I enjoyed that this internship was very independent and had a flexible schedule that I created.
What I wish was different
I wish that it would have been easier to find people to interview for my videos.
Advice
I came into this internship with some previous experience using editing and film equipment and that was very helpful to have.
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Research Assistant
May - August 2022 • Saint Peter, MN
What I liked
I loved having the opportunity to connect with a Gustavus professor as a mentor and advisor, as well as with a Gustavus peer for conversations about everything from humanitarian crises to the ethics of documentary-making to what we had for breakfast.
I also appreciated the opportunity to connect our research with the current events happening around us. It really showed how flexible our topic was--we could connect it to most everything.
Finally, I appreciated our opportunity to present our research to other Gustavus humanities researchers and the Gustavus Deans/Provosts at the end of the research period. Seeing the others' work really helped make connections to our own, and putting together our own presentation really forced us to reckon with how to consolidate and make our work comprehensible for people who had not spent 400 hours reading the literature available on the topic.
What I wish was different
I would have taken days off every once in a while--I did mostly 40 hours a week for ten weeks straight, but with the intense topic area and large amount of reading, some breaks would have been nice.
Advice
Be really open-minded and flexible about what you're going to learn and what tasks you're going to do. Every single day is different.
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Summer Programs coordinator
May - August 2022 • Saint Peter, MN
What I liked
My staff and coworkers
What I wish was different
Everything was a new and wonderful experience
Advice
Getting to know new people is fun and learning if you put the effort.
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Marketing Intern
June - August 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I liked building closer relationships with my supervisors and getting constructive criticisms.
What I wish was different
My work was a mix of virtual and office hours. I wish there were more collaborations in the office.
Advice
There are quite many options to focus on. I would say to choose work more relevant to one's own fields of interest.
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Student Researcher
June - August 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
The fieldwork aspect fo the research, especially during rainstorms makes the job so fun and exciting! I also enjoyed the professional working environment as I got to work with 2 faculty, 2 other undergraduate students and an environmental scientist. This enabled me to develop interpersonal communication and teamwork skills. The research experience also allowed me to be very independent and henceforth develop great my problem-solving skills.
What I wish was different
It was an amazing learning experience and I wish nothing to be different!
Advice
Keep going! A lot of times, the equipment won’t cooperate and things won’t go as planned and that’s okay. The experience gained in troubleshooting is worth the skills mastered in the end.
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Chemistry Research Assistant
June - August 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
Flexible schedule, got to work in a field I was interested in, and a great way to get to know professors in the department
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I really liked working alongside professors in the biology department and fellow research students. In addition, the opportunity I received to learn about research projects that were happening simultaneously in other departments at Gustavus, and develop positive and professional relationships was very amazing.
What I wish was different
I wished that the research duration would have been longer to generate more results and gain more experience, but I loved having the opportunity!
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions, branch out and expand your horizons! Professors and fellow research students are always willing to help you whenever you feel like you could use some.
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Technology Consulting Assistant
June - September 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
Connecting with managers and other departments
Working closer with other students on projects
Leading projects throughout the summer
What I wish was different
Covid changed the experience for the worse. Usually the students are more connected through the summer.
Advice
Stay busy, buy Spotify premium or another music subscription, and pick a good playlist, learn as much as you can
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Environmental Chemistry Research Intern
June 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
In reflecting upon this summer’s work there are several areas where I personally experienced concrete growth, the first of which would be by simply working in a lab 40 hours a week I gained better control of my technical laboratory skills and I was exposed to instrumentation that at the beginning of the summer I had never even heard of, to now where I am confidently running those same instruments independently. Secondly in the area of career or professional development, I now have an experience that I not only gained a lot of knowledge from, but it also sets me up to have a stronger resume and thus better chances at securing the next opportunity I apply for. Additionally, I was fortunate in the fact that my advisor could secure another grant which allows me to continue working on this project part time throughout the school year. And finally, this summer of research along with help from my academic advisor has provided me clarification as to what exactly I see myself pursuing as a lifelong career. I went into the summer as a biology & biochemistry double major and I came out an environmental studies & biology double major with intentions of following up my undergrad studies with a graduate program in climate research & environmental science. I loved how much growth this opportunity provided for me in various aspects of life.
