It gives me something to do during the day; It's giving me experience communicating with people, working on a computer, answering the phone
What I wish was different
Nothing; this is a great job
Advice
Apply to jobs even if you're unsure of them. They might be a great opportunity.
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Student researcher
May - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
My favorite part of the experience was learning new skills and improving on old ones.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been a proper discussion about my hours and the structure of the work I would do in advance of the starting date.
Advice
It doesn't matter how little you think you know, just put yourself out there. Most people are willing to teach you as you go so long as you are dedicated and willing to learn.
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Research Assistant VI
October 2016 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Use of 3D-scanner and its respective software, SOLIDWORKS fixture design from reverse-engineered test components, using a gas gun to impact aircraft test components with projectiles shot at speeds over 700 knots
What I wish was different
Nothing. The testing schedule very reliant on my performance and a quick turnaround on my individual tasks, which motivated me to stay completely focused in order to avoid delaying the testing schedule. It felt like there was a lot of pressure on my shoulders, but with the expertise I have developed on the system I used, I had a feeling of self-accomplishment and felt like I was valued from the work I produced.
Advice
In a professional environment, try to understand all pieces of the process from start to finish, beginning with concept proposal, to test preparation and setup, to what makes a successful test, to post-processing data, and writing an analysis report. Everything will expand your knowledge of how and why you are doing what you are doing.
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IT Intern
March 2020 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I really love working for the Honors College, it's been a great environment to hone my business skills and try new things.
What I wish was different
Wish that I had applied earlier!
Advice
Be prepared to find out the ways to redefine your job and create new projects for yourself.
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Undergrad Research Intern
May - August 2020 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I loved working alongside faculty who have an actual passion for the work that they're doing. Helping them with real-world research that supports infrastructure on the city, county, state, and possibly up to the national scale has been without a doubt my favorite summer thus far, and I wouldn't have been chosen for it without Handshake.
What I wish was different
Like many others, I wish this had been an in-person job opportunity. However, because of COVID-19, the entirety of this position was held remotely with bi-weekly meetings. That isn't too bad with a programming job like I had, but being in person would have definitely helped foster connections between myself and the heads of the project. Not only that, but being able to get advice on problems in real-time being only an office over would have helped the flow of work immensely.
Apart from that, looking back on the summer I wish that I had a better outline for what I was expected to accomplish in between every meeting. Once every two weeks, I was given a goal to hit and was able to ask questions along the way. To improve this I wish I was given not only a "goal to hit", but also a more formal "goal if you struggle" and a "goal if you surpass the target". This does three things:
1. Helps minimize emails that could have been avoided
2. The "goal if I struggle" helps me see a baby step I can do to accomplish my expected goal
3. The "goal if I surpass" helps me to see the larger picture that my work is building into
Advice
If myself, today, could give one piece of advice to myself before I started the internship, it would be that no mountain is too tall to climb. I would sometimes struggle with being faced with a difficult task and get stuck not knowing a good way to complete it. At that time, I might have gotten frustrated. That is until I remember that my job is for undergrads to get experience in the field of research. I'm not supposed to know everything. I would have to remind myself that I have people above me literally wanting me to reach out to them for help. And so I did. And so I climbed my mountains.
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Research Assistant
December 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
What I wish was different
I wish that the training process for the tasks was better.
Advice
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Bursar Student Assisant
July 2020 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I enjoy helping my student body
What I wish was different
I wish I could have started in a normal semester.
Advice
You have to be patient and really listen to what people are asking.
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Student Financial Aid Counselor
September 2018 - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Good work experience and resume builder.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research assistant
May - September 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
The opportunity to learn
What I wish was different
My financial problems, this is personal. The job itself was great.
Advice
Keep an open mind and be ready to try new things.
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Engineering Intern
May 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Interning with engineers from Boeing, working on the Space Launch System was a rewarding experience. I liked learning from multiple disciplines, being tasked with challenging assignments, and working alongside talented, hard working coworkers in a positive work environment.
What I wish was different
I wish I would've had the capability to travel.
Advice
Always ask for more work/ let your supervisors know when you are finished with your assignment(s). Shows initiative and maximizes learning opportunity.
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Research Assistant
May - September 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I really enjoyed getting to apply the knowledge that I was learning in my classes to real world problems. It was interesting to see that the coursework that I was doing was something that I would actually use in the real world.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been given more independent tasks to do rather than doing work for a larger group.
Advice
Take whatever you're doing seriously. Even if it doesn't feel like what you're doing matters, it honestly does and you're gonna get out of it what you put into it.
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Athletic Equipment Manager
May - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I liked the a availability that I had to complete the job.
What I wish was different
Advice
This job is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to put long hours in.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Definitely talk to the professor you are trying to work with!
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RCEU Student Researcher
May - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Working one on one with a professor gaining experience in my field of study. This was very independent and allowed me to get a wide breadth of experience.
What I wish was different
Some of the mandatory workshop sessions were not effective because of they did not apply to my field of study.
Advice
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Student Specialist
May 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I got to contribute to new research areas and travel to a major conference to assist with a workshop.
What I wish was different
I wish we had more artists in engineering programs.
Advice
You get out what you put in - don't be afraid to speak up!
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Research assistant
May 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
The fellow employees and the work we did!
What I wish was different
I wish I could be full time.
Advice
Do as many internships as possible!
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Fitness Technician
November 2018 - June 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Highly supportive supervisors, lots of opportunities to learn about fitness, and easy to work with personal schedule.
What I wish was different
As a fit tech, one of my duties is to be a source of information for gym goers. I don' t think that people are aware of this. I wish there was more awareness of what I could help people with.
Advice
I would recommend anyone aspiring to be a fit tech to have a good understanding of weightlifting and the equipment used in gyms.
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Research Assistant
April 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I liked the networking opportunities available at this position, and the flexible hours allowed the ability to work part time while taking classes full time.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Summer Resident Assistant
May - July 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Clear hours. Close-knit staff. Evenings off.
What I wish was different
More clear direction at the beginning of the summer. It got better as the job went on.
