Finding a good fit

As a recruiter, I would often talk to people about what makes a good fit. Even people who had been working for years would have trouble answering this question. Knowing yourself and how you fit into the positions out will help you stand out whether interviewing for another job or trying to explain why you should get into PA school. As you consider different avenues available to you, here's some things to keep in mind:


1) What do you like to do - What kind of things excite you about a job? Working at the bedside with a patient, working in a close knot team towards goal, solving a financial puzzle, research, supporting the team by digging into details. Skip past cliches like "I want to make a difference" and think about what kind of tasks make you feel engaged. Do you like working in big teams? Seeing new people every day? Do you like routine? Knowing these things about you will help you find roles that will keep you interested and satisfied long term.

2) What do you NOT like - What things would make you walk away from a good job? Repetitive tasks, smells, meticulous work, unsolved mysteries. Every job has aspects that are unpleasant, that's why they pay us to keep showing up. The fun parts of a job, those exciting things that first attracted you to that role, will become normal and boring over time. Finding a job with tolerable frustrations while avoiding unbearable issues will keep you satisfied long after the newness wears off.

3) Where are you starting from - still in undergrad, already have a career, working and haven't started college yet? When I decided to become a PA, I already had a bachelor's degree, family, and a mortgage. That shaped how I needed to pursue my dream. Taking an honest look at how long you have to prepare, what steps you need to accomplish, and what resource and support you have will clarify some of the option in front of you.

4) Know your financial wants and needs - No one works with patients just to make tons of money and not care about the patient. None of us do this for free either. Be aware of your obligations, plans, and expectations for compensation because the position you love may not pay as much as one you could force yourself to do.

5) Test your theories - The best way to truly see what kind of role fits you best is to gather evidence. Go shadow someone dong these jobs. Talk to them, read up on the positions on a blog like this, and try to find some opportunities to work or volunteer.