What if I can't get an RA position?

[PhishGirl]

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So I just graduated and am planning on taking 2 years off before I re-apply to PhD programs (I applied to 1 school last year). Due to the need for a change of scenery and the desires of my SO, I am moving to Vermont, where there do not seem to be many/any RA-type positions available.

Can anyone suggest some things i can do to bolster my app over 2 years, not including an RA spot? I am hoping to rewrite my honors thesis for publication, and I would like to pursue creating a research proposal/lit review in my particular area of research interest. But I would love to hear any other suggestions you all might have to offer.

Thanks!


PS. My research experience: 1 year research apprenticeship in a cog. sci. lab, 3 month internship in a sex research lab, 1 year honors thesis (original study with data I gathered myself), 2 poster presentations with first authorship.

 

[berlin81]

Although I am not too familiar with the job/academic market in Vermont, I assume its quite hard since it does have a large urban area. I'm sort of in the same situation where I'm trying to move to an environment where has a decent amount of RA jobs.

First, I would try to check into what mental health oriented jobs are available, even it that means doing "case management" oriented stuff. It might sound like a waste of time but at least you would get a rough idea on the business of mental health.

Second, perhaps expand your search for RA jobs in the New England region. Technically, its not that difficult to take a car ride or train into Boston or Hartford from Vermont, especially if you can find a position where you only have to physically show up once or twice a month. Not sure if some universities and/or labs would be able to accommodate that type of schedule, but could be worth exploring.

 

[LM02]

Depending on where you plan to be in VT, I would look into RA jobs that might be within acceptable driving distance. Obviously, if you're near Burlington, there is the medical school and the UVM psychology department. If you're in the Woodstock area, you might be near the VA at White River Junction or Dartmouth-Hitchcock in NH. And if you're in southern VT, you could potentially look for something in Springfield, MA or Albany.