Wellesley College

Social Science Research Assistant

June 2023 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I loved being able to grow in my research skills. The environment was safe for me to learn under.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

It's important to feel comfortable stating when you need assistance completing a task.

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Research Assistant

August 2021 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

I would tell people to learn as much as possible!

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Researcher

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

Having an independent research opportunity in an environment I was comfortable with so that I could take control of my own studies confidently and with people I knew and trusted surrounding me every step of the way.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

My research adviser encouraged me to find my own project within her larger research scope, and allowed me to develop and change my project at y own pace over the summer. I also got the chance to travel for a full month doing field work, and during that time all travel expenses were covered by the research grant . I met many other researchers during my field work who gave me a lot of advice regarding research, education, and employment after graduation, and I feel that I made meaningful connections with my peers.

What I wish was different

There were a lot of deadlines imposed by the Science Center Summer Research group. I understand the importance of writing up letters of thanks to donors, and reflecting on research experience so that the Science Center can receive more grants, but some of the reminders from the Science Center sounded purposefully intimidating because we were constantly reminded that we would not receive our research stipends if we failed to meet the deadlines.

Advice

Definitely talk with your professors during the spring to see who is conducting summer research, and discuss their research with them to determine if their lab is a good fit for you.

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student researcher

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I enjoyed working closely with one of my professors to conduct biochemical research. It was an opportunity for me to seek mentorship and get to know her better. I also enjoyed working and learning from other students who had the same interests as I did.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Botanic Gardens Intern

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

It was really cool to learn about ecology through the botanic gardens on campus.

What I wish was different

I wish all the interns in the botanic gardens and Paulson initiative had lived in the same dorm on campus.

Advice

I would remind students who are planning on applying to this position that the work is very physical and requires close contact with the outdoors including bugs and weather associated with that.

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Computing Support Tech

May 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

Environment was relaxed and casual

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

It’s a great job if you also have other things you can do during the slow periods

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Wellesley Water Challenge Team Member

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I enjoyed having a lot of control over my research and working with many professors from different disciplines

What I wish was different

I wish there had been a little more guidance/structure in the beginning, as well as expectations set (like dates to have ordered supplies by, etc) that would aid in the success of students doing research. More resources for students would have been helpful (good sites to order from, how to format your day and manage time etc).

Advice

Come up with a research question and act on it! It's easy to get bogged down in details/preparing, but it's important to start ordering supplies, begin taking samples and observing the area of interest, etc. Be proactive! Also, reach out to people that can help

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Office Assistant

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I really liked the entire experience, even though the work itself could be a little tedious, my boss did a really great job of making sure that we took breaks and didn't spend too long sitting and staring at the computer screen, which was really nice of her. Honestly, it was a really nice work experience and everyone was very nice and welcoming.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Botanic Gardens Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I loved the challenge of developing my own experimental question and designing my own experiment to answer an ecological question that is very relevant to the landscape design of Science Hill. We went on several field trips to different nature reserves, gardens, and parks and developed naturalist and plant identification skills. I also had the opportunity to take care of the surrounding gardens and be outside almost every day of the week. I collaborated with my fellow interns, presented my progress to biology peers, and led my own field research trips. Overall, a fantastic, well-rounded experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

A researcher has to be diligent in learning new things every day to supplant her understanding of the project. This means reading primary literature, going to workshops, reaching out to teachers and mentors, and having a new takeaway from each experience. I also had to learn the importance of being brutally honest about my own understanding of the project, and quickly clearing up misperceptions as soon as they arise.

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Research

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, Ontario

What I liked

The research

What I wish was different

Living situation

Advice

Buy lots of bottled water if you will be living in Wellesley during the summer!

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Library Assistant

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

The librarians were very kind and understanding. It gave me an opportunity to work on other projects as well because the library was not always busy. I think this is the best summer job on campus.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Pack your lunch and bring a book.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • Wellesley, MA

What I liked

I enjoyed designing my own research project and working closely with my peers and PI throughout the summer as I learned more about my project. I also enjoyed learning new lab techniques and improving my use of the scientific method. The experience of working a typical 9-5 job and living independently was also invaluable.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had had more time to do research. At the end of the 10 week program, I found myself wishing I had a few more weeks to advance my project further.

Advice

I would advise connecting with the professor whose project interests you as soon as possible and trying to get a head start on the research prior to leaving after the end of the spring semester. In addition, it's a great idea to outline your goals for your research project prior to the start so that you have a rough timeline for the program.

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