Lana Oconnell
Internships are a great way for students to gain experience and learn about their field of interest. While it is uncommon for professors to intern at companies, it is not unheard of. Professors may choose to intern to gain industry experience and bring that knowledge back to the classroom. Students, on the other hand, can gain valuable research experience by interning with professors. However, there may be limitations due to youth protection legislation, and some professors may only accept students from their own university. To increase their chances of securing an internship, students should be persistent and proactive in their search, leveraging competitions, networking events, and cold emailing professors to showcase their skills and enthusiasm for the research area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age and location | May determine whether a professor can take you on as an intern due to youth protection legislation |
| University policy | Some professors may only entertain students from their own university for research opportunities |
| Outreach programs | Some universities have formal outreach programs for high school students |
| Research mentors | Professors and researchers in your field of interest at nearby universities and colleges can be potential research mentors |
| Connecting with professors | Draft a professional email to introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for their research, and outline why you'd be a great asset to their team |
| Persistence | Cold-emailing professors and asking questions can help you secure an internship |
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What You'll Learn
Research internship opportunities
Research internships with professors are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of a subject and boost your resume. While some professors may only consider students from their university for internships, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to intern with professors from other institutions.
One way to find research internship opportunities is to look for formal outreach programs at nearby universities. Some universities offer summer programs for high school and undergraduate students interested in research or internships. These programs allow students to work on projects with professionals and gain valuable experience in their field of interest. It is worth noting that some professors may be hesitant to take on interns due to the time commitment involved, so be prepared for potential rejections.
Another strategy is to identify potential research mentors at nearby universities or colleges. Utilize resources such as department websites, faculty directories, and research centers to find professors with ongoing research projects that align with your interests. Once you've identified potential mentors, reach out to them via email or LinkedIn, expressing your enthusiasm for their research and highlighting your academic accomplishments and relevant skills.
It is important to note that gaining some prior experience before applying for research internships is beneficial. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a great way to start exploring your research interests and can enhance your application. Additionally, building connections through networking at industry events, conferences, and workshops can also increase your chances of finding research internship opportunities.
Finally, don't be discouraged by rejections, as finding the right research internship opportunity may take time. Stay persistent and keep reaching out to professors whose research aligns with your interests. Remember that internships are a two-way street, and professors are also looking for enthusiastic and dedicated students who can contribute to their research projects.
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Scout for research mentors
Research mentors are crucial for students to gain valuable insights and understanding of the research process, the university professorate, and the skills needed to excel in graduate school. Here are some tips for high school and college students to scout for research mentors:
- Network within your department: Attend departmental seminars, colloquia, guest lectures, and other events organised by your home department. These events provide valuable networking opportunities and help you get familiar with the work of senior researchers. You can also talk to graduate students in your department, as they have a good sense of the research being conducted and can offer suggestions for professors who are great mentors for undergraduates.
- Explore divisional and department websites: Browse the websites of departments and divisions that align with your interests. Check out the faculty members and their research areas. This will help you identify professors whose research interests align with yours.
- Reach out to professors: After identifying potential mentors, reach out to them via email or during office hours. Introduce yourself, mention your specific skills or past research experience, and express interest in their research area. You can also ask course professors from classes you've enjoyed to be your mentor.
- Build a personal foundation: Before seeking a mentor, reflect on what you bring to the table and what you need from the mentorship. This clarity will set the stage for a fruitful relationship. Ensure you are on a similar intellectual and professional wavelength as your potential mentor to maximise the benefits of the mentorship.
- Look beyond your immediate environment: While your university or institution is a great starting point, don't hesitate to explore external professional networks, conferences, and courses that offer networking opportunities with potential mentors.
- Be proactive and creative: Sometimes, a simple phone call or a visit to the faculty's office can help you stand out. Don't be afraid to take the initiative and showcase your enthusiasm.
Remember, finding a research mentor is a personalised process. Take the time to identify your needs, build a solid foundation, and reach out to potential mentors who can guide and support your research journey.
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Connect with professors
Connecting with professors can be a great way to gain valuable experience and insight into your field of interest. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this:
Scout for Potential Mentors
Begin by exploring professors and researchers in your desired field at nearby universities and colleges. Utilise resources such as department websites, faculty directories, and research centres to identify potential mentors. Look out for professors with ongoing research projects that align with your interests.
Build a Network
Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to your field of interest. Networking can help you connect with professionals and uncover potential opportunities. Consider joining professional organisations or clubs connected to your field to expand your network.
Reach Out
Once you have identified potential professors, draft a professional email to introduce yourself. Express your enthusiasm for their work and explain why you would be a valuable addition to their team. Highlight your academic achievements, relevant experience, and any unique skills you possess. It is important to be persistent and not be discouraged by rejections.
Participate in Competitions and Olympiads
Consider entering research competitions or Olympiads in your field. These can provide a great platform to showcase your talents and gain recognition. Even if you don't win, being a finalist can enhance your profile and increase your chances of being noticed by professors.
