Additional Advice
- Some very candid advice from an anonymous research scientist in the life sciences
- An article written by a professor after reading too many poor applications
- AAAS offers this excellent guide written by Peter J. Fiske on writing and organizing your resumé—a great resource for any job application.
Next, check out our list of “REU and Internship Opportunities” web page which has links to numerous programs.
Insider tip: When applying to graduate school, for a job, for an REU, or to an internship: Be persistent and enthusiastic. Many programs will ask you to send in your application and then wait for them to contact you. You should certainly follow their guidelines, and always be polite and patient when communicating with personnel. But now is the time to stand up and be noticed. Taking the initiative to directly contact the advisor/professor who you are interested in working with (a simple email telling him/her of your interests and background will do) can make all the difference in who gets selected and for what projects. You can even request to talk over the phone with specific researchers or request a visit if you are located nearby. If you do converse over the phone or in person, be sure to do your homework first. Be prepared to make dialogue and ask questions.