Working with a team of intelligent individuals, and the independence that I had.
What I wish was different
I wish that I was in an intern program with peers my own age.
Advice
Do not be afraid to reach out to people in your personal network, it never hurts to ask!
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Neuroscience Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
The staff was so supportive and patient. I just wish there was more for me to do.
What I wish was different
Sometimes, in a research lab there isn’t a lot to do because your waiting on other parts of the experiment to finish so that you may move forward. That is the most frustrating part.
Advice
There is nothing wrong with not being sure about your role at you internship. But it is your responsibility to take the initiative to find out. It will make your experience and your employers experience much easier.
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Research intern
June - August 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
The community was so inclusive.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Always plan your next day in the laboratory.
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Research Assistant
June - August 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I had a great time working at the Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress! I got to know more about the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatric treatment and met really smart and cool researchers!
What I wish was different
Internships can be hard because it takes time for everything to fall into place - I wish I got the more challenging/interesting tasks assigned to me earlier on
Advice
Research can be slow and tiring and it is easy to lose your focus - so my advice would be to make the most of every little thing you get to experience because even if the process is difficult, i promise that you will look back on the whole experience and be amazed by how much you learned!
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Pulmonary Research Assistant
May 2019 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I have a wonderful group of coworkers and they're very flexible and understanding with my hours as my schedule has changed.
What I wish was different
Everything for the duration of my time here has been great so far.
Advice
Ask questions and expand your knowledge independently as well to understand what you're looking at.
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Research Assisstant
January 2018 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
The environment, the interesting activities
What I wish was different
N/a
Advice
Get involved with something you find interesting!
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Undergraduate Clinical Scholar
May - August 2018 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I enjoyed the fact that the main objective of the program was to instill independence in clinical research on me. The program was heavily focused on gaining necessary skills to be able to conduct clinical and epidemiological studies on my own in the near future. Another phenomenal aspect was close collaboration with a mentor that I had been paired with.
What I wish was different
Nothing I can think of. I had a brilliant experience.
Advice
Arrive with an open mind and approach to learn as much as you can.
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Research Assistant
April 2017 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I enjoyed that I was given my own project and had autonomy over the direction of the project.
What I wish was different
I am the only undergraduate in my lab. I wish my experience included the ability to form new friendships with undergraduates.
Advice
Find a job with an organized and goal-driven atmosphere. It allows you to learn more and succeed to a greater degree.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
October 2017 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
There are a lot of really great opportunities to learn and to begin to gain independence as a researcher.
What I wish was different
I wish that there had been a bit more guidance early on to help me understand the research I was assisting in. However, it didn’t take too long to figure things put for myself.
Advice
Definitely give research a chance. I went into it thinking that I wouldn’t like research much and my opinion has been completely changed by this experience.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
- The opportunity to pursue an independent project at the nation's premier medical and research institute.
- The chance to learn about a whole new field within biology - the enteric nervous system and developmental biology.
- Gaining mentored experiences from MD-PhD students and prominent physicians and physician scientists.
- The opportunity to expand my networks and strengthen connections with esteemed professionals in academia.
What I wish was different
- I wish the program had supported me with accommodation during my stay.
- I wish that the dates of the program were more in sync with the academic quarter dates, since I had to rush after finals to start the internship.
Advice
Be persistent and diligent, not only to gain acceptance into this program but also once you begin this program. Determination, focus, hard work and kindness will catapult your personal growth and make people around you form positive opinions about you.
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Undergraduate Researcher
May 2017 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I was able to start independent research within a large scale project.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Student Researcher
June - August 2018 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I liked learning new skills and being in a medical environment.
What I wish was different
I wish my mentor had been in a field of medicine I was more interested in.
Advice
Believe in your capabilities!
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Research Assistant
June 2017 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
It was a great opportunity to learn about translational research and be exposed to the multitude of potential projects available.
What I wish was different
I would have loved the opportunity to explore more labs and projects.
Advice
Try to find value in every experience that you have; even if you decide not to make a career out of an internship, you likely grew personally and intellectually as a result of the experience. No experience is wasted!
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Clinical research assistant
May 2016 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
Coworkers and autonomy with projecys
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Get work done and don't procrastinate but don't forget to have fun with your coworkers they could end up being your great friends
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Clinical Research Coordinator
May 2016 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
The work environment was conducive to my growth. It allowed me to grow in my interests in science, whiles still learning to become a part of a professional team.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Start searching early and send out tons of applications upwards of 30 isn't far fetched. Also, the research system at Penn is such that if you haven't been a Research Coordinator A, you will find it hard to be a Coordinator B or C although they pay more. Bear this in mind as you apply.
