How Can I Improve My Chances of Landing an Astrophysics Internship?

[SpaceNerdz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a student at Columbia U, freshman, intending to major in Astrophysics. I'm trying to get an internship in a research astro-lab, but I have not been successful at all. I've tried applying to National labs, to other schools, to the American Natural History Museum, to the the professors in my own school, and all-in-all, I think I approached about 8 different people about possibility of research internships. So far, it's been a "no".

I was wondering if I can get advise in this. I really don't know what I am doing wrong here. I mean, the professors I approached in my own school are very nice, and I think that they think I am nice too, and my grades are actually pretty OK. So I'm really not sure what I did "right", or what I did "wrong". I understand that summer is almost here, and I probably won't get a summer internship, but let's say for Fall, or next spring or summer, what should I do to get it "right"?

I really want a astro-related internship because I want to apply to grad school in astrophysics, and I know that the research experience would be important for that. But I really don't know what to do to get an internship. Is there some fantastic trick in getting one ? I mean, I emailed the professors, I followed up by showing up at their door, and I hand them my CV if they hadn't already printed it off from the email. What else should I do ?

 

[Dishsoap]

Have you applied to REUs? As a freshman, it's pretty difficult to get research experience. Think of the situation from your professors' perspectives. Why would they hire you when they can hire someone with more experience? I would say don't throw in the towel just yet. I know that you want to do research, but until an opening comes along just focus on your grades and CV to make sure you can outshine any other applicants.