First, I was selected to be a representative for a historical club that organizes lectures on the history of healthcare in our city... as well as the history of diseases, diagnostics, etc. Very cool. Last week there was a cocktail party at a professor's house, and I was announced as a new representative (along with 3 others). I was pretty stoked!
Second, my friend "E" recommended me for a leadership position in the student run-clinic that I spoke of before. So now I'll be participating in that as well... which is damn cool!
I know that this is a noobie question, but, looking back, are there any organizations or volunteering opportunities that were (or would have been) beneficial to you in the application process?
ReplyDeletePersonally, one of the major challenges in returning to school is getting more involved. Not only with organizations, but with people in general; classmates, professors, etc. For an independent-minded person, this is a surprisingly difficult task.
I'm beginning (finally) to learn that just about everyone has something to bring to your life... IF you're willing to invest a little time.
Truthfully, I wish I would have done fewer E.C.'s related to school (like sorority, Associated Students, resident assistant, etc.) and focused on developing skills I was interested in. Like writing, photography, etc... I would spend my time doing things you like, not trying to do things you think will look good on an application. Develop a SKILL. Play an instrument, a sport, photograph Thailand, become a paralegal, become an expert in fireworks, something... anything... useful. Skip the nonsense. The nonsense exists for young kids who've never been exposed to anything.... not for adults who've lived a little. All of my volunteer hours in the ER pretty much don't mean anything. I mean, what do you really GAIN from walking biological specimens back and forth to different departments?
ReplyDeleteBecause EVERY applicant has been in club x or y, has shadowed a doctor, and has research tech experience. The applicants that stand out are those who have had their own business or restaurant, who've written a book, who've lived abroad, who devoutly practice their religion, who have alternative careers and families.
Not to say that you don't need to demonstrate strong clinical experience and commitment to your community... because you do. But I find that these elements come across stronger when you've designed a project yourself and carried it out, or worked for a non-profit for the last 2 years, etc. That means so much more than volunteering for Habitat for Humanity on some random weekend. I say its about quality, not quantity. It's in those quality activities you will meet people you relate to and admire... not in gamma delta whatever.
FYI, www.idealist.org is a great place to find out which local non-profits in your area are looking for interns or to hire or whatever. Find one you're interested in and then hunt them down and get involved.
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