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How can I start making connections with experienced individuals who are in the same career path that I am interested in?
I'm a senior in high school and I am interested in the medical field, specifically hoping to become a surgeon.
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8 answers
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Michel’s Answer
Joining clubs can be very helpful once you get into college. You will want to have experience with clubs because it will put you around other individuals who have the same goals as you do and the leadership is usually related to people who really want to make a difference in that club and it gives you more things to talk about when you start applying for medical schools. Volunteering in the hospital can be a great way to meet other people who have the same goals as you because a lot of medical school applicants will have hospital volunteering in their application for medical school. These are two really big ways to meet others that are trying to achieve the goals that you have. The other big one is other students in your classes these are going to be some of the biggest people that can help you know the process and the ins and outs of the process. If you are going for a science degree a lot of your colleagues will have some sort of idea of what is required during all of this process. Being around these science classes will also put you around people that have similar interests and can help you expand your social circle which can also help you find leads into research, clubs, organizations, volunteering, and shadowing of physicians.
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MARY’s Answer
Connecting with people of same mind and having mentors is very crucial in career achievement. You need to prepare yourself ( adequate knowledge) and be ready to learn.
Get other students of the same mind and prepare together for entrance to university.
Seek advice from surgeons around you perhaps in your local hospital.
Meet with medical students and get some past questions.
Get available materials on the net to prepare you ahead.
Join online medical community and attend online programs if available. Don't forget to get a mentor, this will go a long way. All the best dear.
Get other students of the same mind and prepare together for entrance to university.
Seek advice from surgeons around you perhaps in your local hospital.
Meet with medical students and get some past questions.
Get available materials on the net to prepare you ahead.
Join online medical community and attend online programs if available. Don't forget to get a mentor, this will go a long way. All the best dear.
Updated
Blanche’s Answer
Network, network, network. Look for your "tribe" on social media, LinkedIn, Facebook and join or follow associations that are relevant. Go to volunteer events in your area.
Updated
Ingrid’s Answer
Yes!! My son is in residency right now. It’s been a long road. He’s worked very hard & he’s excited to be seeing patients & practicing medicine.
Networking as everyone has said. Try American medical student association- you can join once you’re a freshman at college. Very helpful.
Right now your best bets are Volunteering locally & joining online groups. Online you can build contacts with like minded people. Look for groups associated with schools.
Volunteering is viewed as very favorable for medical school acceptance. They look at number of hours but also longevity of service. I’d recommend volunteering at your local hospital or hospice. You can do many things & those hours of experience go along way later because you’ll be more familiar with how hospitals work. Log your hours carefully and ensure you have everything signed at the facility. You can print volunteer hours log from online if your school doesn’t have them. Make binder to collect & organize all the items you’ll need such as what you’ve done with organizations you belong to now (sports, honor society etc) & one’s you belong to in college. Those med school applications sneak up on you & it’s suddenly hard to remember every little achievement.
General pre-med advice:
If you’re a senior do your FASFA right now! The money is first come first serve. You’ll need your parents to help. They have to log in their own account after you do yours & they have to enter their info. Set a reoccurring calendar reminder for every Oct 1st. This is the day FASFA opens every year.
Ensure you join at least one extracurricular activity in college. Be active & keep proof of the organizations activities (volunteering, raising money, social justice awareness).
When do you go to your college visit? Plan ahead. Find the groups you want to talk to. Maje an appointment ahead of time with financial aid.
Look into your colleges pre med groups. Alpha Epsilon Delta society & Phi Delta Epsilon Medical fraternity are great places to start. Both are co-Ed.
Look (google) premed boot camps and internships. Pre-med Internships are considered heavily in med school acceptance and give you great opportunities to network. Do your best to do at least one internship every year. Make sure you get a recommendation letter from each one.
Choose your major wisely. Most universities have Biomedical Science majors for premed. Take advantage of the free tutors and writing clinics!
Med schools are obviously very competitive. They look for grades, difficulty of classes taken, undergraduate RESEARCH work, volunteer medical mission work (this ranks surprising high on their wants list).
And of course your MCAT. Being a great test taker & taking more difficult bio med sciences, chemistries and physics before your MCAT is very helpful. And pay for the live review course before you take it. Go twice if you’re able!
Join FASTWEB. Look for scholarships. Work with your parents to fill it out.
Good luck!! The journey to surgeon is a long one but it’s an adventure!! Enjoy!
Networking as everyone has said. Try American medical student association- you can join once you’re a freshman at college. Very helpful.
Right now your best bets are Volunteering locally & joining online groups. Online you can build contacts with like minded people. Look for groups associated with schools.
