Work experience and medical school

[GusterGirl]

Hi everyone!
I'm currently a sophomore studying hard to keep my grades up to get into medical school (aren't we all?). I'm not worried about my grades right now because I've gotten a 3.9 the past two semesters. I was curious about work experience on the medical school application. I don't really have the time to have a job during the fall and spring, but was looking to get a job in the summer. Some people say that work experience in the medical field is extremely important when applying to medical school. It may even make or break your admission. I have also heard that it doesn't matter what type of work experience you have, as long as it's work experience. 😕 I have held a job as a short order cook for 3 years in high school and that is the only experience I have had. I was just wondering how much it matters to have a job during college and if the type of job matters or not. If it does I'd like a bunch of examples of types of jobs that would be best for medical school admissions. I want to know what to search for. Thank you!! 🙂

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[mtbtx]

Don't get confused here. There are two types of criteria medical schools look for when considering jobs and medical experience. Jobs are good for your application because they require responsibility, and are a long term time commitment. Medical schools want to know that you can handle their rigorous course load, and giving a large portion of your time to a job shows them that you can handle that. Also, having a job in college shows financial maturity.

Medical experience (clinical, shadowing, or other medical activities) shows that you have exposure to the profession and are truly interested in the field.Jobs are not necessary for a medical school application, but medical experience is. A medical related job is absolutely not required. On the other hand, medical experience, especially clinical, is pretty much required for an application. The more you have the better.

For what its worth, I worked as a tutor and student worker in a lab for two years.

 

[Catalystik]

Also, having a job in medical school shows financial maturity.

Maybe this poster meant to say 'before' medical school. A lot of med schools don't allow you to hold a job while matriculated.

OP, you can show dedication through prolonged involvement in other activities including sports, hobbies, and artistic endeavors. You can show maturity, good interpersonal relationships, and reliability through leadership and taking on responsibility. You can get clinical experience through volunteerism and clinical research.

Having work experience isn't essential, but adcomms do like to see you carry a heavy load and succeed. There are a lot of ways to carry a heavy load: academic, research, job, volunteering, family responsibility, etc. There are a lot of ways you can slice the baloney and still demonstrate the characteristics that adcomms are looking for.

And if you do get a summer job, anything is fine. For example, service industries and retail sales provide excellent opportunities for practicing one's people and problem-solving skills.

 

[mtbtx]

Maybe this poster meant to say 'before' medical school.

Yea that's what I meant, fixed.