University of Michigan

Web Developer/Designer

May 2017 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Interns got to work on projects where they really excel as well as sample other roles to see if that appeals to them too.

What I wish was different

I wish there was more time. Things had to be done quickly because you were juggling different projects in a short time period.

Advice

This is a still a time where you are not sure what you want to do with your life. Pay close attention to what you like/dislike and apply that to your search for your next job opportunity.

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Wu Manufacturing Center Researcher

July 2017 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

It was a very flexible environment with plenty of interesting things to do. I learned a ton of different skills that I had never even experienced before.

What I wish was different

I wish there hadn't been so much pressure especially in the scenario where none of it has been attempted before.

Advice

Don't get stuck on remedial tasks. Share what you want to be doing and find out how to make it happen.

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Interior Design Intern

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Working for the University.

What I wish was different

More work to do.

Advice

Be humble.

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Student researcher

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I liked the ability to learn and research a medicinally relevant project

What I wish was different

I had no qualms with my experience

Advice

Ask yourself if that type of job is something you'd like to do in the future

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Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Good research experience

What I wish was different

More hands on engagement with the research projects.

Advice

Psychological research may get repetitive since you are testing hundreds of participants in the same way but remember the larger goal of the research and stay motivated

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Great learning experience, great people! Opportunity for presentations and professional growth

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Don't be afraid to communicate what isn't working for you in terms of your learning experience

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Summer Research Fellow

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I apppreciated the collaborative learning environment at UMich. I was comfortable asking my colleagues and peers questions, and they made work fun. Hard work was expected, but also rewarded to some extent.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Residential Assistant

July - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

It would be most conducive to take up this job with another part time job or a summer class!

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Researcher

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed the opportunity to work on my own project and employ the skills I 'd learned from working on a lab on my University's campus, while also receiving valuable input from my PI and mentor.

What I wish was different

I wish I had gotten the opportunity to talk to people in my cohort more. There weren't many events dedicated to helping us bond, so I never formed friendships that could have been enjoyable.

Advice

I encourage people to talk to as many grad students on campus as possible. They have a lot of experience and are always willing to offer great tips about how to pursue research and apply to graduate school

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Biological Technician

June 2020 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

The manager, the coworkers and the experience

What I wish was different

I wish there were more opportunities to perform more experiments

Advice

Trust your manager and be open with them. Work as hard as you can and always ask good questions

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RA

June - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I was an RA for a summer program called M-STEM. It was a great experience! It was very laid back while allowing me to build my leadership skills and quick decision making.

What I wish was different

I want to go into the medical field, and so this isn’t super applicable to the science that they want in an application.

Advice

His is a good job for between your freshman and sophomore years. Other than that, you’re better off getting an internship.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

September 2017 - May 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I loved being able to receive experience in a field that I would like to work in for a career.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more resources for mental health because it really decreased my availability near the end of the school year.

Advice

Always try to gain some sort of friend-like relationship with your colleagues. They are always the ones to understand the most and will be the most willing to help. However, as always, professional relationship first and friend second.

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Near Peer Facilitator

June - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I loved the ability to dialogue with students and work with a group of dedicated peers.

What I wish was different

I wish the program had been longer.

Advice

You may think you understand facilitation, and high schoolers; but you don't, you will learn more than you would think possible.

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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I liked how Calvin College had a connection with the University of Michigan. The research opportunities at the University of Michigan are career altering. I enjoyed working in a professional environment and the networking opportunities it offered.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to continue my research here at Calvin.

Advice

One piece of advice I have for students is to look into all the opportunities that Calvin offers. There are so many good opportunities for STEM students that calvin has connections to. There are Calvin alumni who are leaders within their perspective fields of research. Seek out these opportunities and grow from an off campus internship.

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Library Operations

October 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I love just having a stable schedule and being able to learn and grow within a company that cares about its employees! Even though University of Michigan is a huge entity and network, I'm still confident enough to continue my employment here for the next couple of years. I'm also happy that I have benefits as well! I love being able to talk with my staff about anything and being in a place with so many other people, peers, and researchers checking out books that they are interested in. Overall: Benefits, Great Pay, Balanced Schedule, and other job duties particular to my department.

What I wish was different

I wish I would've learned how to negotiate my salary without being nervous since this was my first salary job outside of working part-time (but really working full time without benefits). Since I just started, I'm still learning day by day so everyday is a new day for me in the library.

Advice

Networking with people is how I got my current position. Trust me when they say it isn't what you know but who you know, its for the most part its correct. Always put your best foot forward and in a " non-cheesy way" believe in yourself to the best of your abilities! Never ever feel like you aren't good enough for any position no matter what the job is.

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Research assistant

May - August 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Working in an academic research environment exposed me to vast new knowledge of career paths, topics, and methodologies for health services and intervention study research.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Undergraduate Researcher

September 2018 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

I liked gaining laboratory experience that was very much relevant to what I was studying and also gave me an insight to something I have never experienced.

What I wish was different

Maybe more flexibility in terms of moving between labs.

Advice

Always communicate effectively and own up to your responsibilities.

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Psychologist Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

Being a research assistant at the Social Minds Lab was an immersive experience in the life of a researcher. I was able to engage in all kinds of tasks, from study design to data analysis. I really enjoyed the lab camaraderie as well as being able to work under a graduate student. Since Knox College is only an undergraduate institution, my graduate student helped flesh out what being a researcher means for your day-to-day experience. I also enjoyed learning new skills, like programming R, and sharpening current skills, like oral presentation and writing research papers.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been more friendship and collaboration with other interns in the research program. Many times, it felt like it was just an individual journey in research, and I would have enjoyed getting to know other interns as part of the experience.

Advice

If you are thinking about going to graduate school, it is vital you get research experience in another institution. Expose yourself to it and see if it is something you could do for 4 to 6 years. If you want to get a lucrative research internship, it is important to work hard and dig deep---superficial statements about research won't help. Once you are in the position, don't feel dismayed or discouraged if everything feels confusing and incomprehensible. It is a sharp learning curve, and you have to get used to failing before you can achieve mastery.

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Parent and Family Orientation Leader

March 2019 • Ann Arbor, MI

What I liked

My coworkers were wonderful. The administrative staff and overall work environment were wonderful. I always felt supported and as though I could grow in my role.

What I wish was different

I wish the summer leading new freshman and transfer students around the University never had to end!

Advice

The Office of New Students is looking for diversity and leadership skills. Everybody has something special to bring to the team, and make sure this is clear and evident in your interview.

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