Volunteer Research

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

So internships are not going to happen this summer for me. However I am planning on doing engineering research (non paid) this summer.

A. Will volunteering research help my resume to land an internship next summer?

B. I have two options. One lab that at which I would volunteer full time and another more relaxed lab at which I can work however much I want, within reason. Will the full time position look that much better than the more relaxed lab? Would it be worth spending lots of time not getting paid?

2

Unfortunately, not getting paid is the standard for many college summer experiences. If it is valuable experience (helping you advance in your area of interest), then it probably is worth doing. I can’t speak to choosing from the two different labs.

3

More important than part time/full time is just what exactly each lab is doing, how that aligns with your interests, and how technical of a role you’d get to have.