Great work environment, a ton of learning opportunities
What I wish was different
Longer job, more extended opportunities after termination
Advice
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CRTA fellow
May - August 2018 • Frederick, MD
What I liked
What I wish was different
I didn't really have a project
Advice
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Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The research was incredibly interesting. They gave me a very meaningful project to work on, and my mentors were extremely kind and helpful. The resources devoted to summer interns there were also incredibly useful. Med school advisors, free seminars and classes, shadowing opportunities, etc.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Apply before December, and send your resume to many potential research advisors. Labs fill up very quickly.
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Intern
May - July 2017 • Rockville, MD
What I liked
The principal investigators and mentors were incredibly helpful and encouraging to work with. I learned so much through this internship and I have wonderful memories I will carry with me forever.
What I wish was different
It was a bit difficult getting started from a different state because I couldn't get fingerprinted for my badge until I was in Maryland.
Advice
Never be afraid to ask silly questions if you have sincerely tried to figure out the answer yourself first.
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Intern
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I loved clinical research and getting experience in my field.
What I wish was different
I wish it was an easier system to navigate; the NIH is a big place and structurally it can difficult to navigate.
Advice
Take advantage of all opportunities!
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National Institute of Health
June - August 2018 • College Park, MD
What I liked
Great learning environment
What I wish was different
More social networking
Advice
Apply early
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Lab Technician
June - August 2019 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The different job opportunities at NIH
What I wish was different
The duration of the time I spent; I wish it were longer
Advice
Always network with everyone you come in contact with. Treat them the same even if youre not interested in their work. Who you know will sometimes take you further than what you know.
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Software Engineering Intern
June 2020 • Rockville, MD
What I liked
The challenge of learning on the job, how to tackle real-world problems. Working at NIAID at a time of global pandemic, has truly been a unique experience. Public health is at the center of attention like never before. Really felt like I was making a difference to something greater.
What I wish was different
Due to circumstances outside of anyone's control, the internship was virtual rather than in-person.
Advice
Don't give up when problems seem to arise. It is easy to be overwhelmed as you come into a new culture and work environment. Keep trying and circling back with people. Be a team player and a good communicator.
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Summer Intern
June - August 2017 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I enjoyed the flexibility in work as well as the independence I was given. It was very interesting work as well.
What I wish was different
I had a little too much independence and I was expected to do some work that I had never been taught before alone. However, this was specific to my supervisor and I know many people who were walked through every procedure step by step.
Advice
Be ready for anything. A summer intern and the NIH gets to learn a little bit of everything. Make clear what procedures you need help with as well.
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Summer Intern
June - August 2017 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Learned methods of basic research in the world's premier research facility.
What I wish was different
The ordering department often had lags in ordering which delayed my experiment by a month.
Advice
Never be afraid to ask questions or a favor. As an intern, everyone there wants to make sure you learn as much as possible and enjoy your experience.
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Researcher
June - August 2017 • Frederick, MD
What I liked
Flexible hours and nice coworkers
What I wish was different
That it had been longer
Advice
Pay attention
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Research Assistant
May 2018 • Stony Brook, NY
What I liked
I adored being able to do independent research, as I intend on pursuing a PhD, and this summer gave me a more accurate representation of what graduate level study is. I also was able to present at a symposium and have received offers to give talks to freshman at the university about getting involved in research.
What I wish was different
I wish I had a better relationship with my PI, as I am no longer in that lab. However, it was a good learning experience.
Advice
Get involved with summer research earlier!
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Biology Research Intern
May - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Awesome immersive learning experience in a huge community of some of the foremost researchers in the world. The experience exposes you to clinical and research experiences and gives you a lot of flexibility to pursue exactly what you’re interested in.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Make sure to apply early and reach out to as many PIs as possible as soon as you can. Your chances of getting an internship are directly related to how many people you contact and how soon. Admissions are rolling, so the sooner the better!
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Quality Management Intern
January 2017 - June 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The variety of projects was incredible. I worked with virtual reality to participating with high-end meetings. I met some really impressive people in multiple fields, not only the health department. The NIH is a beautiful campus that motivates innovation.
What I wish was different
The dynamic of the team I wish it would be a bit more youthful or active.
Advice
BY ON TIME! One of my biggest weaknesses is punctuality. It was embarrassing the times I came in a bit late.
Always talk to your supervisor about future plans and/or study issues.
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Postbac
August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Hands-on experience at the Mecca of biomedical research! You have the ability to be published and be a co-author on articles in high-profile journals!
What I wish was different
Advice
It’s difficult to completely immerse yourself in a different place away from everyone and everything you’re used to. Focus on learning every day and making the most of what the NIH has to offer!
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Biomedical Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
great atmosphere and people, got to pick a project I enjoyed, gained a lot of experience
What I wish was different
Advice
More Bioengineers at Penn should apply to it
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Medical Health Researcher
May - July 2018 • Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province
What I liked
Cultural immersion
What I wish was different
More mentorship
Advice
Be flexible
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I appreciated the relaxed collaborative atmosphere there.
Everyone was very helpful and very friendly
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been paid.
Also, there was some bureacratic holdups that delayed my starting day
Advice
Make sure to apply early so you can get a paid position and so they can get your paperwork in on time.
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Summer Intramural Research Training Associate
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The program offers a lot of flexibility in mentors and research projects. You certainly come into contact with a lot of amazing people and get a chance to reflect on your future career aspirations. Additionally, the NIH offers a unique network of renowned researchers as well as supporting peers and excellent mentors that help guide your internship experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
In your time at the NIH, it is absolutely pivotal that you connect with doctors and scientists that peak your interest. Even a simple informational session can lead to a future opportunity. Don't be afraid to reach out!
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Cancer Research Fellow
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I had a lot of independence working on my own research project related to Graft-versus-host disease in patients following allogeneic stem cell transplant. An excellent mentor guided me through the structure of clinical research and provided me with excellent shadowing opportunities in the clinic. I liked how at the end of the summer I was able to present my research to the NIH community at large.
What I wish was different
I have no complaints!
Advice
I would suggested really taking advantage of all of the opportunities the NIH has to offer, like lectures and career seminars.
