Super flexible schedule that allowed you plenty of time to focus on schoolwork
What I wish was different
Advice
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Energy Engineer Assistant
January 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
I liked that I was getting experience in my own field. I learned many things that I didn't think I would need to know and I learned about other engineering fields.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more diverse projects.
Advice
You get out of it what you put into it. If there's something you're interested in you should ask and they will be happy to teach you outside of your job description.
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REU Research Assistant
June - July 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
I really enjoyed how laid back the research life was. I had a bunch of stuff to do, but I got to do it on my own time. I wasn't slave to a time clock, which means if I finished all my tasks I didn't have to go to work. It was a very nice way of working and learning, and made me learn to manage my time wisely.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have started my own project instead of being put on in the middle of one.
Advice
I recommend people try to get some experience with research, but not necessarily during the summer. You can do research while in classes, and then use your summer for an internship or job.
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Undergraduate Researcher
May - July 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
Being able to apply a lot of the material that I learned in my classes to actual experimental protocols. I loved that it was very hands on and that I was constantly learning something new. I gained so much knowledge on different research procedures and was able to actually apply the scientific method.
What I wish was different
I was in a lab all summer with no human interaction other than my mentors. It got just a little lonely at times.
Advice
Even if it may seem overwhelming at first, it will be so so worth it in the end when you finally realize how much knowledge you've gained. It's definitely a lot of work, but being able to fully run a research project(whether or not you succeed) on your own is so satisfying.
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Program Counselor
May - June 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
I loved the hands on experiences I had with the kids I worked with and having the ability to give back to a program that I participated in during my high school years.
What I wish was different
The schedule was a little crazy, but it's what is necessary for the time constraints the program is under!
Advice
Dedicate extra time to your job when working with students. Everyone benefits from it and you create lasting connections with them!
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Data Analytics Intern
May 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
I have enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes view and business side of sports. I have always been passionate about sports and The University of Alabama's teams specifically, so this has been a great experience. Also, everyone within the athletic department has been incredibly appreciative of the interns' work.
What I wish was different
I wish the internship was paid.
Advice
Get involved in any student organization that you have interests in. I found out about this opportunity through the sports analytics club GroupMe.
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
May - July 2019 • Tuscaloosa, AL
What I liked
A REU is a great experience for someone considering graduate school and looking for research experience. It was a great summer and I got so much experience not only in a lab but also with presenting and learning about graduate school.
What I wish was different
REUs can be hard to find for engineering students and should be encouraged by professors and universities more. I wish I was more aware of them and would have applied sophomore year as well.
Advice
Be willing to go out of your comfort zone and try new things and meet new people. Especially at an internship.
