Everyone knows college isn’t easy, but medical school can be especially challenging. Along with keeping up with your studies and passing your exams, you should start preparing for your future career so that you have a plan in place by the time graduation rolls around. With that said, here are five ways you can invest in your future career in the medical field as a student.
1. Find the Right Mentor
If you already have a dream profession in mind, a mentor who is already established in that position can be an invaluable asset during your student years. You can request to shadow your mentor at work to see what a typical day looks like, and you can also get clarity on what academic courses and experiences will serve you best. A mentor is also helpful for securing recommendation letters for graduate school. To find the right mentor for you, research the doctors in your area who specialize in your desired field. Your school may also have a list of alumni who are open to mentoring students from their alma mater.
2. Attend Relevant Events and Conferences
Conferences, networking events, professional seminars, and other similar gatherings will provide insight into the medical field and keep you up-to-date on industry topics and trends, which can be helpful for graduate school interviews. Your college campus may already host some of these types of events, so always check your school calendar for any relevant conferences that are coming up. You may also be able to attend events in your locale if you live in a large city.
3. Join a Medical Network
A medical network is a professional organization for people working in the medical field, and most of them will accept students as well. Some perks of membership include additional education and training, career guidance, and access to a community of like-minded individuals. Depending on your personal demographics, you may be eligible to join more than one.
4. Get Relevant Working Experience
Experience is an important factor when it comes to becoming a doctor, which is why clinical hours are so important for getting licensed. Internships through school can provide an easy pipeline for medical students to gain relevant experience. Working or volunteering at a hospital can also be beneficial to help you see how a hospital operates. Even a part-time job as a retail worker can help you hone the customer service skills necessary to have a good bedside manner as a future doctor. Think carefully about your desired profession and what skills you need to become successful.
5. Join Student Clubs
The most successful medical students are extremely involved in school activities. While it’s always helpful to keep your focus on the future, don’t neglect your on-campus life entirely. Joining a student association or club can boost your career prospects by allowing you to partner up with other students who are going through the same thing. By doing this, you can get tutoring help, advanced notice of relevant events, first dibs on certain internships, and more.
