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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Summer IRTA
May - August 2016 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
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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Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Great experience, learned lots of useful techniques, was able to present research
What I wish was different
Location
Advice
Get to know your lab team
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Summer intern in the National Cancer Institute
June - September 2016 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Intensive laboratory research working for a real world purpose.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Give it your all, but don’t get discouraged if things don’t work. That’s science.
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Summer Student research fellow in the Tovi Lehmann group of the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research
May - July 2018 • Rockville, MD
What I liked
Really great environment, allowed me independence, helped me realize how much I love working in a laboratory environment and shifted my post-grad plans. Got to collaborate with the Smithsonian Institute. Also liked that I was at the Rockville location instead of the Bethesda headquarters, which was much more stressful.
What I wish was different
Didn't get much chance to work on my own research, but that really wasn't a big deal because I liked the research I got to assist in a lot.
Advice
The lab you choose makes a huge difference. If I had been with different people, I would have had a wildly different experience.
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Summer Intern
May - July 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Everything !
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time to go to workshops
Advice
Take my time, enjoy what I can now, and never lose focus
