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Gaining Experience in the Health Professions

Why do I Need Experience?

If you plan to pursue a career in one of the health professions (medical, dental, veterinary, etc) it is important to gain experience in your chosen field before you apply. This is an excellent way to "try on" a career for a summer or a semester.

Admissions committees seek applicants who have not only strong academic qualifications but also an altruistic orientation, knowledge of the broad issues in health care, and an understanding of the rewards and demands of the profession. Volunteerism and community service demonstrate these qualities and are integral for a successful application.

You should not feel compelled to load up on experiences. In fact, getting involved in a few activities that are truly meaningful will be more beneficial than taking on too many and feeling overwhelmed.

Self Assessment

In order to begin looking for health related activities, you should start by doing some self assessment. Self assessment is important because it will help you refine your interests and enable you to present yourself more confidently on your resume and when speaking with volunteer and internship coordinators. Here are some questions to consider:

  • What subjects and activities inspire you and spark your curiosity?
  • How do you spend your free time?
  • If you had a day free of studying how would you spend it? (Sleeping doesn't count!)
  • If you were to help a population of people who would it be? Children? Elderly? Women? Spanish speaking? A mix?
  • Where and when do you want to complete this experience? In Providence during the school year? During the summer in an urban area? A rural area? International?
  • Is there a particular area within health care that you want to explore? For example, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, men's health, pediatrics, women's health, etc.

How to Search for an Opportunity

Many internship and/or volunteer positions require you to submit a cover letter and resume. If you do not have a resume, be sure to use Brown's CareerLAB Resume Tips Sheets.

There are several ways to search for opportunities in the health care field. Networking with friends, family, and faculty members is a great way to start. Health Careers Advising is always expanding their internship and volunteer listings. CareerLAB has internship listings and databases where you can read about students' past experiences. The Swearer Center for Public Service has over 30 community service programs in the Providence area as well as funding opportunities for other projects.