Enroll in Summer Programs
Many universities and organisations offer summer programs for high school students interested in research or internships. These programs provide valuable experience and the opportunity to work with professionals. Look for programs in your field of interest or contact local universities to inquire about available options.
Remember, building connections with professors can be a rewarding step towards gaining research experience and enhancing your academic profile. Be proactive, persistent, and passionate in your pursuit of these opportunities.
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Enrol in summer programs
Enrolling in summer programs is a great way to boost your college application and stand out from other applicants with similar grades and test scores. Summer programs can help you build skills and gain knowledge in areas outside your regular academic focus, such as sports or the arts. They also provide opportunities for experiential learning through internships or study abroad programs, which may not be available during the regular school year.
There are several types of summer programs available, including academic camps, STEM programs, language immersion programs, study abroad programs, community service programs, and internships. Many colleges offer summer programs where high school students can live on campus, take courses taught by college professors, and even gain experience in labs. These programs are often competitive and require an application process with letters of recommendation.
To find the right summer program, start by deciding on your goals. Do you want to earn college credit, develop new skills, or meet students with similar interests? Research programs online and look into offerings at nearby colleges or universities that interest you. Some programs may require high school transcripts, test scores, or samples of creative work, so be sure to check the application requirements.
If you're interested in a particular field of study, consider reaching out to professors or mentors in that field to express your interest in their work and inquire about any summer opportunities. For example, you could cold call professors or ask your parents or other connections if they know anyone affiliated with a university who could offer you a summer position in their lab.
Don't be discouraged if the idea of a traditional summer program doesn't appeal to you. You can also turn your interests and talents into your own summer-long project. For instance, you could form a band with friends, teach yourself how to program, or practice creative writing and submit your work to journals that publish high school students. Online learning platforms like edX and Coursera offer free college courses from top universities like Stanford and Harvard, allowing you to participate in real-time or watch past lectures from the comfort of your home.
Remember, colleges value work experience and collaboration, so don't be afraid to spend your summer gaining real-world skills through a job or working with others on a project. Whether you're working for family income or just for fun, your work history demonstrates initiative and responsibility, which are valuable assets for any college applicant.
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Attend industry events
While it may be challenging to secure an internship with a professor as a high school student, it is not impossible. Your age and location are important factors to consider, as there may be relevant youth protection legislation in place that affects the likelihood of a professor taking you on as an intern, the number of hours you are allowed to work, and the type of work you can do.
One way to increase your chances of interning with a professor is to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to your field of interest. Here are some tips to make the most of these networking opportunities:
Identify relevant events:
Look for events that are specifically geared towards students or are related to your field of interest. These could include conferences, workshops, seminars, or even competitions organised by scientific organisations or universities. Check their websites or social media pages for information on upcoming events and whether registration is open to students.
Prepare in advance:
Before attending an event, take the time to research professors or researchers who will be present. Identify those whose work aligns with your interests and who may be potential mentors. Prepare a brief introduction about yourself, highlighting your academic accomplishments, skills, and enthusiasm for their research. Practice your pitch with a friend or family member to ensure you can deliver it confidently and concisely.
Engage meaningfully:
At the event, actively engage with professors, researchers, and other attendees. Ask thoughtful questions about their work and express genuine interest. Seek opportunities to share your own aspirations and how their work has inspired or influenced you. Exchange contact information and, if appropriate, ask about potential internship opportunities or advice on how to get involved in research.
Follow up:
After the event, send a polite email to the professors or researchers you connected with, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in their work. Include any additional information about yourself that may be relevant, such as a link to your online portfolio or a recent research paper you have authored. Express your desire to stay in touch and, if appropriate, inquire about the possibility of an internship or research collaboration.
Stay persistent:
Attending industry events is just one strategy to connect with professors. Remember that persistence and initiative are key. Don't be discouraged by rejection or non-responses. Continue to seek out other opportunities to connect, such as reaching out to professors via cold email, participating in summer programs, or enrolling in university-offered visits designed for high school students.
By following these steps and combining your industry event attendance with other networking strategies, you can increase your chances of securing an internship with a professor and gaining valuable research experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some professors will take on high school students as interns.
Research nearby universities and colleges to see if they have any formal outreach programs for high school students. You can also try cold-emailing professors at these institutions to express your interest in their work and outline your relevant skills and experience.
In your email, be sure to introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for their research, and outline why you would be a great asset to their team. Highlight your academic accomplishments, relevant experience, and any skills that set you apart as a strong contender for the position.
Some professors may only entertain students from their own university for research opportunities, so be prepared for this scenario. However, there are also professors who have taken on high school students from outside their university as interns.
You can try to find a "mentor" who is doing research in your field of interest and ask them for an informational interview. This could be a scientist or even one of your high school teachers. Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops tied to your field of interest can also help you uncover potential opportunities and network with professionals.
