<p>hey guys im a frosh, but am having a hard time looking for summer opps. I have applied to a few programs (got rejected by all), and a few lab jobs at school (some have not responded, but i got rejected by some after interviews). As you can see, im having a pretty tough time opening doors for myself even though im being pretty agressive. Is this normal for a first year to experience lots of rejections? </p>
<p>Anyone have tips for me or advice on how i can spend a productive summer? I really do not wish to take classes b/c i could do that at school, and im actually a bit ahead of my schedule. I heard EMT is an option but its not adviseable unless you plan to do something with your certificate b/c getting the certificate does not mean anything in itself..is that true? I just do not want to waste a summer.</p>
<p>You need to find either a clinical or lab volunteering position, but it's April already and chances are they're all full. But keep sending e-mails persistently to professors -- cover letters and resumes -- and see what turns up.</p>
<p>You're right about your assessment of EMT.</p>
<p>Make sure that you're not actually applying for a lab job, since nobody is going to want to hire a student with no experience. You meant, hopefully, that you're applying for volunteer positions? Even as is, first-summer premeds will slow down and clog up the lab considerably by needing teaching time and such. Asking for their money, too, is a sure way to get shot down.</p>
<p>volunteer, shadow, get a job.</p>
<p>While certain things are certainly better opportunities during the summer, if you can't get them, you can't get them. The important thing is that you keep doing something of benefit. Your job does not necessarily have be directly medically related to be beneficial. Social jobs like waiting tables can be helpful in building skill useful in interviewing and making conversation (which is useful for med school, jobs, and even actually taking a history once you're a med student). </p>
<p>Remember, so long as you can "sell" your experiences during the interview, no experience is completely devoid of benefit.</p>
<p>Would it help if I volunteer at a big hospital over the summer in Korea?</p>
<p>^it can't hurt. just make sure you are actually volunteering and not just taking a vacation.</p>
<p>what if im going to korea to take a vacation, but because since i know that i cant just go their to take the vacation, im planning to volunteer. haha...</p>
<p>Local hospitals are constantly looking for willing individuals to fill volunteer positions. Yes, all of the pristine lab lackey positions may already be taken however, I would think a volunteer experience that offers some clinical or patient interaction would be better than doing nothing at all. Call a couple local hospitals; tell them you are a pre med student looking for a volunteer position with as much patient or physician contact as possible. I guarantee you will find something.</p>
<p>As far as salaried jobs go, from my experience EMT is most likely your best shot (assuming you have no prior job experience, and are looking within the health community). Most training courses can be done in 2-3 months, and your chances of being hired with a private owned ambulance company are very much in your favor following certification. Again better than doing nothing….</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>