The challenge of learning on the job, how to tackle real-world problems. Working at NIAID at a time of global pandemic, has truly been a unique experience. Public health is at the center of attention like never before. Really felt like I was making a difference to something greater.
What I wish was different
Due to circumstances outside of anyone's control, the internship was virtual rather than in-person.
Advice
Don't give up when problems seem to arise. It is easy to be overwhelmed as you come into a new culture and work environment. Keep trying and circling back with people. Be a team player and a good communicator.
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Lab Technician
June - August 2019 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The different job opportunities at NIH
What I wish was different
The duration of the time I spent; I wish it were longer
Advice
Always network with everyone you come in contact with. Treat them the same even if youre not interested in their work. Who you know will sometimes take you further than what you know.
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National Institute of Health
June - August 2018 • College Park, MD
What I liked
Great learning environment
What I wish was different
More social networking
Advice
Apply early
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Lab Volunteer
October 2019 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I liked learning new scientific methodologies like RNA isolation, Western blot, bioninformatics
What I wish was different
I wish the COVID-19 pandemic hadn't happened so I could spend more time in the lab rather than working from home
Advice
It's important to take detailed notes about every step when you do an experiment
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Amgen Scholar
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The program infrastructure behind research (weekly meetings as a group, roundtables, cohort cohabitation, an invested advisor, etc.) made research so much more than research.
What I wish was different
Advice
Network at every opportunity you have!! You never know who is at your organization until you sit down and talk to them. Regardless of how well or not well your experience is going, the organization might have something/someone more suitable for your interests, and it's on you to find those opportunities.
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Summer IRTA Fellow
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I loved that I got to experience with human behavioral and health communication focused research as opposed to the usual wet lab research.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Project Management Intern
June 2016 - August 2017 • Frederick, MD
What I liked
Flexible hours, great mentors, plentiful opportunities to learn more (lectures, presentations, poster days, etc.), pays well, and the connections you make are amazing.
What I wish was different
Nothing. This may very well be the perfect internship.
Advice
Take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn more and talk to everyone! Working with some of the best researchers in the country yields many fruits so long as you seek them out.
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summer fellow
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The hands on experience was great, and I had the privilege of working on my own independent research projects. There’s so many labs, that you get to choose what you’re interested in working in. Personally had a lot of flexibility in my schedule.
What I wish was different
Nothing, honestly. It was great.
Advice
Do readings on the subject after work!
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Biology Research Intern
June - August 2021 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
What I wish was different
I did not adjust well to the virtual format, and wish it had been hybrid. Communication with my mentor was very difficult and I ended up doing much more computer science than biology.
Advice
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Research Intern
June - August 2022 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Learned a lot both about lab work and about bioinformatics!
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Plan your time wisely!
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Research
May - August 2023 • Philadelphia, PA
What I liked
I liked the hands on wet lab.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been paid a little more.
Advice
Start early if you are interested.
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Medical Interpreter
May - August 2023 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Upbeat work environment
What I wish was different
The commute
Advice
Take this as a learning experience, you can learn a lot from mentors and patients
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Trainee
June - August 2023 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
I had lots of opportunities to gain experience in the world of research, from wet-lab skills to communicating with other scientists to presenting my research in poster form.
What I wish was different
At times, I was not sure what was expected of me as an intern. I think hearing from past trainees may have been helpful for this.
Advice
The experience is what you make of it! If you reach out to other scientists, ask questions, and do your own reading, you will gain much more than if you participate passively.
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Intern
June - August 2018 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
The experince of working with a globally recognized institution
What I wish was different
Advice
If you get the opportunity take it
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Intern
May - July 2021 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Working at a prestigious institute like the NIH. Being able to learn new skills which will benefit me in the future.
What I wish was different
The internship being in-person rather than virtual
Advice
Being dedicated and committed. Make the most out of the experience by attending lectures and events hosted by the NIH.
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Biology Research Intern
June - August 2021 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
Multiple opportunities to expand my knowledge, experience and meet people. All of the staff were very welcoming. People were delighted to provide advice and training! It was more than just an internship, it included a poster presentation, lab meetings, weekly journal club, technical skills classes and career development classes.
What I wish was different
Given that it was virtual, if was hard to connect with other interns in neighboring labs.
Advice
Go for it! Ask questions, be open to learning and come prepared. Read every journal article that you can find on that topic and discuss it with your boss to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the topic.
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Biology Research Intern
July - August 2019 • Bethesda, MD
What I liked
I liked how friendly all the lab members were and learning the techniques of immunohistochemistry
What I wish was different
I wish I could've stayed longer but there was not space for me to remain in the lab beyond one month
Advice
I would advise students to not be discouraged from pursuing short internships since you would be surprised how much you can learn in even a short period of time.
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Research Assistant
June 2019 • Miami, FL
What I liked
I really like how flexible my research is and the collaborative environment that is created from being around hard-working and caring individuals.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have found this position earlier. Most importantly, I wish I would network with more doctors/ health professionals.
Advice
One piece of advice about this experience would be something my co-worker said to me. Telling me "If you ever have the opportunity to pick up and start somewhere new, do it." She planted the seed that started my curiosity to study aboard during my undergraduate.
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Comparative Oncology Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Raleigh, NC
What I liked
I was able to meet and talk to so many different people along the way. We were taught about different computer coding techniques for statistical and analytical purposes! We toured and learned about the NIH main location in Bethesda, Maryland.
What I wish was different
I hope next time I might be able to do more. We learned a lot about coding and such but aside from a few things my job was simple and somewhat repetitive. But it also depends on which university or organization that you partner with.
Advice
Keep your options open and take advantage of every opportunity, every place you go and talk to as many people as you can. This internship gives the opportunity to meet so many important and amazing people!
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NIH STAR summer student/intern
June - August 2019 • Baltimore, MD
What I liked
Everything!!! Super inspiring atmosphere and summer overall. The NIH is also really great for ANY CV/resume. The program leaders were incredible and really care about your overall success. They still keep in contact with us. The stipend was nice, as well. You are working for the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, so the funding for research is incredible. You will he exposed to a lot of top-tier research that most people aren’t even aware is going on yet. It’s an amazing opportunity. Life changing.
What I wish was different
Nothing, honestly. If I had one complaint, it’s that your first check doesn’t come until you’re there for a few weeks. As you have to find your own housing (they provide us with many helpful resources), see if you can find someone who is understanding of the fact that you won’t have your first paycheck for a few weeks.
Advice
Eat the food on the main campus! But on a more serious note, go willing to learn, network and ask questions! A lot of the other summer interns/students are doing incredible things and can be valuable to your life as both a friend and within your network. Too, the NIH is filled with a lot of big name people who will actually care about you and can provide you with valuable information and guidance. I met some incredible people who I will have in my life forever now! Go open-minded and ready to learn!!!
