Hello all, so I am a Junior at a local University in Texas, I have been applying to many internships and REUs (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Programs across the country, and I have not had much luck as to getting an internship or taking part in an REU.
Furthermore, I was hoping for some advice from some people who have taken part in an internship and/or an REU and to shed some light as to what these companies/Universities look for in applicants.
What is your major? GPA? REU’s are very competitive. In math, they look at letters of recommendation and GPA and coursework. But there are varying levels of REU’'s, and if the deadlines haven’t passed yet, you may want to ask for a faculty member to help you narrow them down. Internships that advertise nationally are notoriously competitive. You may have better luck with your career services center and looking for summer employment related to your major in the local area. It may not be an “internship” as such, but it is experience.
I am a Mechanical Engineering Major, with a 3.9+ GPA, and I have applied to several REUs, all the ones that I applied to the deadlines have passed.
I have been in contact with the career center on campus, it is tough to find something related to MechE with so many students and limited job opportunities.