<p>I really desire to get a lab internship. I am in a really difficult magnet program currently and am getting straight A’s and can obtain excellent recommendations from very professional teachers</p>
<p>I am honestly open to any type of lab internship in the areas of computer science, biology, engineering, hard sciences, etc, since I am currently specializing in three different fields for my magnet and I am interested in multiple ones of different fields, so please explain the processes for all.</p>
<p>The reason why I am asking is because I tend to only see opportunities for biology labs. I live in an area with a major university and a few other institutions. I do not have lab experience past schooling, which is a strong STEM school. However, I am the most assiduous person you will ever meet, and I am a rapid learner. </p>
<p>I want to attend MIT for engineering, so I’m not sure if biology lab experience would be very meaningful on my application. However, that is the only lab experience I really hear about and the only one I really have a strong idea of what I’d be doing. On the other hand, I’d rather focus on subjects that would be more related to engineering.</p>
<p>Apparently some people on here manage to get internships/lab experience by emailing professors at local universities and asking if there’s anything they can come in and help with, but I’ve never seen it in real life so I’m not sure how effective a strategy it is. </p>
<p>Thanks for the thread and the link. I am still slightly confused: do I have to have my own research project to work with a professor?</p>
<p>To be honest, the only projects I would be interested in doing would require more funding than I have access to. I do not have enough experience in labs to even really conduct something I feel fits my standards or answers my questions (nor would a university nearby). However, I would love to possibly be an assistant or just something of that nature. I have a large knowledge of most subjects, and I am currently in line as valedictorian for my class.</p>
<p>I do some independent research on what I consider to be basic projects, but I don’t count it. If the answer is already determined, I don’t really count it ;). I would really prefer a internship where they tell me what to do, and I do what they asked, and I can do pretty much anything, but that doesn’t seem to be the gig.</p>
<p>So, what would exactly being an intern entail?</p>
<p>I’ve done a lab internship through a connection with a professor at Caltech. It was neuroscience based, but entailed mostly computer science, bioengineering, and biotechnology. We worked independently on different projects, like building electrode arrays and constructing 3D models of the spinal cord. You don’t have to have your own research project. You basically get told what to do, and then you work independently. What area do you live in? I could tell you more about it if you live close to it. </p>
<p>Thanks again for the replies. I’ve PMed you ecouter. I am going to keep the area I live in private, but I have a one relatively good and HUGE university near me. It is a biomed focused school. Sadly I’m nowhere near Caltech or a school like Caltech.</p>
<p>So, does anyone have any more information? Will I learn on the job or do they expect me to know everything already?</p>
<p>First you need to think about how much time you are going to be able to spend on this, and what kind of hours they would be. You also need to think about transportation–where realistically can you go for an internship? Is the necessary public transportation available, or do you have a car and the funds to part it at your destination, or are your parents willing to commit to transporting you on a regular basis? </p>
<p>Assuming you have time (and I would consider 10 hours per week to be a minimal commitment), then think about what areas you’d like to work in. Look at the web pages of the institution(s) you’ve identified, and see which departments are relevant. Now go through the faculty list and see which faculty have an active research program. Usually there will be a page describing their research interests. </p>
<p>You may want to start by picking 5 or so who seem most interesting to you, write an email introducing yourself and asking whether they have any opportunities for a lab internship. You should be aware that most people will regard high school students as a resource sink, ie, they will spend more time working with you and training you than you will possibly provide to them in return. Of course there are rare exceptions, but that is how it usually goes. For this reason, (and others) don’t expect a lot of interest from them. You can increase your chances of success if you take the time to learn about their field and to read papers they have written. They are more likely to respond positively to someone who has demonstrated specific interest in their work and shown initiative to learn about it. If you have any ideas for a project, you can present them, but this isn’t necessary. And if you do present ideas, you should also make it clear that you are willing to work on project of their choosing. (They may not like your ideas, or the idea may not be feasible. or they may just have other priorities). But even if you do good background research and have an interesting idea, there are no guarantees. Your presence may cost them money in lab supplies, etc, and that may not be in their budget. They may not feel they have the personnel available to supervise you. It is probably a good idea to mention how working in their lab would further your particular career goals. Some will take on students out of a feeling of responsibility to train enthusiastic young people in their field. They may be less likely if your application feels like random resume padding. If this first round doesn’t get you anything, then you may want to try a broader mailing, basically to everyone in your field of interest. It won’t be possible to tailor those letters, so expect a lower response rate.</p>
<p>I suspect the reason you hear more about biology internships is that biology has a very high need for hands on the bench, and it’s possible train people who have a very limited knowledge base to carry out some basic procedures. However if you are interested in something more mathematical, there may be very little you can do with such a limited knowledge base.</p>