Published on: 13 December 2021
Last Updated on: 01 February 2025
The Caribbean consists of over 7,000 islands and the Caribbean Sea. Cays, islands, islets, and inhabited reefs surround the Caribbean region. The Caribbean is a well-known tourist destination with a considerable number of tourists visiting this island every year. According to the IELTS Practice Online website, the total number of visitors on the island in 2021 stands at 3.5 million.
Apart from being a popular tourist attraction, the Caribbean is also famous for medical schools- catering mainly to American and Canadian students whose applications got rejected. At present, there are over 80 medical schools on the Caribbean Island, accepting students from all corners of the world with average GPA or MCAT scores.
There’s no denying that a Caribbean medical school offers a second chance to those students who had not been accepted to the American or Canadian medical schools due to the competitive landscape. But, unfortunately, Caribbean medical colleges and universities vary widely in quality, accreditation, and attrition rates.
If you’re considering attending a Caribbean medical school, you definitely have navigated several websites with a bunch of conflicting information, untrue statements, and unbiased lists of recognition or ranking systems. This blog will walk you through different segments of Caribbean medical schools and help you make a well-informed decision for a rewarding future ahead.
Three tiers of Caribbean medical schools
Under the three tiers of the Caribbean medical schools ranking system, colleges and universities are classified into top-tier, mid-tier, and bottom-tier. The basis of categorization is a variety of approvals and accreditations. So, let’s gain a comprehensive understanding of the three tiers of Caribbean medical schools.
1. Top-tier Caribbean medical schools
Top-tier medical schools in the Caribbean have approval from US agencies, such as the New York State Education Department and the Florida Department of Education. Besides this, medical universities accredited by the Caribbean
The Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) or the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) is best to acquire medical education. These medical schools also have the approval to participate in the US Federal Direct Loan Program.
2. Mid-tier Caribbean medical schools
Mid-tier medical schools in the Caribbean generally lack full credentials. These medical colleges and universities are usually accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), but they hold only one state approval or not at all.
3. Bottom-tier Caribbean medical schools
Bottom-tier medical schools in the Caribbean are the ones you should ignore. These medical schools are only for profit-making purposes, and you will have a hard time getting out of them. Bottom-tier Caribbean medical schools don’t have any state approvals or accreditations.
Conclusion
For students wishing to attend a medical school on the Caribbean Island, check out accreditations and approvals of the colleges or universities you want to get into. Fully credentialed or top-tier medical schools are the ones that guarantee a promising career in this realm. The Caribbean also has some world’s leading international medical schools, with alumni working across the US and Canada. Browse now to make a sound decision!
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Networking is the process where you make connections and build productive relationships in your professional field.
It is an important factor if you want to grow professionally and seek new employment opportunities. A major aspect of networking is to get referrals. In this article, you will learn how to ask for a referral request.
Here, you will learn how to use your network to get referrals. As a result, you will have a better likelihood of getting access to new opportunities or cracking interview processes. Thereby, you can get better job offers and get professional growth. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
What Is A Referral Request?
Having a professional network is essential for every employee or businessperson. This helps you get access to referrals faster. Basically, when you ask a member of your professional network to endorse or introduce you to a prospective employer, it is a referral request.
For example, it can be something like reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn or asking a previous employer to refer you.
In fact, if you have a referral in your arsenal, you give employers a chance to distinguish you from other job candidates. This will increase your chances of getting an interview or getting the job offer itself. Generally, employers go for candidates with referrals since it shows that the candidate has skills and experience.
Apart from that, if you have a referral with you, it shows that you can form and maintain good work relationships. Also, it shows that you can form and nurture networks. For instance, you can request a referral from a personal acquaintance. Moreover, your interview preparation gets easier if you have a referral.
Hence, you must ensure that you are choosing the right person for the referral. Moreover, you must approach them in the right manner.
How To Ask For A Referral? – Steps To Follow
The following are some steps you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional you know:
1. Choose The Right Medium
While asking for a referral, you must consider your relationship with your referrer. Generally, the best medium to reach a referrer is through writing. For example, it can be a message, an email, a LinkedIn chat, etc.
Basically, the choice of medium depends on your relationship with the person. If the relationship with the person is formal, the best option is to use a written medium. However, if you have a causal relationship with the person, a face-to-face conversation can be handy.
