Brigham Young University

Undergraduate Research Assistant

May 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I liked having the opportunity to work in a field related to what I was studying. I like the problem solving aspect.

What I wish was different

You are paid by finishing a task, not by the hour technically

Advice

Plan on things taking more hours than they do.

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Accountant

May 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

Working as an accountant in regulatory accounting for BYU allowed me to gain audit experience. The job is preparing me for my future career and offers a lot of schedule flexibility.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to learn more about the specific responsibilities of the other people in my office so that I could see how my tasks fit into the overall picture.

Advice

When you have a task and are unsure how to proceed, look for examples of how people did it in the past or research possible solutions. Trying to find a solution on your own before going to your manager can provide meaningful learning opportunities and show your manager that you are competent and resourceful.

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Math Research Assistant

September 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I like everything about it. I'm learning so much about academic mathematics and mathematical research, and I am improving my ability to understand abstract mathematical concept.

What I wish was different

Not much.

Advice

Do it, it's awesome.

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Research Assistant

June 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I liked being able to work closely with my professor in the design and implementation processes of the research study I was involved in. It was a great opportunity to be able to learn about what important questions should be addressed when creating a research study in addition to methods that can be used to obtain data for different study focuses.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had applied for the position sooner!

Advice

Apply to be a research assistant early in your college career. The experience is invaluable, and it looks great on your curriculum vitae if you're considering applying for graduate school programs. By applying sooner and earlier, you can become more aware of the opportunities you have to be involved in scientific research as well as what fields of study you may find more interesting than others.

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Camp Counselor

May - August 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

It was a good opportunity to help youth and be a support for them.

What I wish was different

There was very little free time, which made doing the job all summer long very stressful.

Advice

be prepared to run on little sleep. But overall, have fun!

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House Painter Helper

April 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I loved the people I worked with. They put me right to work and I was able to learn a lot more skills because they trained me as I worked

What I wish was different

The hour were tough because it I a morning job. But I managed

Advice

Be coachable and don’t be afraid to mess up.

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media designer

February 2018 • Provo, UT

What I liked

My team of other student workers is great, and my boss really helps us learn the things we need to in order to have marketable skills.

What I wish was different

Being a student, it is difficult to balance work and school. Students are only allowed to work 20 hours a week during the semester, which is low depending on your credit load.

Advice

Be willing to try new things and ask for help!

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Grounds Caretaker

March 2017 • Provodnikovskoe, Moscow Oblast

What I liked

Having a flexible schedule as a student was really important, and a reasonable hourly wage. You can work flexibly with your classes and get paid well too!

What I wish was different

Advice

Make time for yourself still. Work and class are important but so is your mental, physical, and emotional health.

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Mentored Research Program

April - July 2019 • Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai

What I liked

I loved the hands on experience of being able to choose and develop our own research ideas. I also was able to form close relationships with my fellow students and professors.

What I wish was different

I wish I had prepared more for the experience, especially with language and cultural things.

Advice

I would recommend an experiential learning experience like this to anyone who can! I think it helped me become a better student, it helped me think more about the application of the skills I am learning right now, and it was a once in a lifetime experience! If you are interested but don't think you can afford it, apply for scholarships and grants; they are easy to find if you ask around!

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

April 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I liked having the opportunity to participate in the academic process for research.

What I wish was different

I wish I had the opportunity to learn more skills and to earn higher wages.

Advice

Research helps build credentials for graduate school, but is not necessarily the best job for making money

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Security Officer

April 2017 • Provo, UT

What I liked

Great environment to work in

What I wish was different

Advice

Look to help with anything and be proactive in your work

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Astronomy Research Assistant

January 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I liked being able to see real life applications of the physics I have studied for the past 4 years.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Nursing research assistant

April 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I liked having a flexible schedule and participating in something bigger than just school. I feel that this experience will enhance my lifelong learning and help me get into graduate school

What I wish was different

I wish I had dedicated more time to the projects given. Flexibility also requires accountability

Advice

Make sure you start while you still have a year or so left in school to make sure you get a chance to publish or present your work.

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Lifeguard

April - August 2019 • Provo, UT

What I liked

I loved the chance to work with families, improve my skills, and spend the summer in a beautiful place (Aspen Grove Family Camp)!

What I wish was different

I didn't like the way that pay was distributed/set up. Instead of getting paid hourly we all got paid the same, regardless of how many hours we ended up working. And I often ended up working more than 40 hours/week