Summer decision: Branch Manager for an SAT prep company vs full time research

[shindotp]

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So I emailed some PI's and one offered to let me work in his lab over the summer, but he doesn't want to give me funding since I don't have any real experience. It's really interesting research, but it's going to be tough working full time for free because it's where I used to live (I live in NC now, but I have a bunch of friends in Cali, which is one reason I really want to go there over the summer). I could do some tutoring on the weekends, maybe make $100-$150 a week or so.

On the other hand, I got a job as a branch manager for an SAT prep company where I'd probably make around $3-4k and get some decent management experience. I'd have to start the branch up with the company's help and recruit teachers/students/etc. I want to do an MD/MBA, so this would definitely be helpful. I'd feel kind of lame basically making money for someone else and keeping only 1/3 the profits.

If money weren't a problem at all, I'd do the research at USC... But I need to at least rent a car for the summer and it'd be nice if I could afford my own housing instead of sleeping in friends' places. What do you guys think?

 

[236116]

If it's not once-in-a-lifetime-drop-everything research, I'd go with the money.

 

[shindotp]

But for med school, the research would look kind of better huh? And it is kind of more of what I'm interesting in.

Dang it sucks not having money.

 

[236116]

No. Not necessarily. Research is not required.

Opps will come 'round again if you go looking for them.

 

[BlueElmo]

Don't do it just because it will "look good for med school". Besides, you will probably stand out more doing that SAT thing than research, which every pre-med kid seems to do. Follow the money.

 

[drizzt3117]

I'd do the research, personally. I think the SAT experience is going to be similar to the experiences a lot of students have with MCAT/SAT, etc prep, i.e. not particularly useful. Did you try contacting any local PIs to see if you could do research there?

 

[shindotp]

The PI is pretty local... I can't really do both because both are pretty full time commitments...

 

[drizzt3117]

The PI is pretty local... I can't really do both because both are pretty full time commitments...

I don't understand... is the research in CA and the SAT thing also in CA?

 

[bkz]

you don't have a good chance of publishing something or getting a good LOR if you don't stay at the same lab for a long time. Are there no labs near you that you could do part-time research at during the school year?

Come to Cali for the summer, hang out with your friends, make cash money, and party! is my vote 😀

 

[shindotp]

LOL!

I could go to Cali, hang out with friends, research full time, and party... Except I'd have to get my sister to pay for a rental car and I'd have to sleep in my friends' houses the whole time.

 

[scarletgirl777]

you don't have a good chance of publishing something or getting a good LOR if you don't stay at the same lab for a long time. Are there no labs near you that you could do part-time research at during the school year?

Come to Cali for the summer, hang out with your friends, make cash money, and party! is my vote 😀

This. The one-time research gigs aren't useless, but they are not as valuable as places you could see yourself being long term. It seems like money will be a struggle for you. Perhaps the branch manager thing is the way to go.

Maybe you should start research in the fall and at least get credit for it.

 

[shindotp]

Dang, didn't expect such a strong response towards being a branch manager!

Maybe that's what I will do then. Thanks a lot!

 

[Handy388]

I personally felt my research gig helped out a lot, even the one that only lasted one summer.

It sounds like you are gunning for a high executive position, such position favors pedigree, and every summer research counts.