My Gap Year(s) Experience: Clinical Research Assistant
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- Опубліковано 2 гру 2024
- Hi again! In this video I talk about my experience working as a Clinical Research Assistant during the two gap years I took between undergrad and Medical School! I would highly recommend working as a Clinical Research Assistant, as I learned so much about research and medicine from this position. In the video I talk about why I took 2 gap years, what made me choose to work as a Clinical Research Assistant, what this type of job entails, and a few tips I have for those who are considering working as a Clinical Research Assistant. I hope you enjoy and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Hello, thank you for this video! Besides the interview for the job, what other clues indicated you wouldn't work with closely the physician or the PI for a job?
I think it's something that's hard to tell until you can speak with the PI/the other research assistants to see what they say but sometimes the job description will specifically say that you work closely with the PI or if you know there are a lot of research assistants then maybe it's less likely you're working closely with the PI regularly. For example, in my position there were 3 research assistants and we worked very closely with the PI. Also, just proximity--if you know where you would be working in the hospital and can figure out where the PI spends their working time, that could factor in. My office was 2 doors down from my PI so I saw her every day, but if you were in a different part of the hospital or different building it may be less interaction. Hope that helped!
Great video! What websites did you use to find the jobs you applied for?
Thank you! I mostly used indeed, and then also searched around on the websites of different hospitals to see the job listings! Also some undergrad schools have websites where they post job opportunities which is something to look out for!
Thank you so much! Another question. Were you able to balance your job and studying for the mcat?
I had a bit of a unique situation because my job start date kept getting pushed back due to COVID (graduated in 2020), so I used that time before starting work to study for the MCAT. I definitely think it's possible to study while working but you have to stick to a schedule and make sure you give yourself enough time to get through all the material since you won't be able to study for as many hours each week. But even still, I didn't study from like 9-5 every day so if you used your weekends and evenings wisely should be do-able!@@austindellafosse4023
Hi! I recently graduated with a Public Health bachelor's degree and am looking to get into clinical research. I was wondering what kind of information I could put on my resume that would help me stand out. I have a goodbit of healthcare experience but am struggling to hear back from jobs.
Hi! It's tough as I know these jobs can be competitive so the best thing is to just keep applying to as many as you can! if you have any specific skills (data analysis, etc) I would definitely include that, and would highlight any other research-specific experience so they know you're prepared for that type of job. Best of luck!
Hi! I was wondering how you got your clinical research position? I just graduated undergrad and am looking for clinical research, but unfortunately have not had any luck by applying through hospital websites. It seems like most clinical research positions are looking for people with a MHA or few years of previous clinical research experience. Thanks for your help!
Hi there! I remember applying to so many jobs because I also did not hear back from a good amount of the ones I applied to. I think these are really popular positions so they go quickly! I used indeed and linkedin in addition to applying through hospital sites. Also, does your undergrad school have a pre-med advisor that may know of job opportunities? Our advisor would forward emails to the pre-med students from anyone who reached out to her about open research assistant positions. I know that there are definitely positions out there that don't require a ton of experience, it just may take a little time to sort through and find them. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to help! Good luck :)
Hey! Was this a part-time position or a full-time position? I'm currently in my gap year applying to medical school now and wondering if I can take part in a full-time job while prepping for interviews, going on interviews, attending school info sessions, etc. Thank you!
Hi!! It was a full time position. It got a little hectic at times to get everything done with the application process while working full time, but I was able to do everything I needed to in the evenings after work and on the weekends. I am not sure if you will find many part time research assistant jobs due to the nature of the work (and in talking to my peers who have been accepted to medical school, the overwhelming majority had full time jobs in their gap years--so it's very possible!). I felt like there was always more I had to get done at work even being there full time, so I think PI's might think a part time position wouldn't be sufficient for a research assistant. With that being said, if you find a part time position and think you would prefer to have even more time to dedicate to the admissions process, go for it! Also to note, if you find a position where they are used to having people work there before going to med school, they are (in my experience) pretty understanding of the fact that you may have to take some days off for interviews etc., so if possible it's important to find a PI who has more of the mentorship mentality of the research assistants and knows your goal of getting into medical school/wants to help you achieve it. Hope this helps--let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
@@megmed2860 Yes this was very helpful - thanks for your insight and wishes!