<p>Hey guys. I am going to be a Freshman at CC in the fall, and I was offered a position in a lab at the Medical center. I understand that there is a shuttle that would bring me to the medical campus and all, but do you think it would be difficult to work in a lab my first semester, or is it a good opportunity to take? I am planing on going to med school, so would this be good experience/preparation? How easy is it to get such postions in a lab as an unergrand. I don’t know if I should take this opportunity or wait until later on. Any personal experience or general advice would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>any thoughts?</p>
<p>a) so you haven’t set foot at columbia and already have a job offer in a lab - so this should answer your question how doable is it to get lab experience. plentiful number of labs, ask around to find someone who is a good mentor.</p>
<p>b) i’d ask for only a few hours a week at first, get your bearings first, and then explore more and more responsibilities (and this is almost verbatim what your advising dean would probably say). </p>
<p>c) but to answer your hypothetical (and i am guessing real concern for hte post) - what if you say no to this chance, will another one come later? who knows! there are a lot of opportunities, but maybe that one semester not doing med research makes you try and fall for something new. or i could imagine a more negative scenario where you just figure out you can’t cut it. regardless - i think the point is: so long as you work hard, figure out the ropes, ask the right questions and make good mentors and friends - there will always be another route to med school, or wherever your future takes you. you’re going to columbia, remember that, a lot of the hard work is over, at this point it is how do you capitalize on your talent and work ethic.</p>
<p>It’s pretty easy to get into a lab here. You might have to email several PIs just to get one yes, but everyone I know who has wanted to do research has found an opportunity. Also, there are many research institutions in Manhattan. I know people who work in labs off campus, so if, for some reason, Columbia doesn’t work out for you, you can always cast a wider net. You shouldn’t worry about that.</p>
<p>It’s really up to you whether you want to start research your first semester or not. Have you ever worked in a lab? What classes will you be taking? You can always wait a couple of weeks to get your bearings and then start working at a lab. Like I said, don’t worry too much about whether you’ll be able to find another position or not… You definitely will be able to, and if you don’t want to do research during the school year, you can always apply for the numerous summer research programs. </p>
<p>Med schools do like to see research experience, whether it’s clinical or bench-based.</p>
<p>Finally, do you really want to work in this particular lab? Are you interested in the research, or are you just relieved that they gave you a position? This is important because your level of interest will affect your attitude and motivation in the lab.</p>