hey askak,
i m a first-year entering innis this fall, and i REALLY REALLY REALLY need money!!! (and experience and research skills and all the other crap that’ll eventually get me into med school…). So i m just wondering: exactly how to find those reaearch-type jobs on campus and would a prof actually consider hiring a lowly first-year????
ps. love ur site, more helpful than the ut sites…lol
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Welcome Newcomer,
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So, you?ve watched enough episodes of Grey?s and Private Practice to have figured out what you want to do with your life, at the age of 17? In my day it was ER that did it?. but I came crashing down from that dream real quick. Okay!?!
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I?m sorry.
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In all seriousness however, paying Askastudent a compliment like that will get you one step closer to Med School. Good start.
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Now, at first I thought you were asking me for money.?And while I still haven’t ruled that out, I’ve developed a list of options for you to be?unpoor and skilled.
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-1) Work at Medieval Times: competency with a mace must look great on a resume.?????
0) I think that you are thinking of a job as a Research Assistant (RA). Profs (who need help photocopying) will hire RAs for short term, part-time assistance. Typically, these are exclusive to Grad students, but that is not absolute. Students in upper years (most likely 4th) do stand a slim chance of securing a position too. I?ll bet my left arm that a first-year won?t get an RA job (? and I?m left-handed). Anyway, these are generally advertised through the Departments/in class. As you start to refine your interests, you could contact a Prof doing similar research and ask.???
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1) As a first-year student, you should begin by registering with the UofT Career?s Centre. This is an extensive database of job offerings in/outside of the university. You can search using various filters based on academic interest. It?s good.
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2) Work-Study: these babies are part-time spots on-campus for students who can demonstrate financial need (ie. receiving OSAP). A lot of these are bitch jobs, but they are usually air conditioned, sometimes related to your studies, and give you a peek behind the scenes of the university (?you can search for them in the Career Centre database).? ??
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3) Internships: these puppies are basically real-world jobs that run analogously to various academic fields. They are short-term and may not be paid, but they should directly complement your studies. I?ve heard of summer internships in which you write some papers for a Prof (about your work experience) and you get a credit in the end. Sweeeeeeeet.??
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Although this won?t necessarily help out your financial situation, volunteer opportunities can help you develop many desirable skills for your Med School application/life.?
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4) The Faculty of Arts & Science administers Research Opportunity Programs (ROPs) for select 2nd year students. This year?s list of offerings has some gems that you can salivate over (Cell & Systems Bio, Lab Medicine + Pathobiology, Physiology). Despite its voluntary nature, this is a great opportunity to connect with a Prof (aka get a grad school reference)? cause you won?t find one in BIO150.?????
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5) It is a great idea to volunteer at a hospital. Med Schools like that sorta thing. Among many things, it suggests you aren?t just a Textbook Tammy, but likely posses at least one social skill too.
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While you may feel too old (or not old enough) to participate in ?candy striping,? you will be getting your foot in an important door. Opportunities will come if you are dedicated, trust me. Here are some ideas within walking distance from the university: Mount Sinai, Sick Kids, University Health Network.
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Good luck.?