Seeking Part-Time Physics Enrichment This Summer

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on seeking part-time physics enrichment opportunities during the summer, particularly through contacting professors for volunteer positions. The original poster suggests offering free assistance in exchange for a potential letter of recommendation, emphasizing the importance of presenting oneself well and demonstrating genuine interest. Participants confirm that while full-time internships are common, part-time arrangements can also occur, particularly if approached correctly. The discussion highlights the value of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) as a future option for gaining research experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic research environments
  • Familiarity with the process of contacting professors for research opportunities
  • Knowledge of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
  • Basic communication skills for professional outreach
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to effectively email professors regarding research opportunities
  • Explore the application process for NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
  • Learn about volunteer research positions in academic settings
  • Investigate networking strategies within academic departments
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or related fields seeking summer enrichment, individuals looking to gain research experience, and anyone interested in building professional relationships with faculty members.

EP
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Hi! This summer I would like to do something extracurricular within physics. I'm taking classes this summer to catch up in credits due to transferring so I don't really have time to get an internship. But I was wondering if it would be ok to contact a professor who has a similar research interest as me to see if he could use any help this summer. Of course I would offer my services for free (with the hidden agenda getting a letter of recomondation later). I don't know if professor's typically do this? It would be a part-time thing but I'm not even sure what to really ask of him. Also the professor I have in mind I don't actually know and he is the head of the math and sciences department, so do think he would have time for someone like me?

Any suggestions on how to get some part-time enrichment work this summer would be great! Thanks!
 
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It can't hurt to ask. As long as you present yourself well and show genuine interest I don't see why he would turn you down if he was looking for someone.

Give it a shot! Good Luck!
 
Just curious, has anyone ever done something like this. Or has any professor's here just taken a student as part-time help for the summer. I guess I like to just have some conformation on this because I here of people doing full time internships with students but not usually part time.
 
I'm know of several people in my department that have done this. Personally, I applied for an REU, which is an NSF funded research internship. You should consider applying one of those next summer if you are a US citizen of permanent resident and interested in getting involved with research. They hold them at universities across the country.
 

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