Hands-on, legitimate scientific research that was applicable to my desired future career. It also provided the opportunity to go to a national conference where I presented my research and learned more about public speaking, presentations, and networking.
What I wish was different
The timelines got chaotic at times- due to equipment malfunctions and human error there were many experiments that had to be repeated and threw off our timeline, meaning we did not accomplish all our research goals in our desired time frame.
Advice
If you want to go into a certain field and there is research on campus that applies, take the opportunity and see if you truly enjoy the research. If you do, you now have experience on your resume in your desired field, which is something employers look for. If you don't, you still have experience on your resume, and you have a better idea of what classes to take and what career you do or do not want to pursue.
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Orientation Director
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved being able to interact with a variety of staff, faculty, and students across campus in the months leading up to Orientation weekend. I also loved interacting with incoming families and students. Even months later, I keep meeting freshman who met some of their best friends because of our program. This is easily the most rewarding part.
What I wish was different
I loved just about everything about the job, from the people I worked with to the mission and purpose of our program. However, I wish I could have received more feedback from the people who attended the program on how we did so I could have had some critical feedback to look at for myself.
Advice
The autonomy and responsibility helped me thrive within this role. Look for positions like this one where you are given plenty of space to learn and grow, while having a great collection of supervisors that act as a great foundation for your growth
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Dow Center Assistant
May 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Workers are allowed to watch Netflix or do homework when there is nobody to help immediately.
What I wish was different
The shifts were 9 hours long. Shorter shifts would have been better.
Advice
Talk to the community members who come in. They are super friendly and want to be a part of Hope College life.
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Laboratory Preparation
May - August 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked that I learned manythings anout myself. I learned what things I enjoyed and things I didn't.
What I wish was different
I wished it was more research based where I am answering unanswered questions. I also wished that I wasn't working by myself.
Advice
It is tedious and need patience. Must talk with Professor at all times.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - July 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The subject was good and the autonomy which I was given to do the research was good.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Be prepared to be proactive when the mentor is too busy to help. Sometimes it is necessary to try to see where you are going and take personal steps to see that you get there.
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Undergraduate Researcher
January 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed being challenged to learn new things in an applied environment and how to communicate my findings efficiently.
What I wish was different
The only thing I would change is the amount of stress I was under to accomplish tasks.
Advice
If you're interested in doing research at Hope, take initiative and email or meet with professors that you are interested in working with.
