Get an Internship with Physics Major at U of I Urbana

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice for obtaining internships as a physics major at the University of Illinois Urbana, specifically targeting positions at the Department of Energy and related laboratories. Participants share their experiences, concerns about qualifications, and strategies for improving their chances of securing internships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses anxiety about not being qualified for internships, citing a lack of experience and accomplishments, despite having written a theoretical paper and working on a project.
  • Another participant suggests that grades may be a primary consideration for theoretical internships, while a different participant clarifies that the focus is on lab jobs at the Department of Energy.
  • Advice is shared regarding the College Mini-Semester program at Brookhaven National Laboratory, which could help build connections with staff and improve internship prospects.
  • Participants discuss the varied backgrounds of successful interns, noting that high grades are not always necessary for acceptance into programs.
  • There is a suggestion that participating in short programs may enhance chances for longer internships, with one participant expressing interest in applying for the Mini-Semester program.
  • Information about the application process and deadlines for the Mini-Semester program is provided, with participants discussing the importance of early application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concerns and optimism regarding internship applications, with no clear consensus on the best approach to securing a position. Some believe that connections and experiences can outweigh grades, while others emphasize the importance of academic performance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific programs and their benefits, but there are uncertainties regarding application processes and deadlines, as well as the effectiveness of various strategies discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students majoring in physics or related fields, particularly those seeking internships in research laboratories or government agencies.

Ikoro
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Ok, am a physics major currently a sophmore at U of I urbana..Now i have this feeling that i would not be good enough for the DOE to get an internship next year.
I haven't accomplished anything major except i wrote a theoretical physics paper: Modelling Maxwell's solution in a vector and subspace field.-my freshman year and presented it (about 2months ago). Anyways the paper is currently under review. (no guarantee it will be published)
And am currently working on a wireless power transfer project, which i hope to patent in october. ( don't know if am gnna meet my deadline)

Anyways, with these things i still think i have not got the right resume to impress any lab. Like i haven't held a job( mainly because am 17 ,well gnna be 18 this yr end, and my parents are too protective) and i hvent done any school or department sponsored research yet. So, what kind of resume should i have to impress these people. I am freaking out?? Applications start in 3months!
 
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Ikoro said:
Ok, am a physics major currently a sophmore at U of I urbana..Now i have this feeling that i would not be good enough for the DOE to get an internship next year.
I haven't accomplished anything major except i wrote a theoretical physics paper: Modelling Maxwell's solution in a vector and subspace field.-my freshman year and presented it (about 2months ago). Anyways the paper is currently under review. (no guarantee it will be published)
And am currently working on a wireless power transfer project, which i hope to patent in october. ( don't know if am gnna meet my deadline)

Anyways, with these things i still think i have not got the right resume to impress any lab. Like i haven't held a job( mainly because am 17 ,well gnna be 18 this yr end, and my parents are too protective) and i hvent done any school or department sponsored research yet. So, what kind of resume should i have to impress these people. I am freaking out?? Applications start in 3months!

Is it a theoretical internship? I'd guess that they're looking for grades more than anything else. From my experience, that's the main factor.
 
No, it is a lab job at the Department of Energy.
 
Ikoro said:
No, it is a lab job at the Department of Energy.
o0.. Are you applying for the Brookhaven National Laboratory also?
 
Nano-Passion said:
o0.. Are you applying for the Brookhaven National Laboratory also?

Yes Ames, Oak ridge, Brookhaven and los alamos, any advice.
 
Ikoro said:
Yes Ames, Oak ridge, Brookhaven and los alamos, any advice.

Oh that's a bunch, hmm.. I have had two friends and they didn't have particularly high grades or anything special at all and they got in. One in nanotech and the other hunting squirrels...

You should do the mini semester program at winter break. Its a one week ordeal and you get to develop a connection with staff members.. my friend recommended it to me.

"Students spend one week at BNL during the winter break and participate in a lab related research project. Students also interact with Laboratory staff members, attend lectures on current projects and are guided on tours of Laboratory facilities to witness scientific research in progress. Students are expected to participate in a team research experience and present their results."

Taken from bnl
 
Nano-Passion said:
Oh that's a bunch, hmm.. I have had two friends and they didn't have particularly high grades or anything special at all and they got in. One in nanotech and the other hunting squirrels...

lol... hunting squirrels??

"Students spend one week at BNL during the winter break and participate in a lab related research project. Students also interact with Laboratory staff members, attend lectures on current projects and are guided on tours of Laboratory facilities to witness scientific research in progress. Students are expected to participate in a team research experience and present their results."

One week?? does it improve my chances for a longer internship during the summer..if it does then ill check it out
 
Ikoro said:
lol... hunting squirrels??

"Students spend one week at BNL during the winter break and participate in a lab related research project. Students also interact with Laboratory staff members, attend lectures on current projects and are guided on tours of Laboratory facilities to witness scientific research in progress. Students are expected to participate in a team research experience and present their results."

One week?? does it improve my chances for a longer internship during the summer..if it does then ill check it out

lmao.. He was an engineer but he did his internship in environmental science or something just for interest.

"Program Benefits

Many of these students return to BNL as part of the Community College Institute (CCI) or the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI). Both of these programs offer students the opportunity to become part of a scientific research team for a summer. The SULI program also offers internships during the fall and spring semesters. Students who participate in the College Mini-Semester program are encouraged to apply for the 16-week academic semester programs and for the 10-week summer program."

Like I said, it gives you a chance to develop a connection with staff members. My friend who landed an internship in nanotech emailed a staff member in the nanotech firm, got lucky, and met with him to talk. He said he pretty much got the internship from there.
 
Last edited:
Nano-Passion said:
Ikoro said:
lmao.. He was an engineer but he did his internship in environmental science or something just for interest.

Sounds more like it. lol, it should be a science at all...unless they ve changed the definition of science. didnt get the memo.

Students who participate in the College Mini-Semester program are encouraged to apply for the 16-week academic semester programs and for the 10-week summer program." My friend who landed an internship in nanotech emailed a staff member in the nanotech firm, got lucky, and met with him to talk. He said he pretty much got the internship from there.

Nice i think i am going to do it..gives me a better chance as you said,hopefully the application isn't over yet..Do you know where u can fund the application for it..
 
  • #10
Ikoro said:
Nice i think i am going to do it..gives me a better chance as you said,hopefully the application isn't over yet..Do you know where u can fund the application for it..

Yea of course, its a nice opportunity to see what its like and its a valuable experience. Should be fun. ^.^

http://www.bnl.gov/education/program.asp?q=117

"Application Process

see your school placement office representative"

I'm going to call my school tomorrow and see what they say. Never heard of "school placement office representative" before 0__o.

Deadline is Friday, November 19, 2010, at 1:00 a.m, but the earlier the better of course.
 
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