What I wish was different
Having the experience slightly overshadowed by COVID-19 is the only thing I could wish would be different.
Advice
I think the biggest piece of advice I would share is just to go into any new experience with an open mind, I was quite worried about how this summer would go & I absolutely loved it!
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Physics Research Intern
June - August 2020 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
Hands on work.
What I wish was different
No covid-19
Advice
Be patient with your work.
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Building Carpenter Helper
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
The people I worked with and environment.
What I wish was different
The way the head of the facility treated people.
Advice
Work hard and do what you are told. Rewards come from it.
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Farming Intern
May 2017 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
Independent work
Outdoor working conditions
Flexible Schedule
What I wish was different
More labor support from other interns
Advice
Being able to work independently is a big part of working on the farm. Planning a work task schedule throughout the season is an important part of making those works efforts successful and and effective.
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Undergraduate Researcher
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I enjoyed the atmosphere and ability to ask questions when needed. Very friendly and supportive group.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more experience before entering the job and more communication towards expectations with the job.
Advice
Do not be afraid to ask about job performance or expectations during any part of your time working.
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Economic Research Analyst
June 2018 • Mankato, MN
What I liked
It gave me a good idea of what I would be doing in the future as I would like to get a Ph.D and become a professor
What I wish was different
I wish data gathering had been easier, and that I knew more about what going into research is like; such as the constant feeling not knowing what could happen next and the constant need to be flexible in data gathering, methodolgy, etc.
Advice
Be prepared for confusion and not knowing what to expect. Data might not be available, methodolgy might require more work or could be altered entirely, the theory needs more reading, or a change of ideas since someone already did the research for it; whatever you do just be ready. It's an unsettling feeling but I promise when it's done you won't feel prouder about it.
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Student Researcher
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
This was a great experience to work directly with a professor on research that I had just taken a course on. It allowed me to strengthen my mentor relationship, as well as learn a ton of knowledge about legislative research and Minnesota law. This allowed me to experience research that is not "hard science" based, as most students would assume that you are working in a lab and with microscopes!
What I wish was different
Sometimes I was definitely homesick, as summer is when a lot of events happen at home for me. This isn't really something that could have been changed, but I wouldn't give up the research experience that I gained!
Advice
I think that it is important to find a professor that you already work well with or relate well with. This can allow for the summer to not feel so lonely. Summer can be hard with random roommates that you likely don't know not (and not everyone is paired with individuals they mesh with), but a professor can be your support/friendship to combat the empty/summer atmosphere that campus provides.
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Data and Research Internship
June 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I liked that I got to work with very upbeat coworkers and boss. I loved learning about how to use excel and SPSS programming because it's something I know I will use with my major.
What I wish was different
I can't say I would change anything except for going to bed sooner on my part. Putting in an 8-hour work day is hard on little amounts of sleep - so I wish I would have put sleep as a priority to be even more productive while working.
Advice
Getting enough sleep!
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Animal Behavior Research
June - August 2018 • Leola, SD
What I liked
I loved being outside for a good portion of the day, gaining new skills, learning about the environment and the organisms within it! It was nice to actually apply what I've learned in the classroom and in the lab in a work setting.
What I wish was different
It would have been nice to be closer to home.
Advice
It can be good to try something new, even though it may be a little challenging at first.
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Landscape Installation Foreman
June - September 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
Fresh air
What I wish was different
Not 100 degrees out
Advice
Easy
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Intern
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I liked having the hands-on lab experience where I was fully engaged in a new job process that I had never done before.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had more time to complete everything.
Advice
Definitely to apply for things even if you feel overwhelmed by the inexperience you may have. I had very little experience but my energy for and drive for learning and growing found me this position.
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Researcher
June - August 2018 • St. Peter, MN
What I liked
I really enjoyed conducting research in general, it was a great experience that gave me the opportunity to experience what I want to pursue as my career path.
What I wish was different
More time is always valuable
Advice
Conduct research something you are interested in, it will make your experience so much better! Additionally, do not be affraid to ask for help and questions.
