What to do in the summer between soph/junior

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around summer opportunities for a sophomore physics student transitioning from electrical engineering. Participants explore various options for gaining experience, including research opportunities, internships, and other productive activities during the summer break.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about summer opportunities, noting that industry internships typically favor engineering students and that research opportunities are often aimed at upperclassmen.
  • Another participant suggests applying to REUs, emphasizing that even unsuccessful applications can provide valuable experience for future attempts. They also mention that having a background in electrical engineering might be advantageous for REU applications.
  • Additional suggestions include working with a professor, taking summer courses, participating in a summer abroad program, volunteering, or simply taking a break if feeling burnt out.
  • A participant shares their concern about the competitiveness of REU programs while expressing a desire to build a strong resume for graduate school applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of applying to REUs and exploring various summer activities, but there is no consensus on the best course of action or the effectiveness of different options.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on individual circumstances, such as personal interests and academic goals, which remain undefined in the discussion. The competitiveness of REUs is acknowledged but not quantified.

Who May Find This Useful

Students transitioning into physics from other disciplines, particularly those seeking summer opportunities to enhance their academic and professional profiles.

theDRG5
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I'm a sophomore who recently switched from EE to physics, and now I am kind of lost as to what to do with my summer. Seems that industry internships all wants engineers, and research opportunities are all targeted towards people who finished their Junior/Senior year. I understand that a lot of people apply for REU's, but is there any other things that I could do?
 
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If the deadlines aren't past, apply to REUs! Even if you don't get accepted, you'll gain experience with the application process so you'll be better prepared next year. Having some EE under your belt may actually help you get into an REU, in fact; my experience is that potential advisors/mentors for a summer program want someone who can get work accomplished right away, and that may involve electronics work.

As for what else can you do, check out the SULI program (google it) sponsored by the DOE. I did an internsihp at NREL last summer through that program. Or you can tell us what interests you and maybe someone will have a better suggestion.
 
theDRG5 said:
I understand that a lot of people apply for REU's, but is there any other things that I could do?
Work with a professor at your home school. Take summer courses, at your school or at the school by your parents if you're dorming. Do a summer abroad instead of a semester abroad. Save the world by joining a habitat for humanity project or volunteering for a summer tutoring enrichment program for kids. Or just take a vacation if you're feeling burnt out.

What's your life plan and what do you want to do for a summer?
 
story645 said:
What's your life plan and what do you want to do for a summer?

Well, last summer I ended up doing absolutely nothing so I'm trying to make sure that I do something productive and have something to put on my resume when it comes time to apply for grad schools. As for "life plans", at the moment, its just getting through school, I plan to go for my phd.

And I am applying for bunch of REU's, I'm just worried because I heard they are extremely competitive to get into.
 

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