Alternate Careers

Two reasons to look at alternate careers

Reason 1: Look at the dialog below.

Medical school interviewer: How do you know you want to be a doctor?

Applicant: I know because I just can't imagine myself doing anything else.

--Many an admissions committee member could be tempted to interpret the phrase, "I can't imagine myself doing anything else," as the applicant inadvertently disclosing that s/he lacks imagination and the inquisitiveness to find out about other careers. Now, this would be bad, because admissions committees tend to prefer imaginative students who look into things energetically.

It would much better to be able to say: "I have looked into a good number of different careers, and this is why I think medicine is right for me . . ."

So, look at alternate careers so that you can demonstrate to yourself and others that your chosen health profession is right for you.

Reason 2: Look into an alternative career because you might need an alternative.

The reasons might be financial or familial, but sometimes a person needs to change career plans--sometimes in a hurry! Have a backup plan.