My summer job:

[dr_dre]

This summer I will be working as a lifeguard at a Six flags waterpark for one month and then in Florida for 2 months. I've been guarding every summer for about the last 5 years.

When talking to ppl about summer plans, everyone seems to be doing research or clinical work. I've had some tell me that I need to get a "real job" if i'm considering medical school.
I have plenty of clinical volunteering experiences under my belt and enjoy doing this kind of work during the summers because it gets me outside in the sun and away from a desk and computer.

I'm mostly mad because ppl don't realize that although I many not be finding the cure for cancer this summer, lifeguarding will require a lot of responsibility and I will have to deal with many weird emergency situations.
Plus I get the bonus of competitions and instructing as well.


So whats the consensus out there?
Would you guys really say that being a lifeguard is a juvenile summer job and I should go do "something more serious"?


What are some of your summer plans?

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[dopaminesurge]

This summer I will be working as a lifeguard at a Six flags waterpark for one month and then in Florida for 2 months. I've been guarding every summer for about the last 5 years.

When talking to ppl about summer plans, everyone seems to be doing research or clinical work. I've had some tell me that I need to get a "real job" if i'm considering medical school.
I have plenty of clinical volunteering experiences under my belt and enjoy doing this kind of work during the summers because it gets me outside in the sun and away from a desk and computer.

I'm mostly mad because ppl don't realize that although I many not be finding the cure for cancer this summer, lifeguarding will require a lot of responsibility and I will have to deal with many weird emergency situations.
Plus I get the bonus of competitions and instructing as well.


So whats the consensus out there?
Would you guys really say that being a lifeguard is a juvenile summer job and I should go do "something more serious"?


What are some of your summer plans?

Lifeguarding is fine. It's medical-related and not like you're flipping burgers. Provided, of course, there is research somewhere on your app.

 

[Pose]

I wouldn't give up that experience to work in a lab, or office. I consider it a real job -- and even an experience related enough to medicine to be applicable. And it's something you enjoy...And offers something most people would enjoy. Keep it.

 

[LucidSplash]

I think the people you've been speaking with mistakenly think of lifeguards as guys/girls who just sit in the chairs and blow whistles all day. But because lifeguards have first-responder training, etc, this can be considered medically related. When you put it on your app eventually, just be sure to highlight the medically related part.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Don't listen to those people. Being a lifeguard shows responsibility as well as some medical training. However, to be safe it may be good to get a job in the hospital per diem. Therefore, you can do both. I had three jobs through college only 1 being medically related. I also volunteered as an EMT. Trust me, you can do it.

 

[mprover]

Im a valet. I make good money, and it allows me to not work as much during the year so I can concentrate on school. I do have a decent amount of research and ER experiance, so I figure what I do this summer doesnt matter that much.

 

[75969]

If it makes you feel better, I'm a cashier/photographer 🙂

I think some people are too worried about getting into schools, and think that every waking moment should consist of you doing something clinically related or something to make them look more impressive. I dont completely buy this, medical schools would rather see someone who did things that they enjoyed while in undergrad than someone who did things because they thought they would buff up the ol' application. You have plenty of time to get clinical experience while in medical school, as long as you have gotten your 'feet wet' enough in the field to be secure with your decision, then you already have what they are looking for as far as clinical experience is concerned 🙂

 

[univscience]

who cares? rejuvenate yourself and enjoy the sun. as others have said, it's not like you're flipping burgers. they'll sooner get burned out.