How to Research Medical Careers
The medical field is a complex and varied industry, where people from all walks of life and job positions mingle to care for people and save lives. When people think of a medical career, doctor and nurses come to mind, but there are also other paths that people can pursue within the field such as phlebotomy, hygiene or research. The best way to find out what suits you best is to do your own research of different career paths.
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Instructions
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Do informational interviews with people who have the career you want. Informational interviews are interviews where you ask questions about one's career path, background and insights about an established professional's career to give you an idea of what you should be expecting in a particular type of job, and if this is the right position for you. Make sure you make a list of people with different positions to interview; a doctor may have a different outlook of the medical field than a nurse. Informational interviews may also be an opportunity for your to network with other professionals, or find a position as an assistant in a medical office.
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Talk to a career center counselor. Visiting your career center will give you insights about other pathways in the medical field, as well as the necessary education, tests and licenses required for these careers. Counselors can put you through a series of tests to determine your interests and see if these fit certain job categories. The best start to research a medical career is to find out more about yourself first, then select a job that involves doing what you love to do.
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Get an internship to immerse yourself in the job. The best way to find out what type of job fits you best is to try the job out for yourself. A career may look good on paper because of the income and prestige it brings, but to be sure if you can handle the work, you will need exposure into different jobs and scenarios. Visit local clinics and hospitals to open yourself up to opportunities for work.
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Pick a job based on your favorite science classes. Think of classes that you enjoyed taking in high school or college and follow a career path based on that. If you loved chemistry, a job as a pharmacist may suit you more than as a physician. Nutrition and diet are fields that a dietitian specializes in.
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Volunteer in areas where medical professionals are needed. Doing this will broaden your perspective and invite you to evaluate your intentions for pursuing a career in the medical field. Your job prospects may chance once you see that certain areas are experiencing employee shortage.
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