Non-Trad Research Experience

[AavtarAang-]

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Hey everyone,

So I'm a non-trad and have a plan set up/ starting my official post bac in a month. My plan includes everything I need to get done in the next two years, but one thing I'm struggling figuring out is how to get some research experience as a non-trad. Maybe through my program? They're busy right now wrapping up the year, so I plan on asking them when I start. Besides that, any advice on how to go about getting these positions? What classes should I try to do before applying to positions/ how can I be competitive to get research jobs/volunteer even. This is the one area I have no experience in! Thank you all!

 

[nicesecrets]

Hey everyone,

So I'm a non-trad and have a plan set up/ starting my official post bac in a month. My plan includes everything I need to get done in the next two years, but one thing I'm struggling figuring out is how to get some research experience as a non-trad. Maybe through my program? They're busy right now wrapping up the year, so I plan on asking them when I start. Besides that, any advice on how to go about getting these positions? What classes should I try to do before applying to positions/ how can I be competitive to get research jobs/volunteer even. This is the one area I have no experience in! Thank you all!

First thought I have is, does research experience matter so much as a non trad? Unless you are aiming to get into the top schools, given your other experiences, maybe you would get a pass if there was no research on your app?

That said, if you still want some research experience, I think a good way of getting some through a post bacc would be to try and find a class that includes a research project as part of the course. I am not sure if that research would completely count as solid "research" experience to include on the app, but if you are good at the project, maybe you could appeal to the prof to continue and do more research with them after the class as well? The way I see it, getting a research opportunity through a post bacc will depend a lot on your networking skills but I'm not sure how easy it will be. I have a PhD, and even though our lab hired many undergraduates, it was mostly enrolled freshmen/sophomores.. my thought is that as a post bacc candidate, your longevity and commitment to the project would be questioned compared to the traditional undergraduates..

 

[nibhighfootballrules]

As a non-trad who applied in the 2020-20221 cycle with multiple acceptances... this was a major concern of mine. My post bacc program had a "clinical internship" course that spanned a semester that I participated in but did not result in any publications or anything close to that. I was very seldom asked about my research experience or lack there off and if it came up during an interview I just openly admitted that it was difficult to acquire such opportunities as a career changer who was taking post bacc classes while working/ volunteering in other areas simultaneously (interviewers that asked completely understood.) Your strengths as a non-trad come from other parts of your application and as mentioned above unless you are applying to top research institutions or are attempting to apply MD/Ph.D. I would not think twice about it. However, if an easy opportunity arises where you can put something "research-related" on your app it couldn't hurt.

 

[AavtarAang-]

First thought I have is, does research experience matter so much as a non trad? Unless you are aiming to get into the top schools, given your other experiences, maybe you would get a pass if there was no research on your app?

That said, if you still want some research experience, I think a good way of getting some through a post bacc would be to try and find a class that includes a research project as part of the course. I am not sure if that research would completely count as solid "research" experience to include on the app, but if you are good at the project, maybe you could appeal to the prof to continue and do more research with them after the class as well? The way I see it, getting a research opportunity through a post bacc will depend a lot on your networking skills but I'm not sure how easy it will be. I have a PhD, and even though our lab hired many undergraduates, it was mostly enrolled freshmen/sophomores.. my thought is that as a post bacc candidate, your longevity and commitment to the project would be questioned compared to the traditional undergraduates..

For me I would just love to dip my feet in because I think it would be something I enjoy! But this is some

First thought I have is, does research experience matter so much as a non trad? Unless you are aiming to get into the top schools, given your other experiences, maybe you would get a pass if there was no research on your app?

That said, if you still want some research experience, I think a good way of getting some through a post bacc would be to try and find a class that includes a research project as part of the course. I am not sure if that research would completely count as solid "research" experience to include on the app, but if you are good at the project, maybe you could appeal to the prof to continue and do more research with them after the class as well? The way I see it, getting a research opportunity through a post bacc will depend a lot on your networking skills but I'm not sure how easy it will be. I have a PhD, and even though our lab hired many undergraduates, it was mostly enrolled freshmen/sophomores.. my thought is that as a post bacc candidate, your longevity and commitment to the project would be questioned compared to the traditional undergraduates..

Thank you for this insight! My dream school is in the city I live in, upenn, and I think they like research experience but like you said as a non-trad if they like my app maybe they would understand! I actually have a genuine interest in it, and I'll see if I can find a connection but will try not to sweat it too much.

 

[AavtarAang-]

Research is less important to nontrads

I have some extensive comments about this in a recent thread
Medical assistant vs research intern at state medical school

Thank you!