University of San Diego

Research Assistant

May 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked that I had many different duties while being in lab, so my day was never boring. I was either entering and analyzing data, taking care of children, coding videos, etc.

What I wish was different

Advice

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SURE Grant Independent Researcher

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

The freedom of making my own research topic and being able to travel to Spain to do on site archival research.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have made a more realistic timeline for myself and incorporated it into my thesis.

Advice

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Undergraduate Admissions Administrative Assistant

May - July 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved how kind and welcoming USD's campus community is!

What I wish was different

I wish I could have had more opportunities to explore other departments at USD

Advice

I would recommend doing a job you love, regardless of the pay scale!

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Independent Research Student

June 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked having the independence and freedom of choosing my own schedule and having the responsibility of the work without the pressure of tests, due dates, etc.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take advantage of all the resources available and given to you, and expand your skillsets as much as you can while you have the chance to do so

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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

I think it's really important to be connected to other students doing research! It can be a sort of isolating experience, and having friends going through the same thing is really helpful.

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Intern at USD's Center of Public Interest

July - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

-Researching/exploring current issues that are uncommonly known

What I wish was different

-Wanted to be able to work with other interns and establish further connections at the Center, but ended up doing more independent work

Advice

This internship can be done remotely, which can save you some money if you do not live in San Diego

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SURE Scholar

May - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was free to work on my own schedule

What I wish was different

I wish I could have used my own ideas in research

Advice

Being a SURE scholar is an amazing and rewarding experience- highly recommend!

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Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved applying the skills I have learned in school to a real life field.

What I wish was different

I wish it was more fast pace.

Advice

Read the literature early on because it makes the experience a lot more meaningful.

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Student reseeacher

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoyed the time spent in the lab to really dig into the research project. It was rewarding to make significant progress and learn from others.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Office of the Provost's Intern

June - September 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I appreciated this experience because it allowed me to receive much needed office experience. I got to work through excel projects and data transferring. I also appreciated being trusted with such confidential and sensitive documents while handling them successfully.

What I wish was different

The only downside was being inside most of the summer, I do wish there was more opportunity to enjoy the sun.

Advice

To find solutions in your work that make you more efficient and timely in your projects. Towards the middle of the summer I had developed new systems for myself that allowed me to work faster which in return allowed me to complete more tasks.

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Program Coordinator

May - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved working with my team and getting to know the organizations that we hosted.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to spend more time with my teammates and lived closer to work.

Advice

Be on top of things!

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Researcher

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I loved getting hands on experience in my field of study. Working in a lab gave me a good idea of what it is like to work in research.

What I wish was different

Not much actually, I really enjoyed my experience.

Advice

Definitely take the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research if you get the chance, it is a very valuable experience.

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Biology Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Working closely with faculty

What I wish was different

More structure in the schedule

Advice

Be proactive with the work an keep yourself motivated

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Residential Chair

November 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I enjoy the opportunities to work with multiple campus partners through my work in Residential Life. I feel that my voice is heard through this program.

What I wish was different

Advice

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SURE grant Scholar

February - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I liked being able to learn so many useful skills in the machine shop this summer and getting comfortable in a working environment.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June - August 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Having the flexibility to research what fits my interests and building a relationship with a professor from a different university who served as a strong support system and useful mentor.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I was able to get hands on experience doing research in a lab while improving lab techniques and knowledge of polymer chemistry. I was also able to attend a conference and give a presentation on my summer research to our specific group.

What I wish was different

I wish that there were more opportunities to go to other conferences or talks to learn more about the field.

Advice

Try and be efficient with your time and don't be afraid to ask questions and really engage in the science.

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Research Assistant

June 2017 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

Hands- on experience in a field I am interested in

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Write things down the first time you learn it

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Undergraduate Researcher

May 2018 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

I have been an undergraduate research assistant since summer of my freshman year, but this was the first time I took the lead in a study. I loved having greater involvement in research, including creativity, design, problem-solving, and organizing. Additionally, this project has confirmed my decision to go into academic research as a career.

What I wish was different

I definitely wish that I had been compensated for my work, but I still think the experience was more than worth it.

Advice

I would advise people to be unafraid to advocate for themselves to find research opportunities. I reached out to my professor before I was fully academically qualified for the position, but I was able to develop a connection and start networking so that she told me to wait a semester, hone my skills, and then join her in my lab. If I had waited until I was fully qualified for this position, I may have missed it altogether.

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