Hi SDN! I'm new to these forums, but I really appreciate reading all of your insights and advice. I am a 23 year old Finance/Economics grad from NYU Stern, and I have worked one year in an investment bank (trading) before something non-work related came up and I quit. Happy to elaborate on that, but nothing detrimental was written on any permanent records. As it stands, I am unemployed and looking for jobs, as well as reevaluating where I want to be in five years.
My goal:
My science/medical background: basically nonexistent.
My questions are...
My goal:
- Get into the medical field as soon as possible, but between PA and medical school for now
My science/medical background: basically nonexistent.
- I took Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in high school, as well as attended the Pre-Medical Honors Program at UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey)
- I haven't taken any college-level science courses (used my AP science credits)
- I'm considering taking the Certificate for Biotechnology offered by Columbia University because it offers Contemporary Biology, Genetics, and Chemistry, and I get a certificate upon completion
My questions are...
- Would it be a good idea to take the Columbia Certificate program?
- Does my background really bring anything unique to my applications? From a finance perspective, my work experience is pretty negligible and super niche.
- Is my gpa too low to be considered for the higher-tier post-bacc programs?
- Timing-wise, is it better to find a job, volunteer on the side, and then apply for the next cycle in a year? I would still need at least 2 more recommendation letters since one of my favorite professors passed away.
- Finally, I'm a bit committed to my location (New England area), but money isn't too much of a concern. Ideally, I'd like to stay in New York City, but is this realistic?
