I could have been more closely advised and managed on the project, and given more support while tackling multiple objectives at once.
Advice
Learn agile development, don't learn new concepts in chucks but divide workload in weekly sprints, where you do a bit of everything every week.
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Engineering Researcher
June 2018 • Accra, Greater Accra Region
What I liked
I loved being able to learn about Ghana's culture through learning about two UNESCO World Heritage Monuments (Elmina Castle and Fort Amsteredam).
What I wish was different
N/A.
Advice
Go with an open mind because the culture-shock will hit you and the more open you the more you will learn.
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Physics Research Intern
January 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
A great first research experience that was true to the field and overall research process. Advising was helpful and available throughout the program.
What I wish was different
Given that I participated in an REU program, one that seeks to engage all participants in regular activities to promote friendship, I wish there had been more of a push from the administrative side of things to become more involved during the summer.
Advice
Set out time in advance to apply to many opportunities like this. In addition, ask about prerequisite knowledge you can familiarize yourself with that might help in the first few weeks of the program.
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Computational Research Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
The notion of discovery and unlimited intellectual avenues possible in research.
What I wish was different
I wish I also had a major in Optics!
Advice
It is very important to understand the basis of any decisions taken, whether technical or human
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Technical Assistant
June 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I really liked being involved in research and also meeting older upperclassmen who are interested in the same field as me.
What I wish was different
I wish I had worked more hours.
Advice
Start looking to get research early on!
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - December 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I gained valuable experience, particularly with data analysis and visualization. I learned a new programming language (R) and was able to apply some of the knowledge I had learned through coursework to 'real world' problems and data.
What I wish was different
The lab I worked in was rather small (3 people present during the summer, although it is growing now) with the only 'professional' being the PI (other was a grad student). So, through this particular experience there wasn't much opportunity to grow my network and learn from professionals in my field of interest
Advice
I landed this research experience by simply cold emailing the professor, whose research information I found online. I contacted him in the spring and expressed my interest in his research as well as why my skills would make me a valuable addition to his group on a particular type of project.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Independence, chance to choose my own projects
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
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Research Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Great experience
What I wish was different
Better salary
Advice
Choose a research project that really interests you. It's easy to get bored doing the same stuff for more than 40 hours a week.
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Library Desk Attendant
June 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I was able to make my own schedule and learn more about library resources as well as learn the tools to help others find the resources they needed.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Registered Nurse
April 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
The career fair
What I wish was different
More information about the rotating shifts and lack of PTO
Advice
Ask lots of questions
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Senior Technician
August 2017 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Very enjoyable experience
What I wish was different
Nothing really
Advice
N/a
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Pre-College Experience In Physics Instructor
June - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
This was a wonderful experience. My co-instructor and I planned a three week curriculum to teach about 20 high school girls physics. We were able to expose high school age girls to physics using lectures, demonstrations, and fun labs. This is camp was extremely important to bolster their confidence in their STEM skills. We hope that our program is able to affect these girl's lives and that they will be more likely to consider Physics as a viable career.
What I wish was different
Nothing! There are records going decades back of previous curriculums and ideas for different activities. Lots of help is provided from the department and higher ups involved.
Advice
Just make sure that during the planning period that you are on top of things so as not to get behind and rushed in the days before camp starts.
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Project Assistant
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
The hands on experience with energy research.
What I wish was different
I wish I would've questioned the process earlier on. All because something had been done one way, didnt make thst the right way.
Advice
Become okay with failure. Not every expirement will yield wanted results.
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Pre-College Counselor
June - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
The work was fairly simple and the kids were enjoyable.
What I wish was different
I wish they had been more organized and more transparent about the salary
Advice
Do not accept this job unless you’re willing to spend 24 hours a day doing it.
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - July 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
My research project, working in a lab, presenting a poster at the end
What I wish was different
I wish I had more time for my project to be completed.
Advice
Ask a lot of questions
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Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I liked the flexibility of being able to set my own hours. I also liked working on my independent project.
What I wish was different
I wish the University would allow free parking to workers because I had to walk 1.5 miles to and from work everyday.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask your professors to work for them if you are interested in what do they do research in.
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Computer Vision Research Assistant
June - August 2020 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
It gave me hands on experience with tools used in state of the art Machine Vision research, and I had the opportunity to work on a really interesting project and learn a lot about the field. It also gave me a lot of experience presenting my research.
What I wish was different
Mainly I wish that I could have had this experience in person rather than virtually. I think that would have helped with communication and structure, but the REU overall was great.
Advice
Push yourself and do your best to get the most out of your experience, but also have realistic expectations for yourself based on your previous experience and the time you have. It's impressive to have worked on new research, even if you can't finish your work in one summer.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
April - September 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Loved learning the laboratory techniques used to prove certain hypothesis in the lab, loved the subject matter.
What I wish was different
I feel like time was slightly mismanaged, I would like a stricter hold on the schedule from my private investigator.
Advice
Be sterile in the lab setting, you never know when fungus can take over.
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Summer Assistant Manager
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Great boss and friendly work environment.
What I wish was different
Advice
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IT
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I was able to learn new things and had workers willing to show me things
What I wish was different
The dynamics I wish the work was more evened out
Advice
You won't know everything at first but as you go you'll become more confident.
