Hello all!
I am currently a high school junior who will be graduating in June of 2021. My goal is to pursue a Bioengineering major at the University of Washington once I graduate.
I am currently weighing my options when it comes to summer research internships for bioengineering in my area. Two programs in particular have caught my eye–one that is through the Seattle Children’s Research Institute and another through the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
To my knowledge, the Fred Hutch internship is very competitive and is well-known across the country. It is also five weeks longer than the Seattle Children’s internship, meaning that I will likely experience a greater level of immersion. To top that all off, with Fred Hutch being one of the premier cancer research institutes in the country, it could mean getting my foot in the door for future career opportunities at the company.
The Seattle Children’s internship also seems like a great opportunity, with it being one of the nation’s top five pediatric research centers. It is also a part of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and works closely with Fred Hutch. I would still be a part of the network, although less closely affiliated with Fred Hutch (not necessarily ideal). Additionally, I would only be experiencing three weeks of work, as opposed to eight. Plus, the internship itself is less well-known outside of my area (although I would prefer to go to school nearby, so I’m not sure how much of a problem that is).
On the bright side, if I get accepted to Seattle Children’s, I will be able to go on vacation with my parents in August (probably my last chance before college!). I am really looking forward to the trip, and I am not sure if I would feel secure commuting to Seattle every day on my own while my parents are away.
The Seattle Children’s internship would fit my summer schedule much better, but I feel like the Fred Hutch internship would ever-so-slightly align more with my future career goals, and would also look slightly better on a college application.
I would love some insight from you all!
Thanks 