2. Find The Right Person To Ask
Another important factor to consider is whom to ask for a referral. This can be anyone you know, a former employer, a friend, or anyone else. Moreover, you can also ask someone in your existing network.
However, the best person to ask for a referral is someone you already know. In fact, that person can attest to how you work and what your character is. Basically, the stronger the connection, the better the chance of getting a referral. Hence, the best option is to ask an ex-boss, colleague, former client, or even a college professor.
Additionally, make sure you are honest with the referrer and explain what you need. Also, explain to them how they can help you and how beneficial it will be for your career.
However, don’t ask for a referral from someone close to you, like a family member or a friend. In such cases, the referral request is obvious and does not help you during an interview.
3. Give The Referrer More Context And Reasons
It is important to provide your referrer with the context of the referral. In fact, tell them why you need the referral and what exactly you want to achieve with it.
For instance, if you apply for a job, be sure to attach a resume and the job listing to your request. Moreover, mention why you are asking them for a referral. For example, if you ask your previous employer for a referral, include a note that you have worked together.
Additionally, you can also include a portfolio of your other work if you want to provide extra context.
Here, you must make sure your request is not vague where your referrer is unsure about what you want. Also, ensure you give them an idea of how they can help you in the first place.
Actually, this extra information will make it easier for them to agree with you. Hence, they will be eager to give you a referral that will help you grow professionally.
4. Ensure The Process Is Easy And They Say “Yes”
When the referral process is easier, it will provide you with better results. Apart from providing them with a context, make sure they find it easy to refer you professionally. Additionally, you can also send your referrer with your career portfolio or your website. However, it needs to be relevant and must be an easy reference to consider.
On the other hand, you can face a situation where the referrer wants to provide you with a referral but does not have the time to do so. In such cases, you can offer a draft letter on your referrer’s behalf. This way, they can just add a signature to it or attest to it.
Hence, you make it easier for them to give you a referral. Moreover, they do not feel like they must push themselves to give a reference to you.
However, if you are an independent professional, you can make it easy for your clients to refer you. Here, you just need to create and provide marketing materials for them. For instance, you can use a business card, an email template, or just a website button. This way, they can quickly refer you to their network with minimal effort.
5. Give Them The Option To Opt Out
You can request someone to provide you with a referral. However, that does not mean that they will agree to provide you with that. On the other hand, you can feel that an ex-employer or a friend can help you. However, they might not feel comfortable referring you to their network.
Hence, you must accept the possibility of rejection and move on. Therefore, to prevent an awkward situation, you can provide an opt-out option in the referral request.
For instance, in your request, you can write, “It’s alright if you can’t provide a referral…” Hence, you are giving your referrers an option to exit. Also, you are not jeopardizing the relationship with them.
6. Ensure A Follow-Up And Express Gratitude
When you receive a referral, you need to express gratitude. In fact, it is not a good idea to take a referral for granted. For instance, if someone refers you to their network, make sure to send them a thank you note. This way, you are expressing appreciation.
Moreover, if a professional contact offers you a dream role, you must thank them for their time and support. Furthermore, even if you do not land the job, you must still express your gratitude.
How To Ask For A Referral? – Tips To Consider
Apart from conceptual skills, companies also look for networking and communication skills. You can prove your networking skills with the help of a referral. Hence, getting a referral is essential for business growth.
The following are some of the tips you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional network:
1. How you ask for a referral depends on your relationship with the referrer. For instance, if you ask someone an authority figure, you must use a formal tone.
2. You can also personalize your request if you understand it will work. For instance, you can include a thoughtful message. Apart from that, even if you are asking different people, make sure to write each referrer differently.
3. By being specific and providing context behind your referral request, you increase your chances of getting a referral.
4. Timing is the most important aspect of your referral request. For instance, if you know that the potential referrer is currently busy or not in the right mood, you must hold your request. Basically, you can yield better results if you ask at the right time.
5. You must build your network and grow it with time. In fact, once you prioritize your networks, you will not need to ask for referrals, as they will start coming your way. For instance, you can use a mutual connection when you are looking for a job or building a business from scratch.
Referral For Professional Growth: The Way Forward
Now, you know how to ask for a referral from someone from your network. Understand that the best referral comes from people you already know. Basically, if you have built professional relationships in your network, always feel free to ask for referrals.
Do you have more suggestions to offer on how to ask for a referral? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
Best LinkedIn Recommendation Example – How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation
The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love
What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know
If you seized a superior job opportunity, pursued a dream, or handled a family crisis, you might want to quit. However, you do not know how to resign and break the news to your manager. In this article, you will learn how to quit a job gracefully and professionally.
