I am currently in the process of cold-emailing professors at my local university because I’m interested in getting a physics internship for the fall. While I know that the chances of me getting a response are slim to none, I’m still going to try.
My question is, what value can I provide to the lab? I know I can’t actually contribute to the bulk of the research, but there must be some task that I can do. I took AP Stats this year, so I have some experience with data analysis. Is this enough? Should I mention it on the email? I know a little bit of Python, but no other programming languages. Should I mention that?
What other value can I provide? Or else, what basic skills can I pick up over the next few weeks?
I think that you have a good idea already, such as mentioning the courses you have completed and relevant skills such as familiarity with Python. It is good that you have a realistic attitude that you might not be able to “actually contribute to the bulk of the research” in this internship. Be punctual; attentive; inquisitive; willing to do the jobs assigned to you, even the ones that are not deemed to be research-related, such as general clean-up. Of course, an intern’s job is to learn; however, do realize that your presence there can provide others a chance to learn to be a good mentor. Good luck in your search.
What a great question and you framed it so well. I agree with TGL’s equally great response.
In addition, are you currently in HS? If so, what grade are you rising to? Or, are you a rising college freshman?
My daughter is a rising HS senior. She wanted to join a research lab at a local university this summer and had many of the same questions that you raise here. Her process was to review all of the professors in the department, review their research and interests and see where there was an intersection with her interests and background. She then reached out via email to the professor who’s interests most aligned with hers and he responded fairly quickly. They had several conversations and he referred her to another professor in the department as he was going on sabbatical this summer. She then had some conversations with the referred professor and they quickly arranged a paid internship for this summer. So, I would suggest identifying a professor whose research connects with you in some way and reach out to them (although it may be a bit late now). There is a reasonable chance of getting a response and see where it leads.
What helped my daughter was having a demonstrated interest in the subject matter over the course of several years and supporting activities. That said, while she knows her way around a lab (protocols, etc.), like you she is not likely to be a primary contributor. She knows this.
TGL2023’s advice is spot on: Be punctual; attentive; inquisitive; willing to do the jobs assigned to you, even the ones that are not deemed to be research-related, such as general clean-up. Of course, an intern’s job is to learn; however, do realize that your presence there can provide others a chance to learn to be a good mentor.
Thank you for the helpful responses! I am a rising high school sophomore, which means that I’m probably on the younger end of students. Will this be a problem? I’m planning to mention that I’m a high schooler in my email, but I wasn’t sure if I should specify my grade. I’ve also heard that professors don’t typically take high schoolers because there are undergrads willing to do the same work who have first priority.
Also, if this helps, I’m not looking for a paid internship! I just want to learn and gain experience.
So, I mentioned above: “What helped my daughter was having a demonstrated interest in the subject matter over the course of several years and supporting activities.” Her interests are in the biological sciences and when she was your age, a rising sophomore, she contacted a local genetics lab that she was aware of that hired interns. It turns out that at that time the lab only offered internships to college kids. My daughter was their first high school intern (this was unpaid). And, a huge part of this experience was in line with tgl2023 statement - learning to be punctual, attentive, inquisitive, doing the jobs assigned without complaint, and be happy cleaning up.
While your age and experience will be an issue, it will not be an insurmountable one. Further, broaden your scope outside of just physics labs at the local university. ANY job this summer will provide the opportunities to learn and gain the experience that tgl2023 outlined.
Could there be concern regarding potential liability for one under the age of 18 ? (Maybe not for physics, but I wonder about chemistry and use of potentially harmful chemicals.)
I am sure that would be a consideration for many labs and employers and for certain jobs within particular labs. For physics, there could be issues with lasers or any number of other considerations. I wouldn’t necessarily let those concerns inhibit initiating conversations with professors or companies that are doing work of interest. The worst they can say is “no”.
One last question: when emailing the professors I am interested in working with, I would like to be able to say: “I enjoyed reading your paper on insert subject matter.” However, I am only able to comprehend a small amount of what these papers cover, and many of them are filled with complicated topics and, for lack of a better phrase, “big words.” They are also extremely math-heavy. This makes me worried because I’m not sure I’m ready to do research at this level. It’s hard to believe that there are kids my age who understand this stuff and conduct research themselves!
If you aren’t ready-- there is NOTHING wrong with that. You can use the time to volunteer for a cause you care about (call it an internship if it makes you feel better) or get a job- any job- to earn a little money and develop some skills.
If you are doing this because it seems like “kids my age” conduct research themselves- they are absolutely in the minority. Most kids your age are babysitting, teaching a music class at the senior center, doing small chores in the neighborhood for cash, walking dogs, volunteering for a Brownie troupe that needs an extra “assistant leader”.
Work on building relationships, this is a skill that will pay enormous dividends as you get through HS and into college. Think about maybe asking if you could audit a class in the summer or look at for any lectures that are given in local colleges. Introduce yourself after, ask for suggestions on papers to read on the subject. As about what research they are doing…
Just recognize that some people will be responsive and others may blow you off. But getting comfortable with these interactions help open the doors to opportuities. Best of luck
Thanks! I do some of those things too. The reason I wanted an internship is not for competition or anything like that, but just because my school doesn’t have any opportunities to work in labs or use materials/machines (basically, all my experience so far is with textbooks!)
I guess I was just wondering if interns are supposed to be able to keep up with the concepts and materials, or if it’s okay to just do simple things like organizing data or cleaning or whatever.
I want to know what’s expected of me before I get myself into this!
My daughter did a summer internship between her Junior and Senior years in a neuroscience lab. She read the articles and also understood only a part of it too. Then she did internships as a college student and understood more, and was able to participate a lot more in the academic discussions. She’s now a lab tech for a couple of years and is able to figure out her own projects.
The most important parts of a high school internship is to learn to understand the science a bit more, learn about lab techniques, and the different tasks that need to get done, and, no less important, learn the dynamics of a lab. Because of her high school internship my daughter didn’t need to spend as much time figuring out where she may be needed, what parts of the lab work she can do, and how to get the most out of her time at the lab.
Of course you’re not ready to do research at that level. Neither are the undergraduate interns, and the graduate students are there to learn how to do research at that level. The best musician with the most talent still needs to learn how to play the instrument.
It’s OK to only do stuff the “simple” stuff, which is well within the skill set of a smart and talented rising Junior, and is critical to running the lab. You should try and figure out what the lab is doing, but you do not need to demonstrate the level of understanding that would be expected, say, from a grad students or even an undergrad.
No one will expect from you to perform stuff that the grad students or the undergraduates, so don’t worry. Doing your best is not only enough, but more than enough.
Be curious, be proactive, ask questions, and listen to the answers.
Reading your posts, I think that you will do great,