Oregon State University

Agricultural Research Engineer

June - August 2023 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

Make connections with people and learn a lot.

What I wish was different

Do the tasks more proactively.

Advice

Don't be afraid of getting out of your shell.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

February - September 2023 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I liked how I was exposed to python and use it to further my understanding in AI technology.

What I wish was different

I wish the structure of the whole URSA program was more organized because it wasn't really clear what I needed to do.

Advice

Don't be afraid to get something wrong because trying is better than nothing.

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REU intern

June - August 2023 • Newport, OR

What I liked

I loved living on the Oregon coast with a cohort of people that were just as enthusiastic about researching topics related to marine science. I also loved getting to work on my own individual project while getting a taste of some other projects happening in my lab.

What I wish was different

I wish I would've gotten more time to learn and think about my research project before arriving to campus so I had more time to understand my study topic and become acquainted with the existing knowledge of the field.

Advice

The more you put into this experience, the more you'll get out of it. But, that doesn't mean research has to consume your entire life for you to be successful!

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

August - November 2023 • Myrtle Point, OR

What I liked

I liked that I could learn new skills that I hadn't known before and I loved the team I was a part of.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

None.

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Student Employment

August 2023 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I love this job because it gives me experience in Human Resources. My team is also very positive, and it's an uplifting environment.

What I wish was different

I wish the pay was higher.

Advice

If you are okay with doing repetitive work, this job is for you!

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Summer Academy Counselor

July - August 2023 • Bend, OR

What I liked

It's an enjoyable experience and a fun opportunity to work with high school students

What I wish was different

Have more budget for the event and generally improve it

Advice

Please provide any student worker food over the break period between the two summer camps

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Robotics in the Real World REU Intern

June - August 2023 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

It gave me new experiences that I would not have had at my home university.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Assistant Farm Manager

June 2020 - September 2022 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I appreciated the ability to work independently and that I was trusted to be competent and skillful in what I did!

What I wish was different

Advice

Farm work involves a lot of repeated tasks. To prepare for that, I actually found that a mindfulness and meditation practice helped helped me to stay focused while working alone.

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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2018 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

My research was focused on robotics, so I really enjoyed the opportunity to try out robotics, a field Haverford doesn't offer many opportunities in. I also absolutely loved the location. The OSU campus is in the center of a really cool college town and surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. It was a wonderful place to spend a summer.

What I wish was different

I wish the program had been earlier in the summer. It spanned from mid-June to late-August, while most summer opportunities span from the beginning of June to the beginning of August. This meant that I didn't have a lot of breathing room between the end of the program and the start of the school year.

Advice

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CAFE Peer Mentor

July 2021 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

The flexibility and how we are able to help others

What I wish was different

It started remotely, but I would've loved to have been in person

Advice

Take a job you're interested in, even if you don't have the most knowledge on the subject

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Student Shop Worker Technical Lead

June 2021 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

Interacting and helping fellow students, taking part in constructing research projects, and machining things in general.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have gotten some more engineering experience.

Advice

Working in a shop is invaluable since you learn how to communicate with technicians.

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Pharmacy Technician

July 2021 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

Everyone is nice and friendly to each other.

What I wish was different

I wish I can learn more about different kinds of tasks or have a better understanding of drugs, treatments, and diseases.

Advice

Be proactive and connect with people.

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Research Assistant

July 2021 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I liked the fact that it was more academic based work than just the typical summer job.

What I wish was different

I wish it was less repetitive and wasn’t just running the same tests every week

Advice

Be a hard worker and taking the lead of projects pays off in dividends

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Invertebrate Lab Technician

June 2021 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I was able to choose this position based on personal preferences. I love insects and this position helps me learn about them while contributing to research. My hours are flexible and accommodating to my course schedule. My research team and graduate lab manager are incredible to work with as well!

What I wish was different

Pandemic protocols for COVID-19 social distancing kept the entire team from working together in the lab at the beginning. All meetings were virtual. While we had no control over that, it did take a long time to get to know everyone which I feel is important for communication, especially within research.

Advice

Show your enthusiasm for the jobs or internships you apply for. If you have a passion to learn about something in particular, and the place you're applying to offers a chance to delve deeper, let them know that's what you want! More importantly, let that enthusiasm show. It will get you job offers, trust me.

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Vice President of OSU's HR/Management Association

June 2020 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

In my internship as Vice President of OSU's HR/Management Association, I have enjoyed growing my networking, presentation, and recruitment skills. From starting out as a member, it has been very fulfilling and meaningful to be able to give back to an organization that has undoubtedly increased my career potential and developed me professionally in many ways. The team culture is very supportive and learning-oriented, which made it a pleasure to work with them every day. Finally, I loved the variety that was provided in the position, from networking events, professional panels, game nights, conferences, and corporate tours.

What I wish was different

Something I wish was different was that they have greater opportunities for E-campus students. However, due to the culture of the organization, I was able to bring up my concern and then take on the project of doing so. To my pleasure, we are now a hybrid organization and have a few E-campus leadership team members as well as other increased diverse members. I loved suggesting a change and having the team support me in every way to make my vision possible. It just shows you that there are many opportunities to have your voice heard and incorporate your ideas to make them part of the entire organization's goals.

Advice

When searching for an internship, seek out opportunities that align with your core values and strengths. Being able to find meaning and networking opportunities with professionals in the workplace is key to having a successful internship. The experience will not only help you to be prepared for your career post-graduation but also bring valuable insights to your coursework.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June 2020 • Corvallis, OR

What I liked

I loved the flexibility of working in a research lab.

What I wish was different

Advice

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College of Science Peer Advisor

June 2018 • Oregon State University, OR

What I liked

Everything, it was a great learning experience and I got to help a lot of incoming students and meet lots of new people.

What I wish was different

Nothing, its a great job and I love all of my coworkers and all of the amazing people I've gotten the chance to meet.

Advice

Put yourself out there, if I didn't I never would have gotten the amazing job I have now.

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REU Intern

July - September 2018 • Newport, OR

What I liked

It was paid and I got to meet a bunch of students from out of state. Very cool field research and a lot of mentor guidance.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Definitely apply early and enjoy the experience while it lasts

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Agricultural Assistant/Intern

July - August 2019 • Adams, OR

What I liked

It was a wonderful hands-on experience where I could get a feel for what agricultural research entails, both out in a large scale, and on smaller scales too. It allowed for me to have control over my own research, and I was able to fit it in despite a summer with awkward timing since I went abroad the previous spring.

What I wish was different

I would have loved a little more direction, however I really made a research opportunity where there wasn't in, so I'm endlessly grateful for the folks at the CBARC for fitting me in. I also didn't particularly want to stay in Walla Walla and commute every day this summer, but given the short time frame and how things went, overall it was good.

Advice

I would just make sure people know research can really be anything with data, and that they should try to focus on something they are interested in instead of simply trying to get it done. In retrospect, it would have been a little more enjoyable to do research on something I was super passionate about.

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