Once you figure out how to quit your job, you can maintain professional ties with your employer. Also, your transition to your new job or career will become easier.
Apart from that, this article also discusses the steps you need to take if you want to quit your job faster. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
How to Quit a Job? – A General Overview
The first thing you must consider when you want to quit your job is to get a valid reason. Although you always have the option to choose the best excuse to quit a job without notice, you must not do so. This is because it damages your reputation in the organization.
Here are some valid reasons why you might choose to quit your job:
Health reasons
Family responsibilities
New career goals
Excessive stress or anxiety
Pursuing further education
Starting a business
Taking a sabbatical
Relocating to a new area
An enticing job offers
A better career option that your current employer cannot offer
There can be more reasons depending on your situation. However, you must ensure your reason for resigning from your job is valid enough. Generally, companies consider these examples of quitting as positive.
Hence, before you learn how to resign from a job, ensure that you evaluate your situation carefully. Moreover, with proper planning, you will not create a gap in your income and employment.
How to Quit a Job with Grace? -Steps to Follow
If you want to know how to quit a job, the following are the major steps you must follow:
1. Plan Your Next Steps
Make sure to craft your resignation for maximum benefits. For instance, even if you want to resign desperately, ensure you have a strong action plan. This will help you move faster in your new direction. However, do not consider quitting first, as you will spend a lot of time thinking about it later.
Moreover, you must also consider the timing of your resignation. Consider whether you are in the middle of a project or not. For instance, if you finish the project, you can add it to your resume. Furthermore, you must also consider whether you need training for a career change.
To ensure that there is no gap in your employment or upskilling, ensure you have a job in line. Also, take your time to secure an interview or spend time on a skill-building course.
2. Create Your Resignation Letter (E-mail)
If you have a strong plan, it shows you are ready to resign. Now, you must begin writing your resignation letter. However, even if you choose to have a verbal resignation, make sure to send at least an email. This is because official documentation is necessary. Apart from that, sending an email is also a professional approach and respectful.
The following are the factors you must consider when you are writing your resignation mail:
To ensure there is no confusion in the process, mention the date of your last day at work. This way, you offer your employer the time to be prepared. Also, you can make your intentions clear from the start. Additionally, if there is a notice period, offer the 2 weeks notice letter.
Thank your employer and show gratitude, even if you cannot think of anything positive about this job. Still, you must thank me for the opportunity you had. Apart from that, you can also mention your reason for leaving.
Everyone wants to maintain a good relationship. Here, you can offer assistance during the transition between you and your successor. Also, you can offer help for a smooth transition.
3. Try to Resign in Person
Apart from writing your resignation letter, talk about the process in person. This way, you can show integrity and professionalism. Moreover, you will not end up surprising your manager with the resignation letter. Basically, once you resign in person, you can avoid any gossip or rumor in the office.
Moreover, if your manager works from an off-site location or you are a remote employee, then obviously, you might not want to resign in person. Hence, in such situations, you must be formal with your resignation mail and include everything necessary.
On the other hand, an email resignation can come across as cold and rude. Hence, resigning in a face-to-face meeting is a better step to take. Also, this ensures you have an open conversation between your employer and you. To ask for an appropriate time, make sure to email your manager or HR.
However, if your relationship with your manager or your HR is not great, and you want to avoid them, you must stick to the email.
4. Serve the Notice Period
Most companies ask for two weeks' time from an employee in the form of a notice period. However, in some cases, the notice period is four weeks.
On the other hand, some employers prefer to terminate contracts immediately. Hence, you must stay prepared for such decisions when you apply for a resignation. Such behaviors are common in situations where employees can easily remove contacts, files, and ideas.
Hence, your employer will surely want to avoid this. Hence, they can limit your time in the office by accepting your resignation.
5. Plan Your Transition Beforehand
Create a transition plan yourself apart from offering support to a new employee. Thereby, you can ensure your work, and your legacy continues in the organization. For instance, you can create a transition plan to show you have a professional attitude. Also, it shows that you have a strong dedication to work.
Hence, with this effort, you can ensure a positive attitude in the resignation process. Also, you will allow further communication if other opportunities arise during this time.
