I got to work somewhat independently on a project for my PI, but she also helped me to set up shadowing days with doctors at the hospital.
What I wish was different
Higher pay
Advice
Just ask people! I was rejected from an internship, so I reached out to a doctor directly. She quickly said that she would be glad to have me shadow her.
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Pediatric Psychiatry Undergraduate Research Program and Learning Experience (PURPLE) Student
May - August 2018 • Aurora, CO
What I liked
I liked getting experience in a high-intensity facility and learning about all of the work going on there. It was helpful to learn about different positions within pediatric psychiatry (both clinically and in research fields). There were several professional development and shadowing opportunities that were helpful and interesting.
What I wish was different
The most difficult part of conducting research within 12 weeks as an undergraduate student is working with all of the demands of the people supervising you. You have to jump through more hoops than a performing animal to get anywhere. There is a clear professional hierarchy that you have to work around, and the training and opportunities of PURPLE focus on that hierarchy.
Advice
If you don't want to work in a hospital or as a researcher, this experience is not for you. Expectations are high and the PURPLE program is looking for a very specific type of person. I struggled because my personal philosophy differs from that of the program and of Children's Hospital Colorado. The PURPLE program wants people who are career-driven and will always put their work first.