How Students Can Gain From Interning With Professors

Internships are a great way for students to gain experience in their field of interest and build their CVs. While it may seem daunting to approach a professor, especially as a high school student, it is not uncommon for professors to accept students as interns. In fact, some professors even use internships as a way to screen students for PhD positions. There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to intern with a professor. Firstly, location and age are important factors as youth protection legislation may limit the hours you are allowed to work and the type of work you can do. Secondly, some professors may only accept students from their own university, so it is worth exploring opportunities at nearby universities and colleges. Finally, when reaching out to professors, it is important to be persistent and highlight your academic accomplishments, relevant experience, and any skills that make you a strong candidate.

How to find internships

Yes, students can intern with a professor. However, it is not a very common occurrence and it may be difficult to find a professor who is willing to take on a high school student as an intern.

Networking and Mentorship

Start by looking for a "mentor" who is doing research in your field of interest. This could be a family connection or a teacher who knows someone in the field. Ask them for an informational interview to learn more about their work and to get advice on how to find internships. Attending maths, physics, and chemistry Olympiads can also be a great way to network with professors and showcase your skills.

University Outreach Programs

Some universities have formal outreach programs for high school students, which can provide research opportunities or internships with professors. These programs are a great way to get your foot in the door and make connections with professors who might be willing to mentor you.

Cold Emailing

If you don't have any personal connections, you can try cold emailing professors at local universities. In your email, be sure to mention any previous experience you have and how it relates to their work. It is also important to stress that you can provide the necessary funding for the internship and handle any administrative work. Be persistent and don't be discouraged by rejections.

Research Competitions

Entering research competitions, even smaller ones, can be a way to get noticed by professors. If you become a finalist or winner, you can reach out to professors and mention your achievement. This can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for the field.

Campus Visits and Tours

Some colleges offer visits and tours for high school students, which can give you a chance to get to know the university and its professors. This can be a great opportunity to make a good impression and increase your chances of securing an internship later on.

Emailing professors

Firstly, it is important to note that it is possible for students to intern with professors. Some universities have formal outreach programs for students, and some professors will take on interns. However, it is worth noting that there may be youth protection legislation that limits the hours you are allowed to work, the kind of work you can do, and your liability.

Now, onto the art of emailing professors to secure an internship. This is a highly competitive process, and your email is the first thing any professor will see, so it is important to make a good first impression. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Do your research: Before you send an email, make sure you research the professor and their work. Find out if there is any research they are doing that you are interested in and that you could help with.
• Subject line: The subject line should be informative and specify the reason why you are emailing. For example, "Application for internship/trainee position at your lab".
• Salutation: If you are emailing a professor in the US, Europe, or Canada, it is advisable to address them by their name, such as "Dear Dr. Lastname". Using "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" may be considered generic and convey a lack of interest. However, in some cultures, such as in India, using "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" is more appropriate. Always double-check the name before sending the email.
• Content: In the body of the email, be sure to mention your qualifications, interests, past research experiences or internships, published research papers, and what you expect from the internship. Keep the email concise and mindful of tone. It is also a good idea to mention any previous experience and how it relates to their work.
• Termination: End the email on a positive note and mention that you have attached your resume or cover letter. Include your name, contact number, and LinkedIn ID in the salutation.
• Persistence: Be prepared to send a lot of emails and receive mostly rejections or no replies. This is a normal part of the process, and persistence can pay off.

In-person networking

Networking is a powerful tool that can help you land internships and even full-time jobs. It is about building meaningful, professional relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. Here are some tips for in-person networking as a student to help you intern with a professor:

Be Intentional

Networking can be intimidating, especially for introverts. However, by being intentional, you can start building your network during your everyday activities, such as engaging with your professors and classmates. Take advantage of your professor's office hours to discuss your future plans and goals. Attend guest lectures and university events to meet guest lecturers and other professionals. Be confident and take the initiative to introduce yourself and express your interests.

Build Meaningful Connections

Networking is about building lasting relationships, not just exchanging pleasantries. Be genuine and take a sincere interest in the person you are talking to. Ask thoughtful questions about their work, their journey, and seek advice. Remember important details about them, and if it helps, jot down some notes on your phone after your conversation.

Start Early

It is beneficial to start networking early, even before you are ready to enter the workforce. This way, you can establish connections that can guide you as you navigate your career path. These connections could be with professors, classmates, alumni, or professionals in your field of interest.

Diversify Your Network

While it is natural to build connections with professors and classmates, diversifying your network can set you apart. Connect with professionals who align with your academic and personal interests through LinkedIn, university networking groups on Facebook, and other online platforms. Attend career fairs, competitions, and events to meet a diverse range of people and gain exposure to different industries.

Utilize Your Resources

Your university's career center is a valuable resource for finding internships and building your network. They can provide tips on improving your online presence, offer mock interviews, and inform you about upcoming job fairs. Join honor societies, professional clubs, and other on-campus organizations to connect with a diverse range of people, including speakers, advisers, and mentors.

By following these tips and being persistent in your efforts, you can successfully network your way to interning with a professor and gaining valuable research or industry experience.

Youth protection legislation

It is possible for a student to intern with a professor, although it is relatively rare. Some universities have formal outreach programs for high school students, and some professors will take high school students as interns. However, there may be youth protection legislation that affects the likelihood of a professor taking on a high school student as an intern, including limitations on the hours and type of work they can do.

Parents and caregivers also have a responsibility to protect young people under their care and ensure their safety. This includes being aware of and reporting any suspected abuse or violations of youth protection policies. Organizations that work with youth, such as the BSA, should also ensure that all adults working with youth undergo background checks and screening to reduce the risk of accepting potential child abusers.

Overall, youth protection legislation and policies aim to create a culture of awareness and safety for young people, with the focused commitment of all involved to respect the privacy and well-being of youth.

Summer programs

High school students seeking research internships with professors may face some challenges due to youth protection legislation, limiting their working hours and the type of work they can do. However, some professors do take on high school interns, and there are also research programs specifically designed for this age group. To find such opportunities, students can try networking with mentors or scientists, attending industry events, and looking into summer programs offered by universities and organizations.

For undergraduate students, there are more research opportunities available, and they can consider reaching out to professors at their university or nearby universities to express their interest in research collaborations. While some professors may prioritize their own students for research positions, others are open to working with students from other institutions. It is important to showcase your academic accomplishments, relevant experience, and skills that make you a strong candidate.

When approaching professors, it is essential to express genuine interest in their work and demonstrate a basic understanding of their research area. Offering unpaid services during the summer is common, but be mindful that professors receive numerous such offers, so make your application stand out.

Overall, summer programs and internships with professors can provide valuable learning experiences, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in a practical setting and build connections with professionals in their field of interest.

Frequently asked questions