Hands-on, legitimate scientific research that was applicable to my desired future career. It also provided the opportunity to go to a national conference where I presented my research and learned more about public speaking, presentations, and networking.
What I wish was different
The timelines got chaotic at times- due to equipment malfunctions and human error there were many experiments that had to be repeated and threw off our timeline, meaning we did not accomplish all our research goals in our desired time frame.
Advice
If you want to go into a certain field and there is research on campus that applies, take the opportunity and see if you truly enjoy the research. If you do, you now have experience on your resume in your desired field, which is something employers look for. If you don't, you still have experience on your resume, and you have a better idea of what classes to take and what career you do or do not want to pursue.
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Orientation Director
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved being able to interact with a variety of staff, faculty, and students across campus in the months leading up to Orientation weekend. I also loved interacting with incoming families and students. Even months later, I keep meeting freshman who met some of their best friends because of our program. This is easily the most rewarding part.
What I wish was different
I loved just about everything about the job, from the people I worked with to the mission and purpose of our program. However, I wish I could have received more feedback from the people who attended the program on how we did so I could have had some critical feedback to look at for myself.
Advice
The autonomy and responsibility helped me thrive within this role. Look for positions like this one where you are given plenty of space to learn and grow, while having a great collection of supervisors that act as a great foundation for your growth
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Bioinformatics Research Assistant
May - June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I learned a lot and I was able to develop some important coding skills.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had more time to be outside when the weather was nice.
Advice
Use your internship/ job opportunity to obtain skills that you might not necessarily have time to do during the semester.
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Tour Guide
August 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed the flexibility of the job. There were multiple different areas that I had to work in and they all involved personal interactions which I highly value in the work space. There was almost never a time where I was alone working on a project and was always surrounded by peers or employers which helped to create meaningful experiences.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Landscaper
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Worked outside, consistent hours, good boss
What I wish was different
The work was the same every day, repeating the same areas every week
Advice
To find a way to keep your mind engaged if working a less than engaging job, otherwise it can take a toll on mental health
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Building Custodian
June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The team was easy to work alongside
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Drink tons of water
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Student Researcher
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved the people, they made the experience. I also enjoyed the responsibility.
What I wish was different
The organization and communication throughout the summer.
Advice
If you're looking at doing research over the summer, go in confident and don't be afraid to ask questions. It's a learning experience.
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Digital Content Manager Intern
January - December 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Everyone was very welcoming and I felt like what I contributed to the team was highly valued.
What I wish was different
Advice
Ask for tasks, they will let you be as involved as you want to be.
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Chemistry Research Intern
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed collaborating with other researchers to expand my knowledge is a specific niche of chemistry.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be prepared for the long hours; there's a small adjustment period for the 9-5 job.
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Conference Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved the Events and Conferences office I worked out from. The staff in that office was very supportive and personable. Not only did I grow as a conference coordinator, but has a person as well. I also loved the connections I made throughout the summer. I grew close to the people within the office, four other interns, and many key people around Hope College. I also was fortunate enough to work closely with many clients from outside the community. I really liked that I was the liaison between clients and the community. Lastly, I like how much freedom I was granted to grow within my work. I felt important throughout the summer and independent, but always knew I could ask for help. Oh! The golf card gig was a nice touch as well!
What I wish was different
Personally, I wish I knew it was ok to ask for help earlier on. While my bosses provided a space for questions, I felt a unique pressure on myself to be perfect! Besides that, nothing! This was a great experience!
Advice
Work hard but also have fun! This job is what you make it. Make connections with anyone and everyone you can and don't be afraid to ask questions!
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Microbiology Technician
May 2017 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed learning more about the world around me through in-depth literature searches and hands-on experimentation.
What I wish was different
At points there was a lack of organization, but through the efforts of myself and others this was overcome.
Advice
Don't be nervous to try research, even if you feel out of your depth at first. The most important thing is to ask as many questions as possible to experts, and to be willing to learn techniques and analyze various literature.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Really take advantage of the professor in charge of the project.
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Maintenance Assistant
October 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked the freedom the job allowed to get tasks done on my own time.
What I wish was different
A chance for an increase in wage.
Advice
There's no job that is beneath you; as long as you're making money and try your hardest and do your best at it, the job is worth it.
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Front Desk Receptionist
May 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Everyone at this place of work is super friendly- it feels like you're working with a family of individuals who care deeply about you and want you to succeed.
What I wish was different
Advice
This is not a job where you sit there all day- it is very hands on and has lots of projects. This makes the day go by really fast, but you have to be dedicated to your work!
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Office Assistant
June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed working with the very friendly and patient team at the Registrar's Office. The training was very useful and helped me feel comfortable working with everyone. I am grateful for the many skills gained from working in an office environment. I've learnt how to use different computer systems, do general data entry, and enhance my customer service skills both in person and on the office phones.
What I wish was different
Advice
Going into new jobs (or experiences) with an open mind and realistic expectations (like giving yourself sufficient time to adjust) will greatly help you learn and grow without unnecessary stress and pressure.
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Economic Research Assistant
June - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked working independently and with my professor. I was able to guide my own schedule and had flexible hours.
What I wish was different
I wish the environment had been different (room was cold and had no windows.
Advice
Be prepared to read all day! Bring snacks!
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researcher
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Working with a team
What I wish was different
Advice
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Student Researcher
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked how the work was challenging but engaging and how I was able to learn so many new skills in such a short amount of time.
What I wish was different
I wish that I would have been able to work on the project for a little longer.
Advice
I would tell people to consider summer research because it is an amazing opportunity to learn something that is very applicable to the real world.
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Ticket Office
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I love the community in the summer staff and how flexible the hours were!
What I wish was different
I wish that I would’ve been able to have a steady 40hrs/week.
Advice
This is a great job to have if you’re taking an online class! There is a lot of downtime and it’s best to have something to keep yourself busy!
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The work environment was very candid, there were also some outreach opportunities that were definitely worthwhile!
What I wish was different
Frankly, I wish I would have had more time to work on my research project, for there were a couple of inconsistencies that complicated things that summer's work.
Advice
Definitely to take into account if one is thinking to pursue graduate school or any career in science.
