I loved being able to work with scientists of different backgrounds. It was exciting to perform cutting-edge research as an undergraduate student. It is also an amazing feeling to know you're giving back to the country while gaining first-hand research experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
If something asks you if you want to learn something, always say yes. It is so important to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible during an internship.
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research assistant II
June - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
everything. it was a great experience
What I wish was different
Advice
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Computational Linguist
June 2018 • Adelphi, MD
What I liked
I loved the environment and how helpful everyone was! I really felt like everyone wanted me to help out and contribute and learn, so I had multiple people who could mentor me. I also had a lot of resources and was highly encouraged to pursue my own projects in my free time. I had my assigned project that I had to work on, but sometimes there were periods of time when I needed input from a different group where I could work on my own research and jump in with helping other projects.
What I wish was different
I just wish it had been longer!
Advice
Getting registered with the military takes a looooooong time and there's a lot of paperwork, so apply early and check-in often to make sure your application is on it's way! Don't be afraid to approach other people working to ask what they're doing or ask questions about their research. Don't be shy about going to presentations - you usually learn a lot, get to network, and there's usually free coffee.
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CQL Intern
June - August 2018 • Adelphi, MD
What I liked
I learned a lot about what it's like to do Computer Science research, and I got to learn a lot from my mentors and the others I was working with. I really liked the people I was working with, and I appreciated getting "real world" experience.
What I wish was different
It would have been helpful for me to have been given more specific projects to work on, so I had a better sense of my role within the team.
Advice
My advice would be to cultivate an open, communicative relationship with any workplace mentors you have; doing that added a lot to my summer experience.
