Resume Time Gaps

[amygdaloideum]

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Hi everyone,

When I graduated from college (last January) it was very difficult, not only for myself, but also for my classmates to find a job. I didn't want "settle" to take the first job I received. It took me some time to adjust when graduating. The economy was in the deepest part of the recession early last year. It wasn't until June/July when I started volunteering, shadowing and working again.

Is this a serious problem or is it normal? How would I explain this (graduation to first employment) time gap on a resume/ future application to medical school?

Thanks

 

[Rooni]

I'd be interested to hear about this one too. You're not alone, though. I graduated from college in December 2008, and while I've certainly worked, volunteered, etc. since then, it hasn't been very regular. I'm from California (where our state economy is absolutely tanking on top of the national economic situation), and I have an absolutely useless music degree which took me 4 years of overloaded semesters to get (read: almost no work experience), so I'm not particularly hireable.

I would imagine that med schools are going to start seeing a fair number of people who had a hard time finding work right out of college, so I doubt it will be seen as a serious problem unless you show a history of being a flake. That's just my take, though.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

You could put that you were comatose, lol.

 

[amygdaloideum]

Yeah, I understand that must be hard.

I wanted a research spot & funding didn't come through until the stimulus package in August. Before that I worked in medical sales, big mistake.... for me personally, it wasn't a very rewarding job. I didn't feel I was challenging myself or helping anyone.

I'm very happy I get to explore every option though, I truely want to live my life with no regrets. 👍

Hopefully someone can offer us some good advice...

 

[mspeedwagon]

When I read your title, I thought you were talking YEARS. A time gap from graduating in May to starting in July is no time gap at all. Many people (including myself) take a little time off after college. I had a job lined up, but opted to start it after the July 4th weekend, so I did NOTHING between the end of May and the beginning of July EXCEPT relax.

I wouldn't worry about this gap. I think a month off straight after undergraduate work is very understandable.

Hi everyone,

When I graduated from college (last January) it was very difficult, not only for myself, but also for my classmates to find a job. I didn't want "settle" to take the first job I received. It took me some time to adjust when graduating. The economy was in the deepest part of the recession early last year. It wasn't until June/July when I started volunteering, shadowing and working again.

Is this a serious problem or is it normal? How would I explain this (graduation to first employment) time gap on a resume/ future application to medical school?

Thanks

 

[amygdaloideum]

When I read your title, I thought you were talking YEARS. A time gap from graduating in May to starting in July is no time gap at all. Many people (including myself) take a little time off after college. I had a job lined up, but opted to start it after the July 4th weekend, so I did NOTHING between the end of May and the beginning of July EXCEPT relax.

I wouldn't worry about this gap. I think a month off straight after undergraduate work is very understandable.

It was a January graduation, I took 4.5 years in undergrad. For me the gap was 5 months; 4 if you take in account my volunteer work I began in June.

 

[mspeedwagon]

Sorry, missed that (typing before calling it a night). I still don't think it is that big of a deal. You decided to travel locally, research different areas etc. As long you started doing something by the summer, I think it's minor.

I know when we interview for a position for straight out of college hires, we realize that those that graduate in Jan have a harder time and we are more forgiving for the gap. I would imagine medical schools are similar.

It was a January graduation, I took 4.5 years in undergrad.

 

[amygdaloideum]

Sorry, missed that (typing before calling it a night). I still don't think it is that big of a deal. You decided to travel locally, research different areas etc. As long you started doing something by the summer, I think it's minor.

I know when we interview for a position for straight out of college hires, we realize that those that graduate in Jan have a harder time and we are more forgiving for the gap. I would imagine medical schools are similar.

Yeah, I was trying to figure out what city to stay in too (home or by university). I guess that is reasonable. I tried to relax but just having time off was stressful in itself! It was harder to transition than I could have ever imagined. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, it could have been worse.

Thank you for your input and optimism 🙂