When you create a transition plan, make sure to outline the major duties and responsibilities in a comprehensive manner. Hence, when a new employee comes, they will know about what role they need to perform. Moreover, you must also detail your ongoing projects so that you can pick up where they leave you.
6. Ask for a Recommendation
If you maintain a professional attitude during the resignation process, you can ask your employer to offer you a recommendation. This will help you maintain goodwill with your employer, and you can request a recommendation from your employer.
Moreover, when you are asking for a formal recommendation, make sure to ask someone who is familiar with your work. Also, be clear about when you need the letter and what you want them to focus on when they offer you the recommendation.
7. Prepare for an Exit Interview
After you send your resignation mail, your employer might ask you to attend an exit interview. Here, you must give feedback that you feel is important for the organization.
Also, this is a great place to show your gratitude to your employer. Moreover, you might need to explain your reasons for leaving, the best thing about working here, etc.
Quitting Your Job: The Way Forward
Now you know how to quit a job professionally and gracefully. Understand that the most important part of a resignation is to have a plan for the transition process. Hence, if you work for a new role, consider boosting your skills, getting a certificate, or learning a new skill.
Do you have more suggestions for an employee about how to quit a job? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
Self-Improvement Tips For Managers
5 key Leadership Skills for Entrepreneurs
11 Roles That Are Skyrocketing In The Job Market
We have either been in the same spot a few times, or this is your first interview prep. No matter how often you straighten your tie, prepare yourself with your best answers, and finest smiles, chronic nervousness is common.
But why do we get nervous before an interview?
Even after understanding all the questions, why do our tongues get tied, and we can be at a loss for words?
Or do we?
Is there a possibility of this ever happening, or are we overthinking it?
The biggest reason behind pre-interview anxiety can originate from the myths and mysteries of a job interview. So, that is precisely what we are going to do today. Debunk these myths and give you the reality of a job interview.
Plus, this blog post will also focus on giving you curated advice for interviews to ace any, and most importantly, how to get rid of the anxiety psychologically.
Interview #Myths (...and the Truth)
As you prepare for your interview, here is some good news.
You do not have to perfect.
Do not worry; no recruiter is looking for a robot. We must already combat enough AI to take our jobs!
Authenticity will always trump any robotic response.
So, let's give you a few more good news!
Myth #1 – You Should Have All the Answers
Undoubtedly one of the biggest myths of job interviews is having all the answers. There is a misconception that your incapability to answer a particular question directly indicates your incompetency.
Reality
That is simply not the case. In fact, sometimes interviewers ask you bizarre questions to test your practicality or even your creativity.
Basically, there might not be a correct answer! They are just trying to understand how imaginative you are.
However, you might not have an answer to the question, which is all right. It is even okay to politely decline to respond politely. This shows integrity, as you do not wish to waste their time or your own. Plus, it shows your acceptance of your shortcomings and enthusiasm for learning more.
Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power
Since you are the one wanting the job, it is common to misconstrue a power dynamic. Many get nervous because they believe the interviewer holds all the power.
You might also place the interviewer on a pedestal, thinking they might know a lot and are probably judging all the questions.
Reality
Interview prep is always a two-way street. While the recruiter judges your capabilities, you are also assessing whether the job is right for you.
Plus, their thought of hierarchy can make you more nervous.
If you have confidence in your capability and know you will be suitable for the job, then treat your recruiter as your equal. The conversation can go much smoother from that point on.
Additionally, you are also allowed to have unique interview questions to ask your employer. It is not a one-way communication.
Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit
This is an age-old belief that what you wear will heavily influence your first impression on your interviewers.
However, the myth is about wearing a suit and always having a tie around your neck.
Reality
Not that it will hurt if you wear one, it is not a necessity. Dressing yourself up in formals and looking presentable doesn’t always end with a suit.
You can look presentable with a simple button-up & trousers.
For ease of understanding, we will pinpoint the ones who are not dressed up.
Un-ironed cloths
Denim
Clothes that do not fit you
Hats
Ripped or distressed pants
Pants with too many revealing pockets
Revealing clothes
Too many accessories
A face full of bright makeup &
Open-toed shoes (unless they are strappy heels but prefer closed-toed pumps) or sports shoes.
If you have a pressed shirt and trousers that fit with closed-toed shoes, you should be ready.
Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer
You will find many prints and place their resume in a new folder for their interview prep. They might even present their resume to the interviewer before allowing themselves to sit (...and without even being asked).
