am a worthless student? Can a site take an acceptance back?
Am I freaking out?

Yea you are freaking out. I can't imagine this professor calling up SMDEP and writing you a terrible LOR for med school just because you quit a job where you were basically a dishwasher. Plus, you gave him a legit reason and made it sound like it was sort of out of your hands, which is probably why he said sorry.