Ask the Experts: Failing Introductory Course in Intended Career Field
Question:
I want to major in Biology, get into medical school and eventually work as a physician. The problem is, I got a big “D” in Bio 101!! I plan to take the course over again since my school allows that option and I will work harder this time (I admit I didn’t give it my best effort the first time). But how will potential employers look at someone who wants to be a doctor, but couldn’t even pass an introductory course in his intended field?
First Answer:
My first reaction was: if you know the beginning bio course is essential for medical school (and you want to be a doctor) why DIDN’T you give it your best effort the first time? Are you sure that you really want to be a doctor…. or is it perhaps more the expectation of others than your own desire?
On the other hand, the first year of college is often a very difficult adjustment for young people. Many feel intense pressure to succeed, and end up so stressed out that they do not perform well. Perhaps that is what has happened to you. In any case, if you really want to be a doctor and feel that you otherwise have what it takes, make sure you do well next time and not just in this course, but do your very best in ALL your classes. Start laying down the foundation of a medical background by getting involved in medical organizations and perhaps, even volunteering at a health center or nursing home. Do well in school, network, get through medical school, and I seriously doubt your one “D” “way back when” won’t raise any eyebrows.
— Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.
Second Answer:
Are you seeking employment now in the medical field or are you concerned about future ramifications?
Although it’s sometimes hard to believe, employers are human, too (), and they understand that mistakes made during one’s early education are not necessarily indicative of their present-day ability. You’re making the best out of a bad situation — you’re retaking the course and committing yourself to turn in a substantially better performance.
If you’re concerned about addressing this issue in a job search you’re now undertaking, mention it briefly in your cover letter. Indicate to the prospective employer that you have rededicated yourself to your career goals and that you are diligently working to successfully complete the course. Don’t spend more than a sentence or two; focus more attention on your skills and qualifications.
— Rene’ Hart, Resumes for Success!
Third Answer:
If I were you, before I worried too much about what an employer might think about my “D”, I would ask myself the question, “Why did I get that grade?” I know that you stated that you “didn’t give it my best effort”. Does that mean I didn’t study at all, I thought I understand the material but guess I didn’t, or I spent time studying but next time I will have to study more. If the D was the result of a true lack of study time, once you retake it most schools will figure the new grade not the “D” in your GPA. I would check with my school to see how a repeat course is listed on the transcript. If you do well in all the other biological science courses as you progress toward your goal of becoming a doctor, an employer is not going to be too concerned about that biology grade.
If you studied for the course but did not do well,as a career counselor, I would have to encourage you to explore whether or not medicine is a good career choice for you. The classes in the biological science area will become much harder as your progress toward that goal. If you are struggling with biology right now, you might want to visit the career center at your local university and do some career exploration.
— Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Fourth Answer:
I’d be less concerned about future employment and more concerned about medical school admission committees – if your grades are not up to par you may not get into medical school. Taking the course over is definitely a smart decision. Consider going to your instructor during the second pass at the course –explain your concern to him/her. Keep in touch with that faculty member — at the end of the course, ask them to write a letter that gets placed in your file in the department’s counsellor’s office and keep a copy for yourself. That letter may point out your prior course performance “D” in the course and commend your desire to work hard to correct the problem by improving your grade by taking the course again.
When the time comes to apply for medical school — use that letter to refresh your instructor memory and possibly write a new letter, and submit to your medical application committee — if they question that grade. This will show your desire and commitment — I am sure that many fine medical professionals received the odd — less than average grade. Don’t worry too much – but make sure you “ace” all other courses. Good luck to you!
— Candace Davies, Director and Founder of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing and All Trades Resume Writing
Fifth Answer:
From your question, I sense you have recently begun your secondary education experience. And on the road you have currently chosen for yourself, you have at least another six to eight, perhaps more years of study before you. Couple that with the wake-up call you received in the form of a “big D in Bio 101” and I feel, you have some hard thinking to do.
Questions you may ask yourself:
- How are the rest of my grades? Is the Biology failure a glitch or a pattern? Are the rest of my grades at a level in which I may take pride of accomplishment?
- Is this the field for me? Granted having failed it an intro. course in Biology is not the end of the world, particularly at the beginning of my education journey. Only I know why I did not do my best. Was it immaturity, lack of interest, overwhelmed by the concepts, inability to assimilate the information or something else? Depending on my answer is where my decision will turn.
- Have I chosen medicine as my field because it is important to me or am I trying to please Mom, Dad, Gram, Gramps or some other significant person in my life? Society holds physicians in very high regard and that is heady stuff to behold. It is not uncommon for parents and significant others to place their hopes and dreams into the mind of their offspring and wish their children to bring them the accomplishment they couldn’t gain themselves.
- Am I prepared for the sacrifices demanded in the study of medicine? Recognizing the trend within medicine is toward specializations, which increases the time and compounds the demands and sacrifices.
To answer your specific question based on my assumption of your position within your education: I do not think a stumble at the beginning of your educational journey is going to be fatal, long term. The fact that your are retaking the class, that you recognize in part your responsibility and are willing to focus in your next effort speaks well of you determination and developing maturity.
— Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College