Volunteering is viewed as very favorable for medical school acceptance. They look at number of hours but also longevity of service. I’d recommend volunteering at your local hospital or hospice. You can do many things & those hours of experience go along way later because you’ll be more familiar with how hospitals work. Log your hours carefully and ensure you have everything signed at the facility. You can print volunteer hours log from online if your school doesn’t have them. Make binder to collect & organize all the items you’ll need such as what you’ve done with organizations you belong to now (sports, honor society etc) & one’s you belong to in college. Those med school applications sneak up on you & it’s suddenly hard to remember every little achievement.
General pre-med advice:
If you’re a senior do your FASFA right now! The money is first come first serve. You’ll need your parents to help. They have to log in their own account after you do yours & they have to enter their info. Set a reoccurring calendar reminder for every Oct 1st. This is the day FASFA opens every year.
Ensure you join at least one extracurricular activity in college. Be active & keep proof of the organizations activities (volunteering, raising money, social justice awareness).
When do you go to your college visit? Plan ahead. Find the groups you want to talk to. Maje an appointment ahead of time with financial aid.
Look into your colleges pre med groups. Alpha Epsilon Delta society & Phi Delta Epsilon Medical fraternity are great places to start. Both are co-Ed.
Look (google) premed boot camps and internships. Pre-med Internships are considered heavily in med school acceptance and give you great opportunities to network. Do your best to do at least one internship every year. Make sure you get a recommendation letter from each one.
Choose your major wisely. Most universities have Biomedical Science majors for premed. Take advantage of the free tutors and writing clinics!
Med schools are obviously very competitive. They look for grades, difficulty of classes taken, undergraduate RESEARCH work, volunteer medical mission work (this ranks surprising high on their wants list).
And of course your MCAT. Being a great test taker & taking more difficult bio med sciences, chemistries and physics before your MCAT is very helpful. And pay for the live review course before you take it. Go twice if you’re able!
Join FASTWEB. Look for scholarships. Work with your parents to fill it out.
Good luck!! The journey to surgeon is a long one but it’s an adventure!! Enjoy!
Updated
Nandini’s Answer
Hello Rachel,
Here are some of the things you can do to expand your network:
1. LinkedIn - If you haven't done so already, create a linkedIn profile and follow people with similar interests and who are already in your chosen field of career.
2. Leverage your existing network of family and friends and enquire if anyone has connections to people in medical field you can talk to.
3. Next time you are in your doctor's office, talk to your physician and see if you can pick their brain or maybe even talk to some of their friends to get more insider knowledge.
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Here are some of the things you can do to expand your network:
1. LinkedIn - If you haven't done so already, create a linkedIn profile and follow people with similar interests and who are already in your chosen field of career.
2. Leverage your existing network of family and friends and enquire if anyone has connections to people in medical field you can talk to.
3. Next time you are in your doctor's office, talk to your physician and see if you can pick their brain or maybe even talk to some of their friends to get more insider knowledge.
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Rachel,
How to Make Connections with Experienced Individuals in the Medical Field
Building connections with experienced individuals in the medical field, especially as a high school student aspiring to become a surgeon, can be a valuable step towards gaining insights, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Here are several strategies to help you start making connections with experienced individuals in the medical field:
1. Networking Events and Conferences Attending networking events and conferences related to the medical field can provide you with opportunities to meet and connect with experienced professionals. Look for events specifically tailored to students or those interested in pursuing careers in medicine. These events often feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions where you can interact with professionals and gain valuable insights.
2. Volunteering and Internships Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities can not only provide you with hands-on experience but also allow you to interact with healthcare professionals on a regular basis. Additionally, seeking out internships or shadowing opportunities with surgeons or other medical professionals can give you direct exposure to the field and help you establish meaningful connections.
3. Professional Organizations and Associations Joining professional organizations and associations related to the medical field can offer numerous networking opportunities. Many of these organizations have student chapters or programs designed to connect aspiring professionals with established practitioners. Engaging with these groups can help you build relationships with individuals who share your career interests.
4. Informational Interviews Requesting informational interviews with surgeons or other medical professionals can be an effective way to learn more about their career paths and gain valuable advice. Reach out to professionals through email or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, expressing your interest in learning from their experiences. Be prepared with thoughtful questions and show genuine curiosity about their work.
5. Online Platforms and Social Media Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the medical field. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to demonstrate your interest and engage with others in the industry. Additionally, following influential individuals on social media platforms can provide insights into their work and potentially open avenues for connection.
6. Alumni Networks If your high school or future college has an alumni network, take advantage of it to connect with graduates who have pursued careers in medicine. Alumni are often willing to offer guidance and support to students following similar paths, making them valuable resources for networking.
7. Educational Programs and Workshops Participating in educational programs or workshops focused on healthcare or surgical specialties can introduce you to experienced professionals while allowing you to expand your knowledge and skills in the field.
