As we have previously discussed, research internships are generally great learning opportunities: you get to shadow professionals in your field of interest, get exposed to the day-to-day life of researchers, and gain valuable experience, not to mention that research internships look stellar on your resume and college applications. However, not all students take full advantage of all these opportunities so here are my tips to help you get the most out of your research internship:
- Communicate effectively and efficiently. A lot of researchers in your lab, particularly your PI, may not have a lot of time on their hands, which is why it is important to communicate effectively and efficiently with your PI, mentor, and other co-workers. Make sure to respond to emails and other forms of communication in a timely manner (preferably the same day or within 24 hours). Be professional in your responses, but also don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through as well. Pay attention to how others in your lab communicate. Researchers are often very collaborative with several members of the lab, so pay attention how these individuals communicate with others.
- Take notes. I guarantee that you will learn more and much faster during your research internship than you are probably used to in school. Because you will likely be doing different tasks everyday and observing your mentor during various processes, it is important to take notes on what you are seeing and experiencing. Write down important pieces of information that your mentor tells you. Take note of steps, measurements, materials, and processes that you are expected to know. Often, your mentor may show you how to complete a task and will expect you to know how to do it independently from then on. Take notes on such tasks because it is always great to double-check your work and reference what your mentor previously said.
- Get to know your co-workers. While you may primarily be working with your PI and mentor on a day-to-day basis, take the time to know the other researchers in the lab as well as other interns (if there are any). I realize that many high schoolers find it intimidating to approach people that are much older to them. However, your co-workers will likely be very friendly and easy to talk to. Try to sit with your co-workers at lunch, initiate conversations, invite them to a conference at the university. Regardless of the format, an internship is a great way to learn from others and their work experiences. Find out more about your co-worker’s career paths, what they do in their roles, what projects they are working on, and ask for advice on your own future career.
- Take initiative. Like I have emphasized many times previously, be a go-getter. Focus on excelling at tasks that are within your abilities. This may include managing and completing tasks before deadlines, asking for and taking on extra work, seeking answers before asking your mentor, and proposing unique ideas and/or solutions to research problems. It is especially important to be self-motivated, efficient, and hardworking to show your PI and mentor your passion for and interest in the research internship.
- Ask for feedback. It is important to remind yourself that your PI and mentor do not expect perfection from you; they realize that you are a high schooler and still have much to learn. However, your PI and mentor do want to see that you’re learning and improving. Use your research internship as an opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Check in with your mentor throughout your internship to assess your progress through questions such as, “What can I be doing better?” or “Is there anything else I should be doing?” Listen to their constructive criticism and look for ways to improve. It is expected that you might make mistakes. Own your mistakes, talk through possible solutions, and develop and improve for the future.
- Keep in touch. Throughout your internship, you developed many connections with professional researchers, which is amazing. However, make sure to keep in touch with your new network by connecting with them on LinkedIn and getting their emails (if you do not have them already).
- End on a high note. As your research internship comes to a close, make sure to show your appreciation for your PI, mentor, and co-workers for the incredible opportunity. Thank everyone that helped you. Write a sincere and personal thank you note (perhaps include a memory of the two of you) to those who influenced your learning throughout your internship. Gestures like this can make a lasting impression on the people around you. It shows that you valued your time at the lab and everything you learned.
- Reflect on your experience. Take some time after the end of your internship to reflect back on the many experiences you had. Did you like working in the lab and the work environment? Did it provide you with insight as to what you would like to pursue in college and further? Keep track of the things that excited you and the tasks that bored you. Make note of what you learned and how this can influence your future options.
Research internships can be very rewarding but they are also hard work. Be the person who arrives early and leaves a little late. Go above and beyond. Don’t waste your time scrolling through social media or texting friends. Be accountable for your work and meet your deadlines. Give it your best effort. Stay in touch with people after you leave. You never know when you might need a recommendation letter or another internship/full time position in the future!