Little experience, graduated 3yrs ago how to remedy? Also does a contributorship help at all?

[motrax]

I only had about 3-4 mo experience for two different labs when I graduated, my school was super competitive for any internships back as an undergrad. Out of one of the labs I got a contributorship last year (all I did was notice some issues with confounds/controls that slipped through and do lab grunt work). The paper is in a specialist low-impact journal, so I don't think it'll help override my lack of experience.

 

 

I applied for PhDs and MS programs rejected from all a year ago or so (before that paper). In the mean time, I've been working in education for financial reasons (really enjoy it so far but not as much as lab work).

 

So, if I just get more lab experience I should probably be ok to apply right? I already know labs are hesitant to take on non-attendees. I doubt if I got an education credential I'd have time to play in a biology lab.

 

I'd like to start a PhD program, preferably in neuro or physio, in at least a few years. My gpa was a 3 and gres (need to be retaken due to time) are nothing special.

 

Edit: Forgot to mention my undergrad degree was in neuro.

Edited March 7, 2014 by motrax

[devneuro18]

So, your name was listed as an author on this paper? Having a paper regardless of where it is published or where your name is listed can definitely help you with admissions.

 

If you are looking for research experience, you could look for a lab technician position in a lab. Try to find a position where you will be working on research directly rather than one where you're primarily managing a colony or making reagents, etc.

[motrax]

^ But still not enough to counter my lack of exp right?

 

Where I live unless you have a MS+relevant experience or better you're not setting foot in a paid position as a tech. Unpaid undergrads still get priority on internships for lab tech, I think I might have to rework my way through the ranks somehow.