Initial Phase: Establishing Contact
At Princeton University, students seeking summer research opportunities and unpaid internships can benefit from a robust approach that leverages the university's resources, faculty connections, and personalised guidance.
The Summer Research Programs database (SURP) at Princeton is a valuable tool for students, offering a list of research opportunities tailored specifically to undergraduates. This resource helps students find labs and projects that align with their interests, providing a solid foundation for their research endeavours.
Engaging with Princeton's Career Services is another effective strategy. Career Services offers guidance for locating internship opportunities, including unpaid positions, and assists with resume and cover letter preparation. They also host workshops and networking events to improve students’ chances of securing placements.
Reaching out directly to professors whose research interests align with the students’ is also encouraged. Since mentorship is a cornerstone at Princeton, this approach can lead to personalised research opportunities or recommendations for internships.
Applying to structured summer programs, such as the Chemistry Department’s Visiting Faculty Research Partnership (VFRP), can provide students with a structured research experience during the summer, complete with additional benefits such as research symposia and networking opportunities.
Preparing strong application materials is crucial. Princeton’s resources can help students create polished applications, including faculty letters of recommendation and well-crafted research proposals or cover letters, which are often required for competitive internships or fellowships.
The Office of Undergraduate Research's Student Initiated Internships Program (OURSIP) provides funding for Princeton students to pursue unpaid research opportunities over the summer. However, students are required to secure their own internship before asking for help with funding.
Recently, an event called "Insider's Look at Internships," hosted by Princeton's Peer Career Advisers, took place at the university. The event featured an ambassador for OURSIP, providing students with valuable insights into the internship search process and securing funding for unpaid internships.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for students seeking research internships next summer. By following these strategies, students at Princeton can increase their chances of securing summer research roles and unpaid internships, setting themselves up for success in their academic and professional careers.
[1] Princeton University's Office of Communications, "At Princeton, Undergraduates Pursue Research with a Passion," 2019
[2] Princeton University's Department of Chemistry, "Visiting Faculty Research Partnership (VFRP)," n.d.
[3] Princeton University's Office of Undergraduate Research, "Summer Research Programs Database (SURP)," n.d.
[4] Princeton University's Career Services, "Finding Summer Research Opportunities," n.d.
Engaging with Princeton's Office of Undergraduate Research through their Student Initiated Internships Program (OURSIP) offers students the opportunity to secure funding for unpaid research opportunities, advancing their education-and-self-development and skills-training. Comparatively, networking at Career Services events, such as the "Insider's Look at Internships," provides career-development insights that boost students' chances of obtaining summer research positions and unpaid internships, enhancing their learning experiences.
