I've been fairly inactive lately, but I made some comics to explain why I've been so quiet/useless for a while.
So this past summer was quite a frustrating time for me, what with getting rejected from med schools and finding myself without a backup plan. The only plan I had was to get a position in research since I had really bad luck with research in the past--this was an area in my application that was definitely lacking since I had absolutely no research experience whatsoever.
As a result, I found myself applying to (literally) a hundred different research positions in a month.
 |
| Figure 1. Before it all began. |
 |
| Figure 2. Why applications for anything anywhere generally suck all the time. |
Of course, I didn't get a single callback. Not only did I have no experience in research, I also didn't have any legitimate employment experience either (just a couple of "self-employed" positions that really holds no value).
In the second month, I applied as a volunteer research assistant to dozens of labs. I received one reply, had an interview, and was accepted into a lab. Even though what I did was very basic, I worked ridiculously hard considering I was a volunteer. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity since this position gave me what was needed to get my first research position, as well as my first legit paid job.
After two months of volunteering, an opening for a paid research position opened up in the same hospital I was volunteering at. I applied, and somehow got an interview.
This is how the interview went (slightly dramatized):
 |
| Figure 3. Getting a job with sheer will and eagerness. |
...and that's what I've been doing for a few weeks now, living up to my promise of insane work ethics. I'm having a lot of fun so far but still working like a lunatic, hoping for a publication. Although,
 |
| Figure 4. At the end of the day. |
...but this really is the best opportunity I've ever had and I've learnt some ridiculous amounts of stuff since I started. Persistence really does pay off.
On another note, I will be posting some stuff that are actually useful in the near future. Stay tuned.
Matt
10 comments:
Matt, this is brilliant. It looks like your perseverance really paid off.
Good luck with your med school goals Matt.
Thank you! It really paid off and I'm enjoying work very much. Good luck to you as well :)
Hilarious illustration. Hang in there!!
Glad you found it funny- thank you for your support! :)
Haha this is so great.I was in the exact same position :)
May I ask, are you doing more lab work or are you gaining clinical experience?
I'm doing lab work- I was very lucky to join a lab with lots of research going on & work to do :)
Hey
I'm kinda on the fence about applying for a paid lab position as I also haven't had much experience in research....what type of research/experiments are you performing in this lab?
I loved your cartoon, made me laugh out loud, literally!
This is too funny :) Definitely lol'd. I felt the same way during my first lab position - the grad student I worked with must have thought I was nuts. Anyway, just found your blog while studying for the MCAT and have enjoyed it! Good luck with everything
you are the best... i stumbled into your blog today at 10.54 toronto time (lol creeper moment)..after numerous rejection letters. and no experience and no back up...there is hope and please keep blogging..
Post a Comment