2 answers
Alyssa
Student
Corpus Christi, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What are the most important skills and experiences I should focus on developing during my time in college to make my application stand out to potential employers, and how can I best balance my academic workload with gaining relevant experience outside of the classroom?
As a sophomore majoring in biology with a strong interest in healthcare, I’m looking to prepare for a career in the field. I have a 3.6 GPA and have completed over 250 volunteer hours at a hospital. However, I find it difficult to balance my academic workload with gaining hands-on experience. What are the most important skills and experiences I should focus on developing during my time in college to make my application stand out to potential employers, and how can I best manage my time to gain relevant experience outside of the classroom?
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2 answers
Hammad Ahmad
Medicine
2
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Hammad’s Answer
In order to make your application stand out you need to make moves that are both helpful in your career as well as Intriguing for the interviewers.
I will break down some of the key ones:
1) Internships
Highly recommend
Could be Electives or Observations and must be done in the subspecialties you aspire
2) Problem solving skills
Again this will be Greatly helpful as you have very little time for decision making and obviously Right-Decision making
3) Networking and Management
Healthcare has wide opportunities in management and administration. Your ability to communicate and manage Different possible situations would highly boost your CV.
4) Certain Specific Skills
Courses for Writing in the sciences.Something you should devote yourself to, because most of the applicants lack the ability to write and specifically Research Article Writing.
Courses of BLS,ACLS and ATLS are high in demand these days.
Hopefully,this helps you. I would be open to more discussion.
I will break down some of the key ones:
1) Internships
Highly recommend
Could be Electives or Observations and must be done in the subspecialties you aspire
2) Problem solving skills
Again this will be Greatly helpful as you have very little time for decision making and obviously Right-Decision making
3) Networking and Management
Healthcare has wide opportunities in management and administration. Your ability to communicate and manage Different possible situations would highly boost your CV.
4) Certain Specific Skills
Courses for Writing in the sciences.Something you should devote yourself to, because most of the applicants lack the ability to write and specifically Research Article Writing.
Courses of BLS,ACLS and ATLS are high in demand these days.
Hopefully,this helps you. I would be open to more discussion.
Thank you so much, Hammad!
Alyssa
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
40
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Ah, the classic challenge—striving to be the perfect pre-health student while keeping your sanity intact. You're expected to juggle top-notch grades, gather clinical experience, volunteer, research, network, and still find time to sleep (yes, really!). But don’t worry, you’ve got this!
What Skills & Experiences Matter Most?
1. Clinical Experience (The Real Deal) – Having 250+ hours of hospital volunteering is fantastic, but if most of that was spent at a front desk, it’s time to step it up. Shadow doctors, become a CNA, EMT, or medical scribe to get real patient interaction and stand out.
2. Research (A Necessary Step) – Not everyone enjoys hours of pipetting, but research experience is invaluable, especially for med school or advanced healthcare roles. Even starting with small tasks counts. Bonus if you co-author a paper—boost that CV!
3. Leadership (Step Up) – Healthcare values leaders. Lead a club, organize a volunteer event, or become a mentor. It shows you can handle responsibility without breaking under pressure.
4. Soft Skills (Because Bedside Manner Matters) – Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential. Everyone wants a doctor/nurse/PA who connects with people.
How to Balance Your Ambitious Lifestyle?
1. The “Kill Two Birds” Strategy – Find experiences that fulfill multiple goals. Volunteering where you can interact with patients and shadow professionals is a win. Present research at a conference for extra points.
2. Schedule Like a Pro – Your planner is your best friend. Schedule study, experience-gaining, and fun time. Avoid burnout, and don’t let organic chemistry keep you up all night.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity – Focus on a few meaningful, hands-on experiences rather than a long list of average ones. Admissions officers value depth over filler.
4. Use Summers Wisely – Summers are your chance to shine. Clinical internships, research programs, or certifications can give you significant experience without clashing with school.
Final Words of Encouragement
You’re already on the right track—3.6 GPA, hospital volunteer hours—so don’t stress too much. Focus on gaining the right experiences without losing sleep. Remember, coffee can be your ally. Keep pushing forward, future healthcare hero!
What Skills & Experiences Matter Most?
1. Clinical Experience (The Real Deal) – Having 250+ hours of hospital volunteering is fantastic, but if most of that was spent at a front desk, it’s time to step it up. Shadow doctors, become a CNA, EMT, or medical scribe to get real patient interaction and stand out.
2. Research (A Necessary Step) – Not everyone enjoys hours of pipetting, but research experience is invaluable, especially for med school or advanced healthcare roles. Even starting with small tasks counts. Bonus if you co-author a paper—boost that CV!
3. Leadership (Step Up) – Healthcare values leaders. Lead a club, organize a volunteer event, or become a mentor. It shows you can handle responsibility without breaking under pressure.
4. Soft Skills (Because Bedside Manner Matters) – Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential. Everyone wants a doctor/nurse/PA who connects with people.
How to Balance Your Ambitious Lifestyle?
1. The “Kill Two Birds” Strategy – Find experiences that fulfill multiple goals. Volunteering where you can interact with patients and shadow professionals is a win. Present research at a conference for extra points.
2. Schedule Like a Pro – Your planner is your best friend. Schedule study, experience-gaining, and fun time. Avoid burnout, and don’t let organic chemistry keep you up all night.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity – Focus on a few meaningful, hands-on experiences rather than a long list of average ones. Admissions officers value depth over filler.
4. Use Summers Wisely – Summers are your chance to shine. Clinical internships, research programs, or certifications can give you significant experience without clashing with school.
Final Words of Encouragement
You’re already on the right track—3.6 GPA, hospital volunteer hours—so don’t stress too much. Focus on gaining the right experiences without losing sleep. Remember, coffee can be your ally. Keep pushing forward, future healthcare hero!
I appreciate your support, Eric Scott
Alyssa