My boss has a lot of confidence in me and trusts me to take care of everything in my job description. He was also willing to answer any questions I had.
What I wish was different
Advice
No matter how many times you give people instructions and guidelines, they are likely to not perfectly follow everything you say. You have to brush it off and keep things professional.
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - August 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
The facilities and the ability to create my own research project and ideas.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to start right when I got there instead of taking a week for the lab to be ready for me.
Advice
Research is a great opportunity especially for those looking for graduate or doctoral schools.
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Summer Intern
June - August 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
The people in the offices where I worked were all very professional and polite. They all made an effort to get to know me, even when they all knew I was a summer intern who wouldn't be there for more than three months.
What I wish was different
There were certainly some tasks I was given that were busy work that didn't really need me. But, I was the intern and at the bottom of the totem pole, so I didn't mind these tasks too much. To be honest I wish I could have worked more. I was only there two days a week (one day in each office) and I feel like I had to find new momentum for all my projects every day I was there.
Advice
Going in with a mindset of 'this is a great opportunity and I'm lucky to be here' is always the way to go. Even with the tasks that I wasn't thrilled to have, I did my best to remember that it's a learning experience and I'm grateful for it.
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research intern
September 2023 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I love it it’s relevant to my major and can help me develop necessary skills
What I wish was different
They should definitely pay more money! It’s crazy that the work we’re doing even for a work study position isn’t paid as much as it should be.
Advice
This experience will change your perspective and broaden your understanding of certain cultural issues and aspects.
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Undergraduate Researcher
June 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I was able to receive knowledge on how to conduct research and make a poster.
What I wish was different
I wish I had known about it sooner
Advice
It is okay to seek help.
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Financial Machine Learning Intern
May - June 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
Loved the projects assigned to me, the data I worked with, and the network of professors who were willing to help me out when needed and explain concepts in great detail.
What I wish was different
Wish I had more work!
Advice
Asking questions doesn’t make you seem incompetent, but shows your employer that you are detail-oriented, focused, and enthusiastic.
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Counselor
July 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
Working with kids and helping them learn about art school
What I wish was different
Advice
Teenagers are crazy but in such a fun way
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
December 2018 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
Everything about my experience. Doing research over the summer let me learn new skills that I would have never dreamed of learning in a class room.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
No matter where you want to work or what you want to do, you can always reach out to someone already in the field and network with them. Not to mention take advantage of the people already in your network.
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Ticket Agent
March 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I love my job, the people are great!
What I wish was different
More hours for more money
Advice
Do it! It’s fantastic! And works very well with school
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Social Science Research Assistant
May - July 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I loved getting hands on experience working in research.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Graphic Designer
March - December 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Be flexible if possible. Don't bend yourself in half obviously. If it's possible, it's worth it.
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Student Researcher
May 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Read up on your own time with articles and books relating to the processes for your project. It will make much more sense when your supervisor explains briefly how the process works if you already know its fundamental
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Undergraduate Researcher
May 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
My project focused on data collection and analysis with neurostimulation. I loved learning more about the neuromuscular system through literature reviews and lab meetings, as well as interacting with subjects and participating directly in data collection. I also enjoyed working with my mentors, as they provided a lot of guidance in terms of data analysis and general research advice. I was also able to help my other labmate with his research, so I could learn about concepts and technologies beyond the scope of my individual project.
What I wish was different
I wish I wasn't taking a summer class alongside completing my project, because then I could have put a lot more of my time into conducting my research.
Advice
In doing research, always keep up with the literature, because it helps you direct your own work so much. It is also great to be able to understand everything your mentors are talking about during individual or lab meetings, and can help you provide your own insight into problems encountered during the research process. Try to focus on only doing your research project instead of trying to pair it with summer classes.
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Intern
September 2018 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I liked working in the office and getting to know the inter workings of operations
What I wish was different
n/a
Advice
Make the most out of everything! You never know who you'll meet!
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Interior Design Department Office Assistant
June - August 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I loved the environment of the job because it was peaceful and during the summer there aren't many people around. I was able to learn more about the behind the scenes of preparing classrooms and spaces for the students before they came back from summer break. It was fun to understand the ins and outs of academic preparation and build better relationships amongst the assistant professors and administrators within the IDES department.
What I wish was different
I would have liked to host more touring events, I was able to participate in two tour-like events and that was fun. Those experiences allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and helped me find a like for public speaking.
Advice
Always do your best to be flexible and be excited to learn or do something outside of your comfort zone as long as it doesn't go against your personal beliefs. There are some fun and amazing opportunities in your given environment, you just have to plant the seed by talking and asking questions.
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Undergraduate Researcher
March 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I learned many new things and had the opportunity to do animal work very frequently.
What I wish was different
Advice
It is okay not to know everything. Don’t be scared to ask questions or ask for help.
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Desk assistant
August 2018 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
That the tasks are described and it is easy to understand the system software.
What I wish was different
Advice
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VCU Alumni and Donor Relations
June 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I loved the people there and how much I learned. I did a lot of work with data, events and research.
What I wish was different
It was all perfect!
Advice
Make the most of it!
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Support Technician
July 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
I enjoy the environment and that I can learn a lot from this job
What I wish was different
I wish I understood the job description better
Advice
Don't be afraid to learn new things
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Research assistant
May 2019 • Richmond, VA
What I liked
This was due to the Baldaccci fund, I was able to travel across the country presenting at conferences and continuing research while at VCU. It was amazing.
What I wish was different
That it was more ongoing
Advice
To apply to experiences that will fund you working as a research assistant. You build yourself up as a student and professionally which is beyond enriching.
