Summer Internships

1
Summer Internships

• Susan Paulson
• Biology Major, 07
• spaulso1_at_nd.edu

2
Why Apply?

• Learn laboratory techniques
• Develop research skills
• Make new contacts
• Determine if research is for you
• Experience another school
• Meet other students
• Great way to spend the summer!

3
How to Find Internships

• Internet
• Google summer undergraduate research
• Search college and university websites
• Send e-mails to researchers
• http//www.nsf.gov/funding/education.jsp
• Companies Corporations
• Biotechnology (GenVec)
• Pharmaceutical (Merck, Lilly, J and J)
• Environmental Consultants (SWCA, Respirtek)
• Private Research Institutes (Cleveland Clinic)

4
How to Find Internships (cont.)

• Government Agencies
• National Science Foundation
• National Institute of Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• National Institute of Science Technology
• Department of Energy
• Department of Natural Resources
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• ND Center for Social Concerns (SSP ISSP)
• Medically related service projects
• Talk to professors and other students

5
How to Find Internships (cont.)

• Internships close to home
• Contact local universities and colleges
• For a specific lab, contact the PI (Principle
  Investigator)
• Local hospitals and doctors
• May be able to find a job and shadow doctors
• Local ND Alumni Club

6
The Application

• Personal Statement or Cover Letter
• Resume
• Highlight previous research
• List specific laboratory techniques
• Official Transcript
• Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
• Standardized test scores (some programs)
• Previous research experience
• Genetics Lab and Cell Bio Research Lab

7
Timeline

• November/December
• Find programs of interest
• Christmas Break
• Fill out applications, write essays, etc.
• January
• Ask for letters of recommendation

• February/March
• Applications due (varies among programs)
• April
• Interviews if necessary
• May
• Decide where to go!

8
Tips Hints

• Small tips
• Apply to a variety of programs (the more the
  better)
• Recycle modify personal statements
• Proofread have others proofread
• Keep a running list of laboratory techniques
• BIG HINTS
• START EARLY! (right now)
• Be organized
• Keep track of dates w/ a chart and a calendar
• Be considerate, communicate, and thank those
  writing letters of recommendation
• Request letters AT LEAST 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
• Provide a list with due dates, addresses, and
  special instructions
• Dont hesitate to send reminders

9
SMART ProgramBaylor College of
Medicinehttp//www.bcm.edu/smart/

• Located in Houston, Texas
• 80-100 students from across the country
• 9 weeks (3000)
• Housing at Rice University
• Work at the Texas Medical Center
• HIV research in the Allergy Immunology Dept. of
  Texas Childrens Hospital

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SMART Program

• Outside of the Lab
• Noon seminars
• Shadow physicians
• Volunteer at Texas Childrens Hospital
• Evening workshops on applying to med grad
  school
• Free GRE prep course
• Social events barbecues, movie nights, etc.

11
Questions?

• Contact Information
• Susan Paulson (spaulso1_at_nd.edu)
• Dr. T. Mark Olsen (tolsen_at_nd.edu)
• Dr. Michelle Whaley (whaley.3_at_nd.edu)
• GOOD LUCK!!!