http://www.colostate.edu

Colorado State University

Student Researcher

October 2018 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

In depth understanding of next generation sequencing with hands on involvement. I love that it is on campus and easily accessible as well as well-paired to my core curriculum.

What I wish was different

Advice

Ask a lot of questions and read a lot of literature to fully understand new concepts to then ask questions about. This shows interest and involvement and will really help you gain a full understanding. Senior research is the best bridge to further educational goals or career goals. Ask questions, build more connections, and get involved,
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Lead Mechanic

October 2014 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

It is on campus and worked around my school schedule.

What I wish was different

nothing!

Advice

School still comes first.
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Pollinator Ecology Intern

May 2018 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

I was able to learn about research and field techniques collecting insects and flower specimens. I also was able to learn about to categorize the samples and conduct transect plant surveys. I enjoyed working with the staff involved and the flexibility of the hours.

What I wish was different

I had very long drives to make. However, that is the nature of the job however I wish I would have had safer places to park my car as we went out into the field.

Advice

Make sure your schedule for the summer is highly flexible. Hours are heavily dependent on weather so they are not set in stone usually.
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Water Quality Intern

March 2018 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Independent work environment, competitive pay.

What I wish was different

Early morning hours, sometime 2 or 3am.

Advice

Get to know your professors, it might land you a job.
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Graduate Research Assistant

September 2015 - May 2018 • Palmer Lake, CO

What I liked

Working with a great adviser

What I wish was different

Getting paid more

Advice

Start a research that you love so you will not feel frustrated at any point.
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Accounting Tech III

December 2016 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Low stress, routine, stable, calm environment.

What I wish was different

Advice

Don't feel like you need to be railroaded onto the CPA track, there are many other opportunities out there.
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Occupational Health/DOT Professional

April 2017 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

What I wish was different

I wish the hiring process hadn't taken so long.

Advice

When you start a new job, always ask for help and advice when you feel lost. Chances are you aren't expected to know how to do everything in a new, entry level job, and your coworkers will be more than willing to help you learn.
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Instructor

August 2017 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Flexibility to create my own schedule

What I wish was different

Tenuous job security from semester to semester

Advice

Plan early and grade often to stay on top of the teaching workload
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Research Project Manager

June 2016 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

This position allowed me to further develop my professional network. Daily interactions among faculty, staff, and students at CSU provides an opportunity to network in multiple capacities. A strong and diverse network pays dividends while developing in a career path.

What I wish was different

Working for such a large employer has its difficulties. It can be difficult to find value in your position when there are so many other positions that are similar in nature.

Advice

Network with as many individuals as possible from all backgrounds. Respect the value of reputation.
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College Teaching Assistant

May - August 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

I loved the easy commute to campus. Teaching over the summer is also very fun because I worked with students who were dedicating all of their time to the class.

What I wish was different

I wish there was a more efficient system allowing communication between students and instructors and tas.

Advice

Always know what you're getting into when you start doing just that thing.
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Volunteer

January - December 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

I was able to practice what I leanred

What I wish was different

I wish I would have done this sooner

Advice

Start getting experience as soon as you can. This will help you weed out what you like or dislike, and will help you get a job.
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Athletics Communication Student Assistant

November 2017 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

The hands on experience. It's about the most real-world type of experience you can get in that field.

What I wish was different

The organization and communication of direct duties.

Advice

Be willing to be thrown right in and get really good at learning on the fly.
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Microbiology Undergraduate Researcher

May 2017 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Environment

What I wish was different

Hours

Advice

Work hard
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Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Gained field experience and applied lessens/concepts learned in classroom out in the field.

What I wish was different

Consistent schedule (it was dependent on snow melt/safety).

Advice

Keep an open mind and learn as much as you can while you are out in the field (ask questions!)
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Student Staff

April 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

My boss and coworkers are amazing to work with. It's a welcoming environment and a great place to learn.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be ready to learn! The first few weeks are packed with information, but then you find your groove.
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Graphic Design Intern

May 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

I love working in the Career Center as a graphic design intern because I am gaining valuable experience that I will take with me into my future! Learning about working in a client-based environment has been very important, and I am gaining experience using pertinent software for my career.

What I wish was different

Because of a quick turnaround on projects, there have been times where I wish I had more time to work on materials, especially during the school year. Time management is key!

Advice

I would advise any future interning students, especially in graphic design, to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about different software and programs - this internship has been a great opportunity for me to learn about the Adobe suite, and I feel incredibly confident on programs that I was not always completely familiar with. This has given me a head start in my classes!
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Orientation Leader

January 2018 - August 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Busy schedule, dynamic, lots of interaction with different people every day.

What I wish was different

I loved my Orientation experience and learned a lot.

Advice

Bring your authentic energy, a willingness to learn, and patience. Stay cool under pressure.
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Undergraduate Researcher

May - August 2021 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Very good experience
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Field Technician

May - August 2019 • Yellowstone National Park, WY

What I liked

Working in a national park, it was 97% field work with about 3% of it being data entry.

What I wish was different

I wouldn't change any of it. It was a unique experience.

Advice

Be over-prepared. For me this meant packing extra layers for weather, anticipating needing extra equipment, and embracing the fact that anything could happen.
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Field Technician

May - August 2019 • Fort Collins, CO

What I liked

Working with a team in Yellowstone National Park.

What I wish was different

More organization

Advice

I wasn’t sure if this was an experience I would enjoy, but I did it and loved it. So, just challenge yourself and try new things.
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