Physics Summer Placements for a 2nd year Physics student

[Muon Cat]

Hi, I'm a second year physics student (doing a 4-year course) at Durham university and I really want to get some relevant work experience this summer. I've looked into a fair number of placement programmes (like IAESTE UK, the Nuffield Foundation, RISE etc.) both abroad and in the UK, but there's a few things that are bugging me.

Firstly, by far my biggest worry is that all of these things seem REALLY competitive. I got very good A-level results, but my first year result (although it doesn't count towards my degree thank god) was a 2:2. Now I KNOW that I could definitely have done better than that, because not only was it my first year but I spent a large part of that year miserable and demotivated as a result. Is there any point in me even bothering to apply this year, or should I just wait until next year when I (hopefully) have some much better results to show off?

Also, how many of these things should I apply for? If I apply to just one then I guess the chances of me being accepted would probably be slim to none even if I got a 1st last year, but if I apply to tons then that'd just be...ridiculous surely because I'd need to get a senior academic reference for each one. And how can I get a reference if I hardly even know any senior academics?

Any helpful replies at all will be much, MUCH appreciated. :D I'm interested in research by the way; I don't want to become an investment banker. Thanks!

 

[blechman]

I'm not familiar with the British system, so I cannot give you much direct advise, but for what it's worth: you should DEFINITELY apply for as many of these things as you can! It doesn't hurt to apply, after all! And at least in the programs that I am familiar with in the US (REU, for example) they understand that students are students. You can make up mediocre grades with good recommendations and a good statement of purpose, so I say, Go for it!

I did an REU my second year out of university, and it was the best experience of my life!

 

[Muon Cat]

I'm not familiar with the British system, so I cannot give you much direct advise, but for what it's worth: you should DEFINITELY apply for as many of these things as you can! It doesn't hurt to apply, after all! And at least in the programs that I am familiar with in the US (REU, for example) they understand that students are students. You can make up mediocre grades with good recommendations and a good statement of purpose, so I say, Go for it!

I did an REU my second year out of university, and it was the best experience of my life!

Thanks for the quick reply. :)

Do you know of any programmes in the US which accept international students? I've looked at some and they all seem to be catered towards US citizens only, but if I had the chance to spend my summer in the US I certainly wouldn't say no...

 

[blechman]

I'm afraid I don't. REU is an NSF program, and I think they do prefer US students, you're right. Although, not necessarily citizens... But my comments apply to the programs you mentioned in your original post (at least, I think they do!). I should defer to people who might have more knowledge of these things...

 

[Muon Cat]

Alright, well thanks anyway, you've still been helpful. I looked at NSF, it seems you don't have to be a US citizen but you still have to be enrolled at a US university...damn.

 

[blechman]

right, that's the visa issue. pain in the neck!
Good luck!

 

[blechman]

BTW - if you are really interested in going to the US, you might be able to get something through a british university. For example, Durham has a large group at FermiLab. You can look into something like that...

 

[Muon Cat]

I wouldn't say I'm really, really interested, but it's definitely something I'd consider. Thanks for the tip

 

[Phyisab****]

How do you get the necessary rec's when you are 2nd year? Usually you need 3 for an REU. This is a serious question, I am a super senior but I don't have any contact with faculty, I am a worm to them.

 

[blechman]

I got in with my academic adviser the first week of my freshman year!

 

[blechman]

seriously, you can get recs from profs that gave you good grades.

 

[Phyisab****]

I guess that explains it. Thats not a real rec in my opinion.