Finding a SummerResearch

ExperienceLYNDA GONZALES, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PROGRAMS

TEXAS INSTITUTE OF DISCOVERY EDUCATION IN SCIENCE

Serves as the clearinghouse for information onexperiential learning opportunities in the sciencesProvides consultations and support for studentsinterested in undergraduate research Connects students to international study,internship and entrepreneurship opportunitiesHosts the annual Undergraduate Research Forum,the College's annual research symposiumOrganizes events and workshops on experientiallearning opportunities throughout the year

TIDES Engage

Competitive Formal Application ProcessStrict Deadlines Hosted at institutes, universities & agencies across the countryFull-time (paid!) employment for eight to ten weeks

OverviewOverview

Skills heavy experiential learning Network building opportunities Direction over scope of projectExplore research career paths avenuesTravel!

Benefits

WhySummerResearch?

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Common Types

Determining Program Fit

Does the programcover any resources

you might need? Thisincludes monetary

compensation and/ordisability

accommodations.

Benefits

Are you looking for aprogram that's

structured for you orsomething that offers

you moreindependent

direction?

StructureHow comfortable doyou feel being in adifferent state or

country? If they don'toffer travel

compensation, will yoube able to get to the

location comfortably?

Location

What otherengagements will you

have over thesummer? Does the

program work aroundthose priorities?

DatesDoes the programcover a topic thateither relates to orcomplements your

interests well?

Topic

How to Figure Out if a Program is Right for You!

How has the coronaviruschanged summer programs?

Great question! There's currently no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some are offering in-person, hybrid and virtual options.Some are only virtual options or have decided to cancel theprogram for this summer. Others have open applications, with the amendment ofprograms potentially having to be shut down in the event of asurge in coronavirus cases. We recommend frequently checking the web page with theprogram description for the most up-to-date info.

Read carefully! Not allapplications have the same

requirements. For those that do,take some time to come up withunique personal statements andsupplements for each of them.

Tailoring applications byresearching the culture of the

institution can be impactful andset you apart from applicants.

Application:Overview

Letters of Recommendation

Resume

Some common elements of applications...

Personal Statement

Transcript

What do youthink are the

most importantthings to include

in a personalstatement?

Exercise:

Personal Statement Read the prompt. Show your story. Paint a mental picture for the reader of you are!

The best litmus test is if you can hand the application to friends and family and they canimmediately tell it's your unique voice.

Use specific anecdotes and examples of your experiences to show how you area good fit for opportunity. Make it clear that you understand the opportunity by referring to the programdescription or specific faculty who are involved. Explain how this opportunity will help you achieve your goals and future plans. Write clearly & have multiple people proof-read your work. For writingassistance, visit the University Writing Center

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a.

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https://uwc.utexas.edu/

A Guide to Asking for Recommendation Letters

Select someone you think will be supportive. Ask someone before you list them as a reference. Waive your right to read the letter. Provide any necessary materials such as information about yourself, yourportfolio, resume, personal statements, etc. Give them enough time to write it. Send a thank you note.

1.2.3.4.

5.6.

Hey Dr.----:

My name is -----. I was in your CH301 class 2 years ago. You mightremember me. I would like to ask for arecommendation letter for myapplication to a summer researchposition.

Thank you, Student A

ExerciseWhich email do you think professors will be more receptive to?

Dear Dr.-----

I hope this email finds you well. My name is ---. I was in your CH 301 class a year ago. Ienjoyed that class very much, and I amwriting to ask if you would write a letter ofrecommendation on my behalf. I amapplying for…..

During the past year, I have been….For yourconvenience and more information, I haveattached my resume and the personal. I willbe glad to meet with you in person to discussthe letter and the opportunities I amconsidering.

Sincerely, Student B

Resume Assistance

Resume resources – guides, templates, formatting tipsAll assistance is currently being offered virtually Connect with Career Coaches at cns.utexas.edu/career-services

CNS Career Services offers:

https://cns.utexas.edu/career-services

TIDES Support

Email your materials to tides@cns.utexas.eduAllow at least one week for reviewSet an appointment to go over comments and suggestions

TIDES will review your completed summer program application materials

Texas Institute for Discovery Education in ScienceCollege of Natural Sciences

The University of Texas at AustinPAI 3.04

512-232-9358cns.utexas.edu/tides/undergraduate