I liked that we were given autonomy to work on our own and to get up to speed with the existing work in order to learn more. Additionally, I enjoyed that the program was multifaceted and was not focused solely on projects but also on how engineering research can be used to impact local communities.
What I wish was different
I wish we had more time work on our projects and that we were given a little more information before hand so that we could start to read up on the literature surrounding our projects.
Advice
I would advise others to pack more warm clothes, even though it was hosted in the summer. Also, to bring a eye shade because there was almost 15 hours of sunlight that far north.
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Physics Research Intern
June 2020 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
One of my favorite things from this summer was refining my understanding of my problem, coming up with an idea to solve it, and making the problem come to life. The things I worked on were mostly engineering and alignment of an optical system and learning/writing code to run the optical system, which give me a lot of room to get creative and find efficient, neat ways to get tasks done. I liked having my own workspace and being able to directly apply things I was learning as I was learning them. This is in preparation for running experiments investigating how clouds absorb light. I also liked the people I was working with. They were always ready and willing to help me out when I needed it.
What I wish was different
I wish it had been easier to connect with the professor I'm working with . Due to the pandemic situation this summer, he spent much of his time working from home instead of hand-in-hand with students in the lab the way he had in the past. While we still collaborated via Zoom and email and had the very occasional in person meeting, it's not the same as having him in an office one floor up. It draws out a question that could be answered with 15 minutes in the lab because it's not worth it for him to come to the lab for just 15 minutes.
Advice
Freedom can be a blessing and a curse. It gives a person a lot of room to learn, experience new things, and get creative with how they want to do things, but it also gives them room to fall behind, get stuck, and stay there. Be proactive with your time and mental stamina, and don't be afraid to reach out to other people to get advice or help.
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Embedded Systems Software Developer
May - August 2020 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
The environment was great, the faculty was willing to help me learn and was understanding of problems that may arise when factoring deadlines.
What I wish was different
I wish I had better communication at the beginning of the internship, however I was learning so much and spending most of my time reading documentation that it is understandable.
Advice
Even though it may seem like at first an internship is too advanced or you are not cut out for it, your employers do not expect for you to know everything about the industry and enjoy the process of learning new things, as that is the whole purpose of an internship (gaining practical experience).
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Student gardener
May 2020 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
My boss Quincy was extremely nice and helpful. There was always stuff to do and getting up early was a great start to the day.
What I wish was different
A little more variety in the work. It got repetitive some weeks.
Advice
It's a great job to have to spend a summer in Houghton. Just show up everyday and work hard.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2018 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
Very flexible hours and ample opportunity to work
What I wish was different
Less busy school so I could work more
Advice
School is important, and working teaches discipline and gives you something to do
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Research Assitant
May 2019 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
This was very flexible, and I loved being able to stay in Houghton for a summer! I was able to work in the lab and out in the field and pretty much set my own schedule.
What I wish was different
I wish the schedule would have been a little more consistent.
Advice
All I did to get this opportunity was ask one of my professors if he knew of any lab work opportunites over the summer. I would suggest getting close to some of your favorite proferssors and ask for anything you may need or want.
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Student Caller (Fundraising)
August 2019 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
Adam is a great boss.
What I wish was different
The alumni can be very rude.
Advice
I know it can be boring, but this is a great job, especially when you get a really good talk with an alum.
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Technical Writer Intern
May 2019 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
I absolutely love the environment.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
It is a large work load to take on, you should be ready to dive into projects as soon as you start.
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Career services coach
August 2018 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
Nice team environment
What I wish was different
Advice
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MiCUP Student Coordinator
April - June 2019 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
I loved working with student from typically underrepresented minorites and helping them to succeed in their research opportunities on campus. It was amazing to see where everyone came from and how their experiences have shaped who they are today and who they want to be tomorrow.
What I wish was different
I wish the students had been able to realize how much they really got out of the program. They took for granted a lot of the opportunities and resources they received. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience for them, and I don't think many of them realized that.
Advice
Be open. You never know who is going to walk through that door. By keeping an open mind you can learn so much more.
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IT Student Technician
November 2018 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
Good hours and fun working with computers on campus
What I wish was different
Nothing in particular
Advice
Great summer job if you're staying in the Houghton area
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Summer Youth Programs Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
This is really a great job; working at Tech, you get to explore a great place and work at a nice institution. If you live up here, take advantage of what the UP and Michigan Tech have to offer.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2018 • Houghton, MI
What I liked
I like how challenging and open ended the research process is. Getting to tackle and solve a problem is very rewarding- and helpful!
What I wish was different
I wish I had started sooner.
Advice
I would take as good of notes as you can and pay attention to details. Don't be afraid to ask for help!
