Leadership Experiences

[medicine!]

I'm aware that leadership experience is one of the important EC's med schools look for. However, as an introvert, I always have a hard time coming out of my comfort zone. I've always thought of taking on a leadership position in one of the clubs I'm part of, but honestly don't know how (or if people are even gonna vote for me to become one)... I heard that leadership can go beyond holding an officer position, but what are some examples exactly? In other words, what are the things that I, as an introvert, can do to enhance my leadership skills?

Any insight would be highly appreciated!

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[Boogy'sChick15]

What EC's are you a part of? Do they provide any opportunities to take lead in?
While I did have two leadership roles in 2 clubs on campus for about a year, I am not listing them because they were not good experiences and I would not have anything nice to say if asked about during interviews lol (I found that clubs at my campus are like high school and I was not interested in reliving that drama)

Just to list some examples for you, I have some other leadership roles that aren't exactly "officer positions".
I took leadership into my own hands both at work and in my research lab. I helped train new employees since I had the most expertise at my job, as well as trained new research assistants in my research lab. I also took lead on my PI's research project and worked by myself with little supervision for the past 2 years. I most likely wont label these as "leadership roles", but for both experiences I have letters of recommendations that highlight my leadership and my willingness to go above my job description.

For a more direct leadership role, I have 2 years of "Training walk leader" and "Safety monitor" for my walking crew. Both of these positions put me in charge of the scheduling and attendance, as well as the health and safety of my 20-30 walkers during our rigorous training walks and during our 3-day walk.

Not all leadership experiences will be in the form of club officers. Sometimes you need to think outside the box. Look at the EC's that you have and see if they offer any possibilities to do more than what you are doing now.

 

[JMilo]

You could TA if you have done well in your classes so far, possibly lead a lab, weekly study groups, group tutoring etc.

Leadership experience isn't that important though. It's nice to have, but schools want to see that you can work as part of a team...leadership is just one example. As long as you can demonstrate that you are able to work well with your peers, you'll be fine. That being said, you come off as very fragile/scared of what other people will think of you...if this is your approach to communication, you will be taken advantage of all your life.

 

[curbsideconsult]

Apart from the leadership experience and what JMilo said (which is true), how do you handle interviews? How are you going to communicate with standardized patients? It seems to me that you're more shy than introverted. You probably need to work on your interviewing skills, regardless of where you currently are in your undergraduate training.

 

[pugsessed]

Leadership experience can vary. As an introvert you may be highly interested in research. I taught a lot of undergraduates molecular techniques. I listed being a mentor as leadership because it was a formal summer undergraduate mentor role (well I've actually had 8 formal interns at varying places). I've also been involved with other organizations such a Scouting (boy or girl scouts). I was a leader there and ran my own troop. Maybe that might be a better leadership role because you are dealing with younger kids. There are all sorts of organizations that can hold leadership roles. My current one would be a pug rescue I am highly involved in (although not listed on my application). So it may not necessarily have to be with humans.

 

[Oso]

Leadership experience can vary. As an introvert you may be highly interested in research. I taught a lot of undergraduates molecular techniques. I listed being a mentor as leadership because it was a formal summer undergraduate mentor role (well I've actually had 8 formal interns at varying places). I've also been involved with other organizations such a Scouting (boy or girl scouts). I was a leader there and ran my own troop. Maybe that might be a better leadership role because you are dealing with younger kids. There are all sorts of organizations that can hold leadership roles. My current one would be a pug rescue I am highly involved in (although not listed on my application). So it may not necessarily have to be with humans.

😍