Hanan
How do I maximize my summer?
Summer is coming soon and I want to make sure that I am using my time wisely. I'm also hoping to go into the medical field, is there anything specific I should spending my time on in the summer?
#Summerbreak #medicine
2 answers
Austin L.
Austin’s Answer
Hanan, good question. Summers may seem like a tempting time to relax and chill on the beach, but it would be a mistake to do so. It is good to hear that you want to spend your time wisely and not waste the time you have in the summer. Summer should be used to buttress and build on what you did in the academic year. It should be used to enhance the overall "narrative" of who you are, your interests, and your academics etc. For example, I was an International Affairs major and Chinese minor when I was in undergrad and I used the summer of my sophomore and junior year to intern overseas with the U.S. government. Those internships directly related to my major as well as my interests. In a sense, I implemented my major and put it into practice. By interning or working during the summer in a field that relates to your studies, you will be putting yourself in a much stronger position when it comes to apply to medical school.
If possible, find an internship or summer job related to your interests in the medical field. This will look really good on your resume and will give you something to talk about during job interviews. My internships gave me great material to pull from and I always had a response in my interviews when I was asked: "Tell me about a time when...", "Describe a time when you had to solve a problem", " What are your three strengths/weaknesses" etc.
I wish you the best of luck and I hope you enjoy your summer!!
Best,
Austin
Definitely try finding some volunteer/internship work via the media. I've found some great Instagram accounts that offer summer opportunities for students interested in the medical field.
Bel
Janice Dietrich
Janice’s Answer
Glad to hear you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
Here are some ideas to help you pursue your dream career.
1) Consider volunteering at a hospital or clinic to gain a deeper understanding of the career you want to pursue. Also, learn about the various health care settings and how each system operates.
2) Shadow an employee in the career you want to pursue.
3) Visit colleges and universities where you think you might apply for the career you are interested.
4) Review requirements and tests that need to be taken for entry into the profession. Study for the tests that you may have to take.
Do spend some time relaxing this summer and good luck!