St. Olaf College

Technology Consulting Assistant

May - August 2023 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

The co-workers and supervisors were really jind and the working enviroment was really nice.

What I wish was different

A higher base paid.

Advice

Drink alot of water and asking questions

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Researcher

June - August 2021 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I loved being able to do contemporarily applicable science in the realm of sustainable chemistry. Our project involved development of a new chemical procedure which was a really interesting challenge. Additionally, we got to use problem solving skills to analyze complicated data. One of the most rewarding things was a when a particular characterization method returned the expected result, verifying that the compound I theoretically made was, in fact, present in the sample.

What I wish was different

At times, our lab was somewhat crowded (five people working full time, at the same time, using the same resources). If there was more time and/or more space, that would definitely have made for a more productive and enjoyable summer.

Advice

Don't be afraid of the experience! I remember I was incredibly anxious of imposter syndrome and worrying people weren't going to like me and whatnot, but doing summer research was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far!

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CURI summer researcher

June - August 2021 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I was able to be very involved in the research project I was on and feel like I was really contributing to the research in a meaningful way. I was also able to participate in a poster presentation to gain even more experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Student Researcher

June - August 2021 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Relaxed work schedule, high productivity, good feedback.

What I wish was different

Nothing much.

Advice

It may seem like a long time but it isn't. Work very hard in the beginning so the remaining time can be relaxed.

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Glacier change researcher

June 2021 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I loved getting to work in a small, tight-knit group on something that not only interested me, but would also provide me with skills for future endeavors.

What I wish was different

I wish I had considered this option one summer earlier! I had a great experience and definitely would have tried to do it the summer after my freshman year, too.

Advice

If you are at all interested in research, consider partaking in research with a professor. Make sure it is something that actually interests you, too.

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Student Researcher

May - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

The relaxed atmosphere and ability to structure my work day in whatever way I saw fit, and that I was able to align the project with my own personal interests along the way.

What I wish was different

I wish I had had more time to work on the project, as it was so expansive.

Advice

Always, always try for something, even if you aren't sure you will get it or if it will align perfectly with your major. You never know what opportunities could arise.

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Student Researcher CURI

June - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Lots of freedom with my schedule, working on a self-directed creative project.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Desktop Support

May - August 2018 • Saint Olaf, MN

What I liked

My boss and the type of work. The hours were also great.

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Great experience for people interested in IT.

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Event Coordinator

June 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I liked how collaborative and flexible it was. I was able to take charge of my own assigned events while communicating with other team members on how we can make other events run smoother and also make our current events more comfortable for our attendees.

What I wish was different

I wish to have a more structured schedule however, I know that its close to being impossible because we cannot predict what exactly our event heads wants and how exactly they want to run their events.

Advice

You need to be open to the idea of controlled chaos! That's the only way one is able to get through working in logistics during the summer.

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Research Assistant

May - September 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Great work environment.

What I wish was different

I would have preferred something closer related to my chemistry major.

Advice

Be open to learning

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CURI

May - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

It was fantastic to be able to focus on my research for 10 weeks without having to worry about school or other obligations.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

CURI is a fantastic opportunity for any Oles who think thy may be interested in research.

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Research student

June - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Good relationship with mentor and coworkers. Flexible schedule

What I wish was different

The organization of tasks and goals could have been better

Advice

It’s great. Very worth doing and could be a long term work experience too!

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Rolvaag Summer Circulation Worker

May 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I liked the work schedule, that it was in town, same thing I did during the school year, lots of flexibility in the work I did

What I wish was different

I think it was good all around

Advice

It is nice to work on campus so take advantage of it!

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Engage Immigration Intern

December 2017 - July 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

At this internship I compiled an annotated bibliography, assisted in organizing a conference for faculty, compiled data resources relating to immigration, and updated the Wordpress website. I learned a lot about ethical ways to conduct community based learning and research on topics surrounding immigration.

What I wish was different

Overall a very positive experience!

Advice

Staying organized and creating your own schedule with personal deadlines helps you stay on track.

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CURI Student Researcher

May - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I made connections with my classmates.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been a project that was closer to my future career path interests.

Advice

Choose your project carefully-- you'll be thinking about it nonstop for two months!

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Events Staff

May - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

What I wish was different

I had really crazy hours sometimes.

Advice

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Admissions Ambassador

June - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Having a variety of roles within the office

What I wish was different

Advice

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Student Researcher

May - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Flexible hours, interesting work

What I wish was different

Everything went great, really pleased with how everything went

Advice

Be ready to work a lot, but for it to be gratifying work.

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Student researcher

June - August 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

Very flexible and independent work

What I wish was different

I wish it had been longer!

Advice

Talk to the people you want to work with early

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Music Department Assistant

May 2018 • Northfield, MN

What I liked

I enjoyed learning about the ways that the music department works and getting an inside look at music administration and management.

What I wish was different

The only thing I would change would be the ability to have more hours and a slightly more flexible schedule. For example, if I'm working on a project it would be great for me to spend an extra hour working on that one day and then be able to take an hour off the next day.