By actively engaging in these strategies, you can begin building a network of connections within the medical community that may prove invaluable as you pursue your career aspirations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Medical School: Harvard Medical School’s resources on career development and networking provide valuable insights into establishing connections within the medical field.
American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA offers guidance on networking strategies for aspiring medical professionals, including tips for building meaningful connections.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC provides resources for pre-medical students, including information on networking opportunities and connecting with experienced individuals in the medical field.
These sources were selected for their expertise in medical education, career development, and professional networking within the healthcare industry.
GOD BLESS,
James Constantine.
How to Make Connections with Experienced Individuals in the Medical Field
Building connections with experienced individuals in the medical field, especially as a high school student aspiring to become a surgeon, can be a valuable step towards gaining insights, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Here are several strategies to help you start making connections with experienced individuals in the medical field:
1. Networking Events and Conferences Attending networking events and conferences related to the medical field can provide you with opportunities to meet and connect with experienced professionals. Look for events specifically tailored to students or those interested in pursuing careers in medicine. These events often feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions where you can interact with professionals and gain valuable insights.
2. Volunteering and Internships Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities can not only provide you with hands-on experience but also allow you to interact with healthcare professionals on a regular basis. Additionally, seeking out internships or shadowing opportunities with surgeons or other medical professionals can give you direct exposure to the field and help you establish meaningful connections.
3. Professional Organizations and Associations Joining professional organizations and associations related to the medical field can offer numerous networking opportunities. Many of these organizations have student chapters or programs designed to connect aspiring professionals with established practitioners. Engaging with these groups can help you build relationships with individuals who share your career interests.
4. Informational Interviews Requesting informational interviews with surgeons or other medical professionals can be an effective way to learn more about their career paths and gain valuable advice. Reach out to professionals through email or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, expressing your interest in learning from their experiences. Be prepared with thoughtful questions and show genuine curiosity about their work.
5. Online Platforms and Social Media Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the medical field. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to demonstrate your interest and engage with others in the industry. Additionally, following influential individuals on social media platforms can provide insights into their work and potentially open avenues for connection.
6. Alumni Networks If your high school or future college has an alumni network, take advantage of it to connect with graduates who have pursued careers in medicine. Alumni are often willing to offer guidance and support to students following similar paths, making them valuable resources for networking.
7. Educational Programs and Workshops Participating in educational programs or workshops focused on healthcare or surgical specialties can introduce you to experienced professionals while allowing you to expand your knowledge and skills in the field.
By actively engaging in these strategies, you can begin building a network of connections within the medical community that may prove invaluable as you pursue your career aspirations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Medical School: Harvard Medical School’s resources on career development and networking provide valuable insights into establishing connections within the medical field.
American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA offers guidance on networking strategies for aspiring medical professionals, including tips for building meaningful connections.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): AAMC provides resources for pre-medical students, including information on networking opportunities and connecting with experienced individuals in the medical field.
These sources were selected for their expertise in medical education, career development, and professional networking within the healthcare industry.
GOD BLESS,
James Constantine.
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Work in a hospital! You will meet so many people from all different backgrounds of medicine. You will make friends and form relationships that will open endless doors for you. You can start as a medical technician if you want something hands-on with patients. This usually requires a certification. You can also work in a non-provider role that doesn't require past experience. This includes working the front desk, admissions, phone operator, volunteering, and scheduling. There are so many options! I highly recommend working in a hospital because you will not only gain mentors, you can also observe and gain experiences that you won't find anywhere else. It is also a great opportunity to learn about how hospitals are run, from the cleaning of rooms, to staffing, scheduling, bed control, to the code team. It's a very complex system and having experience will make it easier to understand what being a surgeon, or whatever profession you chose, is really like. Hint: it's more like "Scrubs" than it is "ER".
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Great question! Initially I would say volunteer at a hospital to get the general lay of the land. Plus it looks good on a college app.
Complete the FAFSA asap! Apply to colleges with great science programs. Apply to scholarships (going merry is one search engine for scholarships that I like).
Select your college in may. Talk to your college advisor or docs/surgeons you know to see which major will serve you best. Work and study hard in college. Like, get all A’s if you can. Apply to med school. Study your butt off there. In all college levels, make friends (or at least make yourself known as a good hardworking honest student) and you’ll be on a great path!
FAFSA completion
College apps
Scholarships
College research (HS counselor can help)
Complete the FAFSA asap! Apply to colleges with great science programs. Apply to scholarships (going merry is one search engine for scholarships that I like).
Select your college in may. Talk to your college advisor or docs/surgeons you know to see which major will serve you best. Work and study hard in college. Like, get all A’s if you can. Apply to med school. Study your butt off there. In all college levels, make friends (or at least make yourself known as a good hardworking honest student) and you’ll be on a great path!
Christine recommends the following next steps: