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post-grad summer internships, etc

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 5:07 pm
by hiccupz
what are a physics grad's options for summer internships and research? most of the programs i know of are specifically for students who have not yet received their bachelors, and working with a professor from my university isn't really an option. so what will those of you who are doing something in the field this summer be up to? is it common to arrange something with the graduate school you will be attending in the fall?

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:17 pm
by grae313
I know some people start research at their graduate institution, but I will be continuing my research at my local NASA branch. If you have any national laboratories nearby, that's a good place to look. All of my research opportunities have come because I let all my professors know I was interested. If you want to do research over the summer, let all of your professors know you are looking for opportunities outside of your school, let your graduate institution know, just let *everyone* know--it can't hurt--and they will let you know if there is anything available.

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:30 pm
by twistor
Last year I put in an application to the DoE for their SULI internships. I was not accepted but they kept my application on file. I recently received an email from them asking me to submit it again. Since it was only a few minor changes to my application I decided to go ahead with it. I figured I should, even though I'm not sure if I'm eligible. I doubt I would be starting research at my graduate institution because I have to find housing first.

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:03 pm
by Maxwells_Demon
hey twistor,

I'm applying for that this summer. You think it will look good for me when I apply to graduate school in 2009 _IF_ I get the DOE thing?

-Maxwell's Demon

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:37 pm
by twistor
Maxwell's Demon:

It would definately look good, but ironically I'm glad I didn't get it when I applied for it. Because I didn't get it I remained with the professor I was working over the summer term and I've had a year of great research. I think diverse research helps but it's better to stay with one project for a longer amount of time so you can see the results of the work. You'll also develop a strong rapport with the people you're working with and you're going to want that kind of rapport when it comes to recommendation letters.