I wish I had been given more supervision with my projects.
Advice
Summer internships are a great way to apply classroom knowledge to the real world.
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Research Assistant
June - September 2019 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
I liked the openness of my schedule, and how it was task-based opposed to time based. I also enjoyed days where we would visit horticultural research sites within the state to collect data.
What I wish was different
More of a task-based schedule during times when leadership was traveling to conferences. Division of responsibility amongst undergraduate students was adequate, however, could be improved.
Advice
I would keep an open mind, and go into a research opportunity with no expectations! Data collection can result in anything, so eliminating any biases beforehand will help you greatly in the long haul. Also, keep good notes for any protocol, or data that you collect so you can always go back to them at a later date.
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REU Student intern
May - August 2019 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
Great support system, interesting research projects, good food, well organized program.
What I wish was different
Dorm accommodations had no A/C.
Advice
Take advantage of all the events/resources available to you as a MSU REU student.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
February 2019 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
I liked the flexibility of when I could come, which allowed me to work a part-time job, study for my MCAT, and apply for medical school.
What I wish was different
Although I enjoy volunteering, it would have been nice to get paid (I was 1-4 hours every day).
Advice
Ask a lot of questions and have a lot of conversations with your mentor(s) and PI. It's better to ask if you don't understand something than pretend like you know what's going on only to have the same thing come up again later! It is also great experience to do things related to your lab and your research like Mid-SURE (or UURAF in the school year).
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Clerical Aide
January 2018 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
I loved the experience and everyone I worked with.
What I wish was different
I wish I got to live closer to my job.
Advice
Working here had such a positive environment and I learned a bunch about data entry and working full time jobs.
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
As a research assistant, it is common for graduate students to instruct you to run experiments and to collect the data for them to analyze. Therefore, having a solid foundation sing excel is pertinent to staying organized when there are multiple ongoing projects.
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Student Supervisor
May 2019 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
Flexible work schedule, great environment
What I wish was different
Sometimes communication was lacking
Advice
It’s a great summer job and they pay the same or almost the same as other part time jobs, this one is much more enjoyable.
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Sports Camp Assistant
June - August 2019 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
My coworkers and superiors were all very helpful and understanding. We built s close community that was very welcoming. I made many friends.
What I wish was different
Nothing! My experience was wonderful!
Advice
Make sure you disclose any scheduling conflicts ahead of time. They will be able to work with you better, especially your coworkers.
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Production Assistant/Student Cook/Host
September 2016 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
It's a very friendly working environment and all of my coworkers are very nice and helpful. I've made great friendships and connections doing everything I have done.
What I wish was different
The only thing I can say I wish was different was the scheduling issues with the cafeterias and how they run during the summers.
Advice
Be open to learn more things and always open for improvement and criticizing. You get to work with minimal supervision but you don't want to mess up in this environment.
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MSU Tour Guide
May 2018 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
Talking to people and being outside
What I wish was different
I wish I had something more worth while like an internship or something relating to my major
