Union College

Summer Research Fellow

June - August 2018 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

The schedule was flexible.

What I wish was different

My project.

Advice

Pick something you are very interested in.

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Student Researcher

June 2018 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

Had the freedom to work independently

What I wish was different

There’s always more to be done.

Advice

Make a plan and stick to it.

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STEP Mentor

July - August 2018 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed working with the children and helping them work on a scientific expereiment.

What I wish was different

I wish the location was different.

Advice

Be yourself and the job will automatically get easier.

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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2018 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

If you want to go into research for your career, most lab study will look for SOME kind of wetlab experience. I’m finding that now as I apply for jobs for after graduation and I’m super grateful I can talk about my experience in lab over the summer

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Research Student

September 2017 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

I got a chance to work extensively on my research project and not have to worry about homework getting in the way.

What I wish was different

Living in Schenectady over the summer is not as fun as being home. Dorms were too hot with no AC.

Advice

Make sure the project you're working on is something you enjoy, even if you don't understand it. You have to put in a lot of hours - it's easier if you're interested!

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Union College Summer Research Fellow

June - August 2018 • Schenectady, NY

What I liked

It's nice being able to work with professors on campus and get to know them better. You get to build relationships which will last for the rest of your time at Union. You get to build skills for your career and get useful experience for deciding on a specific direction after graduation.

What I wish was different

The salary is truly awful. Given that Union charges for housing and doesn't provide food, you end up making $8 an hour profit before tax. Compared to other summer research opportunities which provide free housing, a food stipend, and a higher base salary, you would make about double at another school.

Advice

Make sure the lab you're going to be working in is an environment you'll be comfortable in. Working in a setting in which you are unhappy will make the summer miserable.

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