Reality
They rang up for an interview upon perusing your resume. Therefore, they want to avoid sitting and reading through your resume.
So, presenting your resume before presenting yourself is not a game.
More than your academic or professional achievements, they are here to assess your personal skills. Believe it or not, other candidates might have the same resume.
This is not to demotivate your professional capabilities but to understand that it has already created the impression it could.
The rest now depends on how you present yourself. Plus, this is an opportunity for you to make yourself stand out.
Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake
The things people overthink before an interview prep can charge anyone’s curiosity meter. One of them is having a firm handshake.
Many believe that a firm handshake can telepathically transfer one's strong will and professional excellence to one's interviewer.
Reality
Again, a good handshake is a sign of a confident personality. However, correlation is not causation.
That is, someone with a slightly weaker one isn't automatically wrong for the job. Shaking hands with the person who escorted you to your interview and your interviewers is a sign of respect.
Your interviewers will consider you as a polite being (...irrespective of the firmness of your hand). Plus, there are other factors to assess you, so rest assured they are not overthinking your handshake.
Also Read: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer
Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview
While preparing to be your best self in your interviewer’s eyes, do not forget this last-minute advice for an interview.
Check The Job Description: Before you sit before answering the questions, remember to go through the job descriptions a few times.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t answer one question, but you should know what job you are interviewed from. Plus, offering you a different job role other than the one in the description is also a major red flag you should look out for.
Research The Company: Do not give your interviewers the impression that this is just another interview. Show them that you want the job and start having personal communication about the company.
Knowing that you know about the company creates a steady impression.
Non-Verbal Communication: 70% of communication in your job interview is non-verbal. When you start your job interview prep, do so in front of a mirror.
Finding your best presentation posture, a pleasant smile, and firm eye contact. The entirety of you should be communicating with your recruiters. Especially if you are in a video interview, your non-verbal communication skills will be scrutinized more.
Keep In Mind the Timing: You should always be early enough for your interview. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s conceptual skills. nature, heavily influencing your acceptance rate.
Make it a habit to be 10 minutes before the assigned time for your corporate interviews.
Interview Doesn’t End After You Leave: Always send a thank you mail expressing your gratitude.
You can also give a better reply to a question asked during the interview. This will show your enthusiasm towards the job, and the fact that you are carrying your research forward even after the interview.
Bizarre Interview Questions (...and Their Answers)
Interview prep is indeed a serious matter. However, sometimes, interviewees can even ask bizarre questions to cut the tension and add some witty humor.
The wittier your answers to these bizarre interview questions are your recruiters will be impressed.
Here are some of the common questions whose answers you should prepare.
1. “What’s The Color of Money?”
A company once asked their financial candidates this question. This can either be a trick question or a question to test someone’s creativity & knowledge.
While the obvious answer would be green, one candidate answered “it depends on the country. While US dollar is green, Japanese Yen could come in blue, green, and purple based on the currency amount.”
Can you guess who was hired?
Yes, the one with a worldly knowledge about currencies from all over the world. Now, that is someone with a keen interest in finance.
2. “If you were shipwrecked on an island with no food, water, or internet connection, what is that one thing you would like to have.”
Now, this is a question that has no right or wrong answer. The recruiter is just trying to assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
One candidate answered “a kindle” which seemed like a dreamy answer. While another candidate said “a boat” which was quite logical.
The candidate who got the job said a hammer & a knife. Truly, you will need two important tools to fashion any tool out of whatever’s left.
This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate's’ conceptual skills.
3. “If you could fly or be invisible, what superpower would you choose?”
This is another interview question that recruiters use to break the ice. Through this superpower question, they are just trying to determine whether you are a spotlight person, or someone more willing to work behind the scenes.
Oddly, many choose flying over being invincible. However, for candidates who choose invincibility, recruiters can get an idea about their introversion or extroversion nature.
Therefore, when preparing for an interview, remember to choose these items wisely.
The End of Every Interview Prep
No matter how your interview was, always end it with a good note. Remember to shake their hands and express your gratitude for their time.
Do not rush the recruiters for a reply. Try waiting for 48 hours, and then send them an email asking for the result.
Your interview prep doesn’t end after the interview. A follow-up can always be a game-changer!
Hopefully, this blog post was able to calm you down. If you have more words of wisdom for our audience, please add them in the comment section below.
Read Also:
How Interviews With Industry Titans Motivate And Elevate Company Teams
Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer
