Working on the Hill during "year off"

[Revolution #9]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm wondering if any of you have experience working in Washington during time off before medical school. Has anyone served as a Congressional research assistant, or possibly an analyst for an executive or non-profit agency? I've interned in Washington in the past, and I'll be graduating with a degree in Psychology (Poli Sci minor) this May, so I'm thinking that working in one of the positions I mentioned may be a great experience before I enter medical school. I guess i'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for positions to apply for, as well as any comments on how it affected the application process (e.g. did you find it difficult to get time off for interviews?), etc. Thanks in advance.

 

[LoneCoyote]

Well, it's not exacty what you are asking about but I spent my year off working in that capacity for the State of California, or in "the Building" as it's called here. It was a great experience and I would encourage you to go to Washington if that's is what interests you. I got great experience working on health policy issues, made good connections, and also had a lot to talk about at my interviews that was a bit different and people seemed to like that. The office I worked for was really supportive about the interviewing and I had no problems taking time off. It all depends on where you work. My advice is to be up front about it when you interview so that it's not a huge shock to them when you start needing to take the time. Good luck 🙂

 

[Revolution #9]

Thanks, LoneCoyote. Did you work for the Governator? It's amazing how much coverage Arnold get's across the nation, like he's the governor of every state or something.