NIH or Biotech Industry: Which one would adcoms value more

[Silent Cool]

Hey Meds,

I am planning to apply to med school, and I'm currently working at a biotech company. I have the option to continue working there or to apply to a research fellowship at NIH. Unfortunately, I have to decide if I want to continue my job contract (giving me a permanent job with nice, comfy beni's) or take a chance, and end it and apply to the NIH deal. Pro of biotech: more money. Pros of NIH: research experience with top person, chance to publish.

My questions: Which do you think would be more valuable to an ad com? How about a residency committee? I might also mention this isn't a start-up; this is the biggest biotech in the world.

Thanks, any advice/info you have is appreciated.

😎

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[katiekate]

Hey Meds,

I am planning to apply to med school, and I'm currently working at a biotech company. I have the option to continue working there or to apply to a research fellowship at NIH. Unfortunately, I have to decide if I want to continue my job contract (giving me a permanent job with nice, comfy beni's) or take a chance, and end it and apply to the NIH deal. Pro of biotech: more money. Pros of NIH: research experience with top person, chance to publish.

My questions: Which do you think would be more valuable to an ad com? How about a residency committee? I might also mention this isn't a start-up; this is the biggest biotech in the world.

Thanks, any advice/info you have is appreciated.

😎

I received a fellowship with NCI from Nov 03-Jan05. I now work in a medium sized biopharmeceutical company in the same area. Based on my experiences with both sectors, here is some advice.
If you are having a really good time and are happy with your responsibilities, independence, opportunities with the company you are with now -> stay with that company and make some money for school.

If you really aren't happy with your experience at your company or you would like try your hand at a new area of science, see what you can get at NIH. Acceptance is not guaranteed nor is a good experience inherent with the fellowship. Guaranteed is that you will make probably half of what you make right now, but you'll have great health insurance.

The fellowship is great for those who don't have enough experience to get a job at a research company or who aren't sure what they want to do yet. The PI's and post-doc's are hit-and-miss as far as quality and experience with training students. You may or may not get a chance to publish and even if you do it may not reflect your actual work or attitudes towards your research project.

I don't think there is any benefit to working at the NIH over a private biotech company because 'hot' names in research are going to be far and few between at either entities. What counts for adcoms is how positive and productive you can speak about your experience and how encouraging your PI's reference is when you apply to school.

If you have any other questions about the NIH fellowship programs or whatever PM me or post them here. Good luck either way and just remember to follow your instinct.

 

[Brainsucker]

I'll echo the last post. In my experience, research positions are hit and miss. If you enjoy your current position, stay there. I'd only leave for the NIH if I really didn't like the people I worked with or was really bored. Good to make some money for school.