http://www.sandiego.edu

University of San Diego

Leader

July 2021 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Working with middle school and high school students was amazing.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Be patient because once the kids are comfortable in the program, everything is much more fun.
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Tour Guide

June 2021 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved meeting new people and getting to show families around campus!

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Be talkative! Having an outgoing tour guide makes the tour so much more engaging!
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Physics Research Intern

January 2021 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

It was very interesting and taught me a lot about black holes .

What I wish was different

I wish there was more clear and understandable news

Advice

If you can, familiarize yourself or learn numerous coding languages
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Undergraduate Researcher

June 2021 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked my research advisor, and the opportunities available to me through the USD EOSC program

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time to work on my project

Advice

To get started on your capstone research early.
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Student Assistant

October 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

The flexibility, professionalism, the experience, the people I got to meet and work with.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

To be prepared to work for a professional and work-filled environment, unlike other campus jobs.
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SURE Scholar

June - August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed doing my ongoing research with Dr. Blaser.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have actually been on campus, I had to do remote coding and analysis.

Advice

I would say definitely apply to be a SURE scholar, it's worth it!
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Undergraduate Research Assistant

August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Having the opportunity to work remotely during Covid was an incredible opportunity. I enjoyed working with the team and learning how to treat statistical and written data and convert that into a way for us to use it in one of our papers.

What I wish was different

Being in person would have been easier to work with the team in person and learn tips quicker.

Advice

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Researcher

June - August 2020 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked developing relationship with other gifted undergraduate students as well as my research professor. Learning was also a great part of it. I learned so much so quickly without any other distractions. I loved being in the environment of a lab with other people who I care about.

What I wish was different

I just wish I was able to publish something by the end of the summer but given that it was my first full time research experience, I can't be too upset.

Advice

Give it your all. I gave it my full attention and I got the most out of it. Never settle for less. If you work hard and go above and beyond, trust me you will get what you put in.
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Undergraduate Researcher

June 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was thinking of switching from physics to biophysics and working in a biophysics lab really helped me learn a lot about the major!

What I wish was different

Nothing! I loved my experience.

Advice

Make sure you speak with the professor who’s lab you’re working in!
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Researcher

July - September 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Through conducting research within the biology department I gained practical experience in various lab techniques, practiced the synthesis and execution of answering a research question, and personal mentorship from my professors. I was also lucky to participate in research I truly enjoyed and am passionate about. I will leave the lab with strengthened friendships, practical lab experience, mentors turned colleagues and hopefully a publication!

What I wish was different

I wish I could stay in the lab for longer and continue to learn from Dr. Baird and Dr. Morrison.

Advice

Do it! It is so nice to be able to dive into research over the summer without the stress of taking classes over a normal semester. It allowed me to fully commit to the project and challenge myself to dive deeper. It was also a great way to collect necessary data. The mentorship and friendships made along the way will last a lifetime.
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student assist

November 2019 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

Being a student assistant has improved my office skills and is getting me ready for any office scenario type of job.

What I wish was different

Nothing at all, my experience so far has been great.

Advice

A student should apply before the term or semester starts because once classes get going it's hard to figure out times to meet with your coordinator for the hiring process.
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Graduate Research Assistant

June 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed the enhanced challenge that came from shifting out of an undergraduate position to a graduate position. The position became more self-motivated, and an individual experience, with an added bonus of lab leadership.

What I wish was different

Advice

Reach out to Professor they want to help you, and will give you amazing opportunities for eye opening experiences!
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Research Assistant

January - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I love that it brought me closer to the USD community, and provided me with the opportunity to get to know more professors on campus. My research professor was so helpful in teaching me in the ins and outs of the lab and genuinely wanted me to understand the research she was conducting. I learned basic lab techniques in labs throughout classes, but this was the first time I was able to actually apply that knowledge.

What I wish was different

I wish it would've been longer! My research professor moved schools, so we had to stop conducting her research. Otherwise, it was a wonderful opportunity and I loved it!

Advice

I had to go up to this professor last year during one of her talks, and tell her how much I was interested in her research and that I would love to be apart of her lab. I was persistent in letting her know I was hard working and would love a chance to work under her. I would say to stay passionate about what you want to do, and work hard to get there!
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Researcher

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

It was absolutely amazing having the opportunity to work with my mentor and design a research study in my field of interest. It was engaging and helped me become more familiar with my field while also getting a feel for what graduate studies may be like.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

If you’re considering going to graduate school, look into the McNair Scholars program, or SURE/PURE. They provide a unique and valuable experience, and although it may seem intimidating at first, it is fantastic and you will have all the support you need to succeed.
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Building Maintenance Mechanic

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Everything about the job was good because I was able to learn many skills. It increased my team work and customer service skills while strengthening my technical skills.

What I wish was different

I sometimes would have liked to have more work to do because some days I would run out.

Advice

Be willing to work overtime because there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
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STEMWoW Enrichment Program Group Facilitator

January - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked that I got to get experience working with kids at a middle school age and teach them about STEM!

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

I would advise anyone looking into this internship to make sure that they attend all of the trainings to get an idea of what the program is like and what is expected of interns.
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Research Scholar

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

One-on-one experience with professor and development of research skills

What I wish was different

Perhaps a bigger symposium where everyone can see everyone's projects outside of their own disciplines/schools.

Advice

It is okay to be behind schedule; in fact, plan to be behind schedule.
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Summer Undergraduate Research Scholar

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Flexible work hours.

What I wish was different

Advice

It is great to explore topics that you interested in with dedicated work time.
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Undergraduate Researcher

July - September 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked how I was able to gain experience in marine science research and understand how professional research is conducted. My project also interested me since I was studying the heart rates of sea turtles, allowing me to learn a lot about sea turtle physiology.

What I wish was different

My research was mainly data analysis, so a lot of my work was done on the computer. I wish I had more field experience, however this is extremely difficult especially with sea turtle research.

Advice

Research is not all about going out to the field and collecting research. The real research takes place in the lab and interpreting the results. I would advise undergraduates to be aware of this and that the end result is still completely worth it!
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Education-Facilitator

June - September 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

What I enjoyed the most was creating a community and building the individual passion for learning of each child.

What I wish was different

I wish my commitment could have been past the summer and into the fall.

Advice

Allow for new creative ways to teach children, especially in today's technology drenched society by connecting their views and experiences with their future goals. To understand the use of technology to find information not just for entertainment.
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