Can anyone give me some post-college advice?

[mom'sfolly]

If you really liked a certain professor or subject, see if that professor has a research position in his or her lab. Many of these jobs don't get posted, some do, it sort of depends on the type of position.

I don't know where you are going to school, but many universities have lots of labs that are independent, and hire people. I worked several years in labs at the University of Minnesota after I graduated from college. This will also expose you to an academic working environment, so you can see for yourself what it is like. Most university labs run on soft funding, and the fight for money can be ruthless. Also working for a university allows you to continue to take coursework.

The micro work might also up doors. Especially if you have cell and tissue culture.

 

[BarkerChickens]

First off, Congratulations!

I agree with you regarding taking the GREs now! It takes a few weeks to get scores in and most colleges want your scores, apps and transcripts sent in by the beginning of January...some February. They understand that you aren't done, so the final step is submit the final transcripts after you finish school. The biggest reason I say for you to take the GREs now is if you don't get a high enough score for your satisfaction and/or the schools recommended or required score, you have to wait 4 weeks to retake the test (at least in my area).

As for grad school, I highly recommend looking for a great school with research funding. Med school doesn't have as many funded programs, but most PhD programs (medical/veterinary research or PhD/MD-combined) will have funding. Usually it is tuition paid PLUS living expenses. In this economy, this may be the best option...grad school with work/paying job built in. Paid internships (or PT vet tech position if you are going for vet school) while attending school is a good option as well. For example, I found a grad program that paid for my schooling plus paid every two weeks, so I didn't have to work a second job during my MS degree (though I did work one day a week for a local firm for the experience).

I don't recommend waiting to go to school since once you make some money, it is hard to give it up and head back to school. You may want a break, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised how much fun grad school is. Of course, it is lots of work, but you get to study what YOU want...not general ed and the predesigned course curriculum for a Bachelors.

Worst case, apply for grad school now and if change your mind or don't like the school that accept you, then look for work. Meanwhile, if you decided to go to grad school, you already applied.

If you think you will be interested in working, find a local organization that has monthly meetings, etc. that is related to your field. For example, I am a hydrogeologist and there is a local geological society near me with mostly professional geologists that attend the monthly meeting. Find one in your field of interest (or a couple of interests!) and start going to them. Networking can land you a job once you graduate! I can't express how much of a difference this makes for soon-to-be and recent graduates!

Good luck!!!!