Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hi Brian,

I'm wondering if you have any information on careers in optometry or in medical assistance , how much the average salary is, and what requirements are necessary to start a career in these fields, and if there are temporary jobs that can provide me experience in these fields.

I am an undergraduate student at Berkeley who has applied to medical school but am looking for back up plans.

Thank you.

From: Julie H., University of California - Berkeley


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Julie -

You can find additional specific information about the careers you mentioned (and over 300 others) in the careers section here at our site. You can also access salary information through the salary section of our site.

Regarding temporary employment in the field, first identify the specific job type or industry you are targeting. Then go through the Yellow Pages for your area and carefully read the ads under the "Employment Contractors-Temporary Help" section. Then call several that appear to work in your specific area of interest. Also, don't be afraid to make direct contact. As an example, optometrists are usually easily identified (again, through the Yellow Pages). Then it is up to you to make direct contact.

If you are at all hesitant about making direct contact, check out the chapter in my book dedicated to this subject:

Getting Inside Hiring Companies