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Can I get a job related to the career I'm interested in? Could that help me with my classes and help me learn faster?
I'm about to graduate from high school and I need a job, but I don't know if I can get a job related to what I'm going to study in college while I'm in college. For example, I want to be a dentist and I want to get a job as dentist assistance. Does it help me get more advantage in college?
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Tierney’s Answer
All great responses above! I would suggest trying to get your foot in the door at a dentist office just to make sure that's the environment you want to be in every day. There might be an opportunity for an apprenticeship or even someone who schedules or calls back appointments. I know in my city, they have a dental college where students can practice on people at a discounted rate. There could be an opportunity to help out there just to understand the basics. I also believe in being well-rounded. Taking your experience from serving tables can help with your "bedside manner" and ability to communicate and meet your customer's needs. Any job will help you get to the next level as long as you use it as a learning experience and keep a growth mindset. Remember, you will be working for the majority of the rest of your life. It's ok to go have a fun summer at a golf course too! :) -TB
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Felicia’s Answer
I think the most beneficial thing you can do early in your career is open yourself up to the possibilities that come your way. Career paths are rarely a straight line. If you limit early career steps to a narrow perspective, you limit your opportunity to explore at the very time you need to explore the most! Of course, if a job as a dental assistant comes your way, consider it, but it isn't the only path towards your goal. If you are open, you can learn from all types of experiences. For example, maybe working at a daycare fits into your freshman schedule and gives you the chance to learn about being a professional running a service-based company, how to keep up with business licenses or continuing education credits, or how to refocus the attention of a frustrated or hurting customer. Maybe a back office job with a chiropractor is between work and home, lets you study more when you have a heave course load, and you can learn about billing and insurance processing on the job. Perhaps working in a more urban or rural setting will expose you to an unfamiliar customer base that makes you more at ease take a great job after graduation. Or maybe you work at a movie theatre and meet the best dentist in the area there because she takes her kids to the movies every Saturday. These are just a few seemingly unrelated possibilities that could lead to becoming a great dentist. The point is, as long as you are open to learning, any job early in your career can provide beneficial experience, and you’ll be surprised how often jobs unrelated to courses of study play a part in the multifaceted professionals we become!
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Deborah’s Answer
I'm not a dentist, but here's what I think. First, google what training, if any, is needed for a dental assistant job. If you're not quite ready for that position yet (and you may be), then there may be other jobs in a dental office you could do. Once in that job, see if some of the dentists will mentor you. If you have your own dentist, ask to talk to him/her and find out what's involved in being a dental assistant, and what other advice they have towards having your jobs through college compliment your classes, etc. Great job being proactive, and good luck.
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Sugumar’s Answer
Hi Maryuri, consider interning at a dental clinic while studying to gain practical experience and excel in your profession. Note that you'll need a degree and license to practice independently.
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Marie’s Answer
The following skills can be obtained at many jobs this goes along with Felicia's answer. Do not limit your experiences to one track.
Detail orientation
Interpersonal communication skills
Active listening skills
Service orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Organizational skills
Each state has different requirements to work as a dental assistant, from on the job training to trade school certificates. After training and time you can take a test to get certification thereby enabling you to work were your college is at.
Detail orientation
Interpersonal communication skills
Active listening skills
Service orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Organizational skills
Each state has different requirements to work as a dental assistant, from on the job training to trade school certificates. After training and time you can take a test to get certification thereby enabling you to work were your college is at.