#si thursdays

[capsunm]

Survival Tips: Pre-Med Student Edition

By Jordan Torres, CAPS SI Leader

Source

If you’ve been pre-med for a semester or two, chances are you’re pretty familiar with the chemical above. Any guesses? Well it is none other than 1,3,7- Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione, or its more common name….Caffeine.

Many pre-med students come into college planning their schedules with 3 or 4 tough science classes, as if they can conquer anything in their path. After reality sets in it becomes well as long as I pass this chemistry class. It is no lie that it is a difficult path to become a doctor, but it is not impossible. As a freshman I was dead set on finding the right “formula” to get to medical school, but the truth is there isn’t one. What I am here to do is share a few tips on surviving these four years.

1. GPA is important

When trying to get into medical school, there is no getting around this one. According to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the 2015 mean GPA of those accepted was a 3.7. So as a student taking Organic Chemistry, Biology and Physics at the same time they expect me to get that? Along with shadowing, volunteering, and somehow getting some sleep, how?! The best way is to get off to a great start to each semester with some excellent study habits.

-Do a little bit of studying each day, DON’T PROCRASTINATE.

-Utilize sources like CAPS, professors and TA’s office hours.

-A good study group is second to none.

2. Shadowing

So I went to the Doctor last year for a check-up, I actively listened any time he said a medical term, and even asked him a few questions about the last “Grey’s Anatomy episode,” that’s good experience right? Not quite. There is no way to know that you truly want to be a physician unless you experience their day to day life. Shadowing is crucial to any pre-med, as it let’s medical schools know that you are invested in this experience.

3. Extracurricular Activities

Get involved on campus, volunteer, or join some clubs. There are two ways to spend your time in college; doing things that you enjoy and those that make you grow as a person.  Whatever it may be, make sure that you get something out of it, not just doing it to check a box.

4. Have some fun

The last thing that you should do through college is to enjoy yourself. Always have some good ways to de-stress after a long week. Your undergrad should be the most fun times of your life, and you can approach it as such even with the difficult course work.

Source

If you’ve ever felt like the image above, then that is completely fine. Sometimes it’s okay to not know exactly what you are doing. I have been in that situation countless of times, so you are not alone. Throughout the whole process, just make sure that you’re happy with your choices. I hope that these tips help out, and best of luck.

[capsunm]

5 Ways to Successfully Prepare for a Career Fair

1) Have an elevator pitch.

Source: ACSMeetings

If you were placed into an elevator with the CEO of the company you’ve always wanted to work for, what would you say? Hopefully you’d find a clear and concise way to get the point across that you’re a highly qualified candiate, and that the CEO should hire you. Luckily for you, you have time to prepare you elevator pitch rather make it up on the fly. Having this prepared beforehand helps to prevent you from stumbling over your words and makes a strong first impression. 

2) Choose your targets.

Source: Godfather Politics

If you have access to the companies that will be in attendance, you can map out the order in which you’ll speak to them. I’d recommend making a list of 5-10, and starting at the bottom of that list. That way when you make it to the company you like the most, you’ll be warmed up and ready to go. 

3) Make your resume stand out. 

Source: The Planner

There are a lot of ways to make your resume stand out, but I’m recommending you have yours printed on a thicker paper. Thicker paper stops your resume from flopping over if the recruiter is holding it with one hand, and it also sets it apart when put in a stack of all the other resumes. A little bit of extra preparation before the actual fair can be the difference in getting your dream job/internship. 

4) Breathe.

Source: Chakra Activation

This subtle suggestions helps to make your first interaction with a recriter more favorable. Just breathe. Using your favorite breathing exercise, make sure that you are as calm as possible before speaking. You’ve taken all of the appropriate steps this far, you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot by speaking too fast or sounding out of breath. 

If you don’t have a favorite breathing exercise, I’ll share mine:

Breathe in for 4 seconds

Hold your breath for 7 seconds

Breathe out for 8 seconds

This is a really cool trick that forces your heart to slow down a little bit, and thus enables you to get your breathing under control. It’s also excellent if you’re struggling to fall asleep.

5) Carry a handkerchief in your pocket.

Source: Media Cache

I’m not suggesting you make the handkerchief a part of your attire for the day (although it’s totally cool if you have another for this purpose), this is to be balled up and placed inside your right trouser pocket. Before you speak to each employer (and after you’ve got your breathing under control), you can reach into your pocket and dry off your hand. Clammy fish hands do not make good first impressions. 

While this may not be an all-inclusive list to help you prepare for your upcoming career fair, it’s an excellent start. Good luck!