Be prepared to be self-motivated in your research! It is a great experience, and you have agency over how much work you do each day, so make sure you are checking in with your advisor and keeping yourself on track.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
Definitely how approachable the professor is.
What I wish was different
If it was much more guided in the beginning.
Advice
Be open to learn and try new things.
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Research Team Member
May - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
Working with research team members from different majors.
What I wish was different
The experience was virtual because of the pandemic. Having it in person during a regular summer would’ve been more valuable .
Advice
Be open to working with others who have different experiences or background than you.
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College Teaching Assistant
May - July 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
The pay rate. Getting a chance to better my understanding of the material.
What I wish was different
I wouldn't change anything.
Advice
Have fun
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
My advisors were very kind and patient. They understood that there was a steep learning curve when I joined since I had never dealt with electric vehicles before. They were also understanding that some weeks were harder than others and let me worked on my own schedule for the most part.
What I wish was different
I wish it were in person and not remote.
Advice
When it comes to remote work, make a strict schedule and stick to it as best as you can to get your work done.
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Undergraduate Researcher
June - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I liked how I was able to really focus on research, giving me a lot more experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Design research assistant
June - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
Loved doing remote work and the fact that it was only 30 hours per week. The material waste-streams research was very interesting, too.
What I wish was different
Not a thing. 'Twas a perfect job.
Advice
Take remote work where you can get it, even when the pandemic is over.
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HCII Summer REU
May - July 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Working remotely on a solo team limited the scope of what I was able to handle for the summer. Prioritize working on larger group projects than solo projects.
Advice
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Biology Research Intern
July - October 2020 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
Experiencing a new type of research-computational as opposed to wet lab.
What I wish was different
More structured
Advice
Be proactive at your job and it will be a better experience
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Research
July - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
I was able to have my first research experience
What I wish was different
I wish it had been in person
Advice
Keep looking for experience opportunities for the summer! I didn't find this until late May.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2020 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
the professor was super helpful, and we had weekly one on one's. I also liked having a lot of freedom in the project
What I wish was different
It was a remote experience, which meant I didn't have access to tools like good soldering irons. Not the employer's fault at all though, it just wasn't the most optimal situation
Advice
always communicate with your professor! they're always very helpful and you learn something new every time
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Research
June - August 2020 • Doha, Qatar
What I liked
The ability to research with professionals of the field who give advices and insights about the research.
What I wish was different
I wish the job wasn’t remote, since it would add more communication and feedback to the process.
Advice
Research requires hard work. It is very time flexible, you can work in the morning, noon, or after midnight. Just make sure to put all the work coupled with a tick of passion.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2018 • Pittsburgh, PA
What I liked
Cooperative environment, incredible mentorship from guiding graduate student
What I wish was different
Perhaps more responsibility with experiements
Advice
Many professors won't respond to requests to take on an undergrad, don't be discouraged! It's mostly a numbers game
