Finding Research Programs and Opportunities
- Identify target experience – clinical, research lab, clinical research coordinator, community service, or? Narrow search with your preferences – location, key research(ers), specific populations, support network, etc. – then broaden search.
- Find where that happens – independent labs, academic, medical centers, government, researchers?
- Talk with people – alumni, faculty, current peers about summer experiences. Use LinkedIn, Sagehen Connect, Pre-Health, connections from your experience.
- A note about networking . . . do your research, be courteous, always send a thank you, you are beginning your professional connections!
- Design your search – job postings, listservs, cold emailing, target local med centers, networking, get additional training? (Med assistant, EMT?) temp jobs
- Be organized – use a spreadsheet, follow up, talk with people, be persistent (and polite!) Sometimes it is a numbers game . . . but focusing / targeting helps!!
- Ask for help – Pre-Health resources, Career Development, colleagues, peers!
- Follow up and revise as needed
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
What to Do During Your Gap Years
Making the Most of Your Gap Year
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
How to Get Research Experience
American Medical Association (AMA)
Capitalize on Gap Years Before Applying to Med School
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH Intramural Postbaccalaureate IRTA Program
Research Training for Recent College Graduates
Find NIH Research Groups NIH Institutes and Centers
How do I Find an NIH Research Mentor? – excellent tips for finding and applying
Summer Research Opportunities for Pre-Meds In California
Sample Research and Gap Year Programs:
Cohen Children’s Medical Center: Gap Year Internships 2025-2026
City of Hope Research Positions
Gap Year / Bridge Year Programs / Organizations
Special Needs Camps and Programs
Keys to Job Search Success
KNOW WHAT KNOW WHO DESIGN YOUR FOLLOW UP!!
YOU WANT WANTS YOU SEARCH Evaluate
