Research?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Hey!
I'm wondering if I made a mistake when deciding what to do this summer. I am pre-med, and I'll be a sophomore in college next year. I guess I should've looked specifically for a research position or some kind of clinical internship/shadowing for the summer...but I found it to be pretty difficult to find positions for freshman at hospitals. Anyways, along the way, I got this (paid) internship that has to do with social service (also related to PR, communications, etc) at a pretty well-known, very large charitable organization. I really liked this internship b/c it gives me a lot of responsibility and allows room for me to take initiative on the job. I accepted this position, but it doesn't have anything to do with medicine. Should I have passed up this internship for something having to do with research, even if it had less responsibility? Does it even matter for freshman year summer?</p>

<p>I'd really appreciate any feedback on this. Many of my friends are doing research over the summer, even though they're just out of freshman year! And, well, it's making me think that I'm wasting my summer. Comments?</p>

2

<p>I personally never did any research. My summer after freshman year I was a camp counselor at Space Camp.</p>

<p>The thing is you are doing something, and this seems to be a pretty high profile internship. You'll be fine. </p>

<p>Most everything is how you sell it. If this turns out to be a really great program that you are proud of, then don't hesitate to do in the upcoming summers (if they'll have you back). Then just explain during your interviews that this was a unique opportunity that you really enjoyed. Besides, if you do well, you might be able to get a good letter of rec out of it. During your interview, you need to be excited about it (again, if you enjoyed it). I don't think medical schools will fault enthusiasm for something worthwhile.</p>

3

<p>I'd advocate doing some research... at some point. If you found a good job that gives you lots to talk about, do that. Charitable organizations are always a good place to start, and - most importantly - it sounds like you're really looking forward to it.</p>