Amazing PI, I learned so much about the field and was able to pick up my own project after training
What I wish was different
More balanced weekly work
Advice
Make sure you learn all the skills that the PI is willing to teach
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Mobile Applications Developer
May 2021 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
- Flexibility over working hours
- Full autonomy over app design and functionality
What I wish was different
- In-person would've been preferred to remote
Advice
Reach out to anyone and everyone about potential opportunities. You never know until you do :)
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Psychiatric Technician
June 2019 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I worked in the Psychiatric Emergency unit (CPEP). I like it because it’s fast-paced and works with all ages.
What I wish was different
The unit is under reconstruction, so it made things a little more challenging.
Advice
You should be prepared to work under pressure, be a team player, show empathy, and accept challenges. It’s great experience.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
October 2020 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I enjoyed getting to learn techniques like cell culture, transfection, and assay development. I also enjoyed the close-knit culture of the lab I was in.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be prepared for new things, and never be afraid to ask questions. A lot of the time, we were working with concepts that I didn’t know much about, but asking for clarification or explanation really helped me to learn and grow in the position.
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Research Assistant
January 2020 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I love the independence I have at work. I am not completely independent, but I am in charge of creating my own work schedule. I do have to consider group meetings or taking over tasks for other members in the lab. Overall, I am completely invested in my research and when you love what you do, you tend to count every little success and every little new thing learned.
What I wish was different
Given that I am working during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was lucky to keep my job and work during the summer after the URMC shut down for 3 months. Since the circumstances are unique, there is nothing I wish to change about the experience. I am grateful to have continued to research during the summer.
Advice
There is nothing to lose by reaching out to Principal Investigators to gain research experience. It is important to put yourself out there. Tell them who you are; why you are interested. Don't be afraid! You are in charge of your own future. Take advantage of the opportunities here at the University of Rochester.
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Office Assistant
October 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Flexible hours, medical work setting
What I wish was different
Wish the work environment was more dynamic, it felt monotonous at times
Advice
Very good job for a college student, the hours are forgiving and it's very low stress
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Clinical Trials Specialist and Lab Technician
May 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Under Dr. Hicks and the rest of the incredible Surgical Pathology staff, I was able to assist in clinical trials set up, procedure, and statistics/professional writing of the clinical trial at hand. They were so helpful and really wanted me to learn.
What I wish was different
Nothing really, I obtained writing experience, lab experience, and IRB/internal planning experience. I was able to experience all areas of this type of internship.
Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when confused, and really try and get as involved as possible when on co-op/an internship. Also, step out of your comfort zone, that’s where the best experiences are.
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Assistant Study Coordinator
April 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to work in a job that's in the field that I'm interested in pursuing. I learned a lot about clinical research and it was cool to be able to talk to colleagues in the jargon of neuroscience/BCS.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Data Store Clerk
June - August 2019 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
The people were very welcoming and supportive. I learned a lot concerning data in the medical field and how to use various data management and analysis software
What I wish was different
NA
Advice
They have me a lot of opportunities to do more than I initially thought I would. When I showed a competence in one thing and a willingness to do more, they almost always offered me something new.
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University of Rochester Summer Scholar Research Assistant
June - August 2019 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Free housing, competitive pay, great mentor ship. The research facilities were well equipped. Working with graduate students actually contributing to the labs, not doing a silly side project designed for an undergrad. Weekly seminars on research methodology, applying to graduate school, and academia in general. Beyond the research the college had social events to bring together all the undergraduate students on campus.
What I wish was different
The person I would check in with for day-to-day questions and advice was a first year graduate student. They did not have a ton of experience, so some of my experiments were misguided due to that. I think this was lab specific, but I did share this reflection with the Summer Scholar coordinator and they were very receptive.
Advice
Apply early and make sure your application is strong. This program was amazing and was integral to my decision to pursue biomedical research. The organizers, deans, and graduate school support staff really take care of you and foster your growth as a scientist. The Primary investigators opt into this program, so they are encouraging mentors who want to help you succeed.
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Geriatric Psychiatric Specialist
June 2019 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I loved being on multiple different hospital units!
What I wish was different
It was a very difficult job as far as the patient population went— I was always working with very agitated patients.
Advice
Go into it with an open mind! Also ask questions of the nurses and doctors!
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Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I got to interact with families in the Rochester community and engage in clinical research.
What I wish was different
I wish I had learned more science behind the research.
Advice
To make sure to understand how much you will be payed after taxes and allow that to factor into whether or not a position is worth it.
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Medical center research assistant
June 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I liked skills I learned from the research
What I wish was different
I wish there would be more collabrations in the team
Advice
Always keep learning and improving
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biomedical research assistant
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I was a part of a summer program, so I got to meet other students on the premed track from other universities. I gained hands on lab experience, attended seminars, and shadowed physicians at the children’s hospital. The lab work culminated in a research poster at the end of the summer.
What I wish was different
It was difficult to choose a faculty mentor/project during the application cycle without knowing fully what the project was about until I got there.
Advice
Seek out opportunities even if they seem far-fetched. I am so glad that I found this summer program and had the summer research experience that I did.
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Cancer Researcher
May - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I liked how i got hands on expirence in both research and a poster presentation in the end
What I wish was different
Advice
Always do your best
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Videographer
July - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I had a lot of creative freedom at this job and really got to use my cinematic eye and learn a lot from direct hands-on experience relating to good camera work and lighting conditions. Especially working on the job with people who were rather distant from my profession.
What I wish was different
The communication was a little dicey at times with my employers seeing as I was quite distant from the focus of what I was filming, a summer program for local high school students, but in the end I was able to make it work and initiated a lot of communication to make sure I was where I needed to be on time.
Advice
Never be afraid to take a job or position you're not sure you're ready for. If you have a passion for something and want to work in it, take every opportunity you can to do so. Especially at this stage where you're still in college and work is comparatively low stakes. I took on a lot of new challenge doing freelance film work for the first time here and it definitely made me more confident in what I do and that I can be confident and professional with future employers.
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Patient care technician
December 2017 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I loved getting hands on experience!
What I wish was different
More training!
Advice
It is great for nursing students
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Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
Gaining experience in something I enjoy.
What I wish was different
Advice
Go out and find those opportunities. Take the chance. The chance will not take you. You must take the chance.
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Environmental Medicine Intern
June - July 2018 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
I liked how I was able to go out into the community and hear from residents in the City of Rochester!
What I wish was different
I wish it was longer than eight weeks. That way I would have had more time for my research and would have been able to present my findings to more people.
Advice
This fellowship is really what you make it. Put in the time to contact as many people as possible and read as many research papers as possible. Learn the background information ahead of time so that when the fellowship starts, you’ll already be aware of what’s known and what questions have yet to be answered!
