Summer Opportunities for an Undergrad Sophomore

[stepheckert]

I am a sophomore physics and mathematics major at a very small, private liberal arts school. I currently have a 3.82 cumulative GPA and have taken all the intro level physics and math classes, and am now entering upper level classes. I am a white female. I work as a physics/math tutor and also an introductory level physics lab assistant. I have one publication coming out in April. I am looking to enter a graduate program and eventually a Ph.D. program in Astrophysics, Planetary Science, or something of the like.

The one thing my resume is lacking is research experience. I am very interested in research for the summer, but do not have many opportunities at my school, so I applied to a couple of REU programs. I was unfortunately not accepted to any of them, and feel a bit discouraged. I would really like to do SOMETHING physics related this summer, preferable to astronomy or astro, but I will take any job math/physics related that I can get.

I was wondering if any of you on the forum had any suggestions of programs that I might still be able to apply for, places I might look for an opportunity, or just how to go about asking for opportunities? I really appreciate any help.

Steph

 

[tripleM]

Hi, I'm in a similar situation. Those national labs have so many applicants, don't be discouraged. Right now I'm researching my field (chemical engineering/polymer science) to find companies where I might intern. Unfortunately, their websites NEVER *almost never* have job openings for internships in the labs or process floors... anyway I wish you the best of luck in your search for summer experience!

 

[stepheckert]

Thanks you too!