<p>D (bio med eng) contacted a genetic reseach institute by email in January of her freshman year about an intership, did an in person interview during Spring Break and began her internship the week after she returned home for the summer. Start early, do research on the companies in your area that do the kind of work you'd eventually like to do and be upfront with companies when you contact them about what you have studied "so far" and what you hope to come away with from the internship-it keeps expectations on both sides realistic. The staff in the lab where she worked was very generous with their guidance, the information they shared with her and the research she was involved in.
This research internship reinforced her decision for her intended major and the track she wants to purse in it. By starting freshman year there would have been plenty of time to change directions academically if need be. Another plus - she was doing what she was interested in so even tho' it was a "serious" job she enjoyed doing it for the summer.</p>