Will some experience in home care make my grad applications look better?

[eggfish]

I'm applying to grad schools in the fall (I'm about to start my last year as an undergrad).

I teach music to kids, but I don't get a lot of hours, so I've been looking at other jobs.

I have offers from Walmart (close), Chevys (close), and a home care company that focuses on dementia and Alzheimer's (will require traveling). Is it worth it to take the home care job even if it is inconvenient for the pay?

Edited August 11, 2015 by eggfish

[Crimson Wife]

I think it would look much better than retail or food service.

 

If you don't want to travel, check to see if you could get a job at Lindamood-Bell or a center-based Applied Behavioral Analysis program. You may find that the ABA jobs require some amount of travel, but it probably wouldn't be as much as home care.

[joneskellym]

I'm actually a caregiver for a man with ALS.

I think that experience in home care can be a definite plus if you are looking to treat adults or work in a healthcare setting during your career. It can also make for a stronger resume if the patient(s) that you take care of have specific speech/language deficits. For instance, I spend a large portion of my time at work helping my patient communicate (texting, emails, face-to-face conversations, etc.) When I apply to grad school, I will be placing a large emphasis on this experience. I took the job to determine wether or not I could mentally handle the late-onset disorder population. I definitely don't regret it, and I absolutely love my job.

That being said: make sure it is something that you actually want to do--not just something that you want on paper. It is a very hard job, and it can get to you mentally & physically. If you are not super excited for it & aren't getting a fair wage, then it really isn't worth it. 
 

[eggfish]

I'm actually a caregiver for a man with ALS.

I think that experience in home care can be a definite plus if you are looking to treat adults or work in a healthcare setting during your career. It can also make for a stronger resume if the patient(s) that you take care of have specific speech/language deficits. For instance, I spend a large portion of my time at work helping my patient communicate (texting, emails, face-to-face conversations, etc.) When I apply to grad school, I will be placing a large emphasis on this experience. I took the job to determine wether or not I could mentally handle the late-onset disorder population. I definitely don't regret it, and I absolutely love my job.

That being said: make sure it is something that you actually want to do--not just something that you want on paper. It is a very hard job, and it can get to you mentally & physically. If you are not super excited for it & aren't getting a fair wage, then it really isn't worth it. 

 

I ended up taking that advice and decided not to do it.  I want to work in schools, not nursing homes, and I would just be doing it to look good on paper.  Besides, I just found out I most likely have mono, so I don't know if I'll have the energy for travel.  I'm glad it worked out for you, though!

[eggfish]

I think it would look much better than retail or food service.

 

If you don't want to travel, check to see if you could get a job at Lindamood-Bell or a center-based Applied Behavioral Analysis program. You may find that the ABA jobs require some amount of travel, but it probably wouldn't be as much as home care.

I applied at some ABA programs yesterday because of this advice.  Unfortunately, the Lindamood-Bell in my city is looking for people with Bachelor's degrees right now.