Those working who work in the Med Center area, can you tell me about your experience?

Hi Everyone,

I’m a recent grad (MA in a Social Sciences field) that’s been looking for a job in the Med Center area. I applied for a few positions late July-mid Aug. and got a callback to interview from MD Anderson in a Coordinator role which I’m excited about. I thought it would have been a longer timeframe to even get back to interview me.

The position is a bit entry-level and I’m “slightly” overqualified. However, I figured it’d be a good “in” and with experience possibly getting promoted quicker. My questions are mostly about the process it took before getting your position. I know every hospital is different, but wanted an idea.

1. How long did it take from interview to start date?
2. How was the salary negotiations process? I know for MD they list the salary amount and I’m hoping to shoot for the higher range, but I guess I wanted to know did you tell them the max when they asked salary expectations from the get go?
3. Have you progressed in your department, switch departments, or even hospitals since working in the Med Center area? When talking to a classmate they stated MD should be my “retire” company and to try other hospitals first. My long-term goal is to switch to another department from what I’m interviewing for after gaining the experience and networking. Plus, I figured the name recognition would eventually make it easier if I do decide to change hospitals or move later down the line (I’m a transplant).
4. Overall how do you like the job and working in the Med Center area?
5. Any additional advice?