I loved getting integrated into one specific project at length. I learned an immense amount on the subject matter and worked closely with PhD students, who ensured my success in the project. I was given the opportunity to do my own paper, even though it was my first experience researching. I also had the opportunity to turn this summer experience into a job funded through Armour College of Engineering this semester.
What I wish was different
I wish that the labs had more funding. Sometimes, I found myself discouraged and wanting to back out when machines would malfunction and break. However, I learned problem solving skills through these difficulties, so I’m happy in the long run to have continued.
Advice
Do your research! Find papers similar to yours and get familiar with the subject matter and testing procedures. There is no way to cut corners in research, it takes a lot of reading and focus on the subject matter.
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student worker
January 2019 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
I wear multiple different hats being a front desk worker while also working with sensitive information regarding the university
What I wish was different
Working over the summer there wasn't always a lot of projects to be working on
Advice
Always ask questions to clarify, even if they may seem stupid
1
One person found this helpful
Graduate Research Assistant
May - August 2019 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Freedom to test out ideas and working with professors
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Don't be shy and always be ready to voice your idea
1
One person found this helpful
Event services
March 2019 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Good job flexible hours and good work environment
What I wish was different
More available shifts during the school year
Advice
Don’t be shy with everyone
1
One person found this helpful
Community Desk Assistant
May 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The job allows me to work without sacrificing my school performance because I can work at the desk.
What I wish was different
The management practices in RGL leave something to be desired, communication is not clear.
Advice
1
One person found this helpful
Undergraduate Researcher
May 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
It made me consider grad school, gain experience, and do something I'm passionate about.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have started doing research earlier.
Advice
Start being a research assistant as soon as you can!
1
One person found this helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Learned a lot about implementation of different machine learning models and experiments as well as setting up servers and environments
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Be proactive and don't be afraid of asking the professor if you're unsure of something
1
One person found this helpful
BigDataX REU Participant
May - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The program allowed me to learn a lot about research, was a good way to learn about Graduate School, and helped me make strong connections with professors.
What I wish was different
A lot of event planning within the program was not very clear or well defined.
Advice
If you are interested in grad school, I would definitely recommend pursuing a program similar to this one.
1
One person found this helpful
Teaching Assistant
January - May 2017 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Helping people out
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Nothing
1
One person found this helpful
ARC tutor
February - May 2017 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The pay and the fact that I can help other students academically
What I wish was different
Have a concentrated tutor session for hard classes. For example CS351, classes like these need specific session where a qualified tutor can tutor, because not many tutors are proficient any hard classes
Advice
Know your stuff
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CDA
February 2017 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The pay is pretty decent, hours are flexible. Can do your own work on the job
What I wish was different
I wish the termination policies were better
Advice
Be ready to take a lot of time you can be spending outside or with your friends at this job. To work 20 hours a week is quite tiring. Your schedule may not be the same everyday
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Student Assistant
June 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The professional environment allows me to have more insights and practices relating my major. It helps me build a foundation that is going to be useful in the future. Also, I have been interested in the subject of the on-going project, which focuses on the development of vision prosthetics.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
It would be a better experience if you are interested in what you do.
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Finance Intern
June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
I enjoyed working on projects that were meaningful to IIT. Completing these projects was important because they helped balance the fiscal year budget.
