I wish all students were held to the same standard for their quality of work.
Advice
Make sure you talk to the professor that is doing the research you are interested before you apply on sharp.hope.edu.
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Microbiology Technician
May 2017 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed learning more about the world around me through in-depth literature searches and hands-on experimentation.
What I wish was different
At points there was a lack of organization, but through the efforts of myself and others this was overcome.
Advice
Don't be nervous to try research, even if you feel out of your depth at first. The most important thing is to ask as many questions as possible to experts, and to be willing to learn techniques and analyze various literature.
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Ticket Office
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I love the community in the summer staff and how flexible the hours were!
What I wish was different
I wish that I would’ve been able to have a steady 40hrs/week.
Advice
This is a great job to have if you’re taking an online class! There is a lot of downtime and it’s best to have something to keep yourself busy!
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Conference Coordinator
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved the Events and Conferences office I worked out from. The staff in that office was very supportive and personable. Not only did I grow as a conference coordinator, but has a person as well. I also loved the connections I made throughout the summer. I grew close to the people within the office, four other interns, and many key people around Hope College. I also was fortunate enough to work closely with many clients from outside the community. I really liked that I was the liaison between clients and the community. Lastly, I like how much freedom I was granted to grow within my work. I felt important throughout the summer and independent, but always knew I could ask for help. Oh! The golf card gig was a nice touch as well!
What I wish was different
Personally, I wish I knew it was ok to ask for help earlier on. While my bosses provided a space for questions, I felt a unique pressure on myself to be perfect! Besides that, nothing! This was a great experience!
Advice
Work hard but also have fun! This job is what you make it. Make connections with anyone and everyone you can and don't be afraid to ask questions!
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Student Researcher
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved the people, they made the experience. I also enjoyed the responsibility.
What I wish was different
The organization and communication throughout the summer.
Advice
If you're looking at doing research over the summer, go in confident and don't be afraid to ask questions. It's a learning experience.
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Biochemistry Research Assistant
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved doing research at Hope College because it gave me the opportunity to explore research as a potential career.
What I wish was different
Advice
If you're interested in doing research, and you have the opportunity to do research with the same lab for more than one summer I highly recommend it. This was my third summer doing research and it helped me build a deeper understanding of what research is actually like.
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Hope College Chemistry Research
June - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed getting the hands-on experience in research. I was able to learn a lot and be specialized in electrochemistry research. I also liked the Schaap Symposium, where I met a lot of other professionals/professors and had a great time networking.
What I wish was different
Advice
If you are in the sciences, I would definitely try to get a research experience.
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Landscaper
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Worked outside, consistent hours, good boss
What I wish was different
The work was the same every day, repeating the same areas every week
Advice
To find a way to keep your mind engaged if working a less than engaging job, otherwise it can take a toll on mental health
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The work environment was very candid, there were also some outreach opportunities that were definitely worthwhile!
What I wish was different
Frankly, I wish I would have had more time to work on my research project, for there were a couple of inconsistencies that complicated things that summer's work.
Advice
Definitely to take into account if one is thinking to pursue graduate school or any career in science.
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Chemistry Research Intern
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed collaborating with other researchers to expand my knowledge is a specific niche of chemistry.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be prepared for the long hours; there's a small adjustment period for the 9-5 job.
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Bioinformatics Research Assistant
May - June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I learned a lot and I was able to develop some important coding skills.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had more time to be outside when the weather was nice.
Advice
Use your internship/ job opportunity to obtain skills that you might not necessarily have time to do during the semester.
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Research Assistant
May 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I loved the flexibility in the hours and that I always had a consistent work schedule. I also enjoyed that I was able to explore career opportunities in the field/subject that I am interested in. I was also able to build connections with more students and faculties, and those relationships have continued into the school year. I was able to get two great mentors out of the experience, and they continue to give me new opportunities to work throughout the school year.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been more opportunities to meet and collaborate with other labs, more than just the Tuesday morning meetings. Maybe more mandatory department events in order to make the building seem a little smaller.
Advice
I would tell someone to give it your all while you're there. It is only a couple weeks out of your summer and you get to work on a project that has the potential to make a difference somewhere. That being said, I would highly recommend looking into a project that you are interested in so that it does not feel as much like work. Furthermore, I would highly recommend this for those considering a career in research because not only do you get to explore in your own lab, but there are a couple of field trips that can help you to explore your future.
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Student Researcher
May - July 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked how the work was challenging but engaging and how I was able to learn so many new skills in such a short amount of time.
What I wish was different
I wish that I would have been able to work on the project for a little longer.
Advice
I would tell people to consider summer research because it is an amazing opportunity to learn something that is very applicable to the real world.
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researcher
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Working with a team
What I wish was different
Advice
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Office Assistant
June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed working with the very friendly and patient team at the Registrar's Office. The training was very useful and helped me feel comfortable working with everyone. I am grateful for the many skills gained from working in an office environment. I've learnt how to use different computer systems, do general data entry, and enhance my customer service skills both in person and on the office phones.
What I wish was different
Advice
Going into new jobs (or experiences) with an open mind and realistic expectations (like giving yourself sufficient time to adjust) will greatly help you learn and grow without unnecessary stress and pressure.
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Front Desk Receptionist
May 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
Everyone at this place of work is super friendly- it feels like you're working with a family of individuals who care deeply about you and want you to succeed.
What I wish was different
Advice
This is not a job where you sit there all day- it is very hands on and has lots of projects. This makes the day go by really fast, but you have to be dedicated to your work!
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Maintenance Assistant
October 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I liked the freedom the job allowed to get tasks done on my own time.
What I wish was different
A chance for an increase in wage.
Advice
There's no job that is beneath you; as long as you're making money and try your hardest and do your best at it, the job is worth it.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Really take advantage of the professor in charge of the project.
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Building Custodian
June 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The team was easy to work alongside
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Drink tons of water
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Tour Guide
August 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed the flexibility of the job. There were multiple different areas that I had to work in and they all involved personal interactions which I highly value in the work space. There was almost never a time where I was alone working on a project and was always surrounded by peers or employers which helped to create meaningful experiences.
