Summer jobs

I worked as a sports cardiology administrator. I was in charge of coordinating and organising the admin for heart screenings for athletes.

It was an amazing experience and helped me learn to communicate with patients, even learning about how to perform and interpret ECGs and see interesting rare illnesses.

It really improved my confidence and furthered my interest and passion for Medicine.

My tip is to find a volunteering experience or a job that interests you, any person-facing role can be extremely helpful and rewarding. Having insight into people’s lives, feelings and listening to their experiences will make you a better medical student and future doctor.

I worked as a healthcare assistant.

I gained invaluable experience that solidified my passion and commitment for Medicine and prepared me for medical school.

Interacting with patients emphasised the importance of empathy, compassion, and effective communication, and working with a multidisciplinary team highlighted the significance of teamwork in delivering comprehensive patient care.

In my application and interviews, I highlighted my dedication, understanding, and relevant skills to becoming a doctor.

My advice is to be open-minded and receptive to feedback during work experience, as it will help you grow both personally and professionally.

I was lucky enough to shadow a local GP for my work experience.

The experience not only enriched my application but also prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the medical profession, emphasising my readiness to tackle diverse healthcare challenges with empathy and expertise.

I used my work experience when applying to medical school to highlight my practical understanding of the healthcare environment, and my commitment to the medical profession. In my personal statement and interviews, I provided specific examples of situations that showcased my hands-on experience. I emphasised how these experiences developed my clinical skills, deepened my understanding of patient needs, and taught me the importance of empathy and effective communication.

My top tip would be to cultivate effective communication and interpersonal skills, as these are crucial for patient interaction and teamwork!

I worked in a spa, providing small relaxing services to clients who wanted to wind down from a busy work week whilst also helping in the kitchen to serve drinks and confectionary.

I wanted to explore a wider sense of a holistic approach to care. Working at a spa allowed me to care for people in a different capacity to Medicine.

Whilst both professions differ in what they offer, the core values are very similar. I also understood how to change services based on client's medical issues, for example, skin conditions.

All experiences will have an aspect of care to people. My tip is to show commitment and put yourself forward for opportunities to talk to people. Build on your people skills; it is something we all continue learning, even after we graduate.