I enjoyed the collaborative environment while exploring meaningful applications for supporting and advancing the health and performance of airmen, warfighters, and civilians alike.
What I wish was different
Bureaucratic communication, that is the delay of communication and the chain of command, was the greatest (though minor) source of frustration.
Advice
The quality of the experience is dependent on the effort, commitment, and passion of the intern.
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Biodynamics Intern
May 2022 • Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
What I liked
Working for the Air Force gives you so much experience in so many different areas. In my building alone, there were always at least 4 studies going on at once, and I was always welcome to help with any of them. You will be given specific tasks sometimes, but other times you can help with whatever study interests you the most. In that way, your work is customizable. Also, everyone was very nice and the hours were very relaxed.
What I wish was different
Sometimes I got bored because I wasn't always given a task to complete or there would be too much time and not enough to work on.
Advice
Always ask if you can help anywhere1
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Research Inern
June - August 2020 • Rome, NY
What I liked
Very hands-off style of mentorship. Internship allowed me to learn a new skill and perform largely independent research with guidance from two highly experienced researchers.
What I wish was different
Pandemic made the internship remote. I wish I was able to perform the internship on site.
Advice
Be prepared to take a personal stake in teaching yourself some of the required material.
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Research Scholar Intern
May - July 2020 • Albuquerque, NM
What I liked
I had an awesome mentor who taught me so much. I learned a new coding language and other software as well as some experience with a professional environment.
What I wish was different
It was completely online because of the pandemic, so I wish it could have been in person on base.
Advice
I found out about this opportunity from an upperclassman who was a TA for one of my classes - so my advice is to ask everyone where they have worked or interned and what it was like or how it went!
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Mathematician Intern
May - August 2019 • Rome, NY
What I liked
I greatly enjoyed the freedom and hands-off approach to the internship which allowed me to explore and challenge myself in my learning and understanding of new mathematical concepts.
What I wish was different
Since the program was new and it was the first time it was implemented, there were certain kinks in scheduling which made it a little difficult to get comfortable in the work environment as I had little knowledge about the location. They also had little knowledge about affordable housing in the area for the summer.
Advice
It is important to go in with an open mind as there will often be people from around the United States, and even from other countries, who will suddenly be your partner or work-mate. Both of you will bring different experiences to the table and it is important to recognize that they are all important in understanding the problem and subject from multiple angles.
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Intern, Analyst
June - August 2017 • Rome, NY
What I liked
There are a wide variety of projects that are occurring at the lab. Also, the work schedule is rather flexible, and the Utica-Rome area is cheap to live in.
What I wish was different
Some regions of the lab have poor utilities coverage (wonky heating, poor WiFi, etc).
Advice
Regarding this internship site: they do not employ many interns directly; they hire contractors. Consequently, if you want to work at the Lab, it may be a good idea to apply for a job at the contractor's company/organization (such as the Griffiss Institute), who will then "loan" you to the Lab for the summer.
