Raisa Fatima

Author: Raisa Fatima

Writing a Personal Statement for Summer Research

Adapted from the Institute for Broadening Participation

Personal statements are an important component of the research application process, especially for off-campus programs. They provide you with the opportunity to explain why you are interested in this research opportunity, how you will be able to contribute to this project, and how the project connects to your goals. The personal statement also enables the selection committee to get a better idea of who you are as a person and whether you are the best fit for this research opportunity. But given how important a personal statement can be, how does one go about writing a strong one? 

Your personal statement should include: 

  • Why you are interested in a field of study 
  • How that interest started and how it grew over time 
  • How the research opportunity is the next logical step in the path toward your specific goals 

To help write about above topics, try answering the following questions: 

  • Why are you interested in this program? Does it fulfil your interests in a particular area or field of study?  
  • How did you become interested in this specific research area/academic field? Maybe it’s because you took a class that sparked your interest, or you read a book that intrigued you and pushed you to learn more about this specific field of study.   
  • What are your aspirations, goals or future plans? How does this summer research project act as a stepping stone in pursuit of your academic and career goals? 
  • What kind of activities or experiences have you done that contributed towards your interest in or preparation for this field or research area? Explain how your skillset aligns with what they need for this research program to grab the reviewers’ attention. 

Personal statements also give you the opportunity to explain certain gaps or weaknesses in your application. For example, if you got low grades in your spring term of sophomore year because a family member passed away or you had low grades during your first term due to challenges with difficulties adjusting to college, you could say: 

  • “Unfortunately, a family member passed away during my spring term of sophomore year which is why I my performance was sub-tier. However, I learned how to get connected with counseling resources and was able to get back on my feet the following year” for the first example. 
  • “Although a lack of academic preparedness caused my grades to suffer during my first year, my transcript from more recent semesters shows a significant improvement in my grades, proving that I’m committed to my academic growth and demonstrate that I’m ready for this research opportunity” for the second example. 

However, while explaining weaknesses or apparent gaps, don’t list excuses. Focus on what you learned from that situation and how you dealt with this challenge to get back stronger. You can make a strong case for yourself by turning your own weaknesses into strengths and while the application committee understands that most things in our life are out of our control, they are most interested in hearing how you work through challenges.  

Other tips to keep in mind when planning your personal statement: 

  • Saying “I am…” instead of “I have always been…” 
  • Make positive statements and how you are qualified for this summer research position: “My experience in… makes me well suited for this opportunity because…” 
  • Your opening statement (why the committee should accept you for this research) should be supported in the body and should also be consistent with your closing. 
  • Organize the statement so it flows from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. 
  • Proofread for grammar, spelling, paragraph breaks, and correct punctuation. 

A strong personal statement could be the deciding factor in whether you are accepted for a research opportunity, which is why it is important to create drafts and plan ahead. If you need more advice on writing a personal statement or any other part of the research program application process, feel free to make an appointment with our PHN advisor, Jacklyn Fischer. 

Career Highlight: Physicist

Interested in becoming a physicist? Read on to know more about what this career looks like! 

Job Duties:

Physicists write and publish scientific papers about the results of their research. This research can vary from developing theoretical models that describe properties of the natural world like the force of gravity or the formation of sub-atomic particles to more practical things like examining how materials change their structure when undergoing different processes or looking at how microtubules pull chromosomes apart. Physicists also need to write proposals to receive funding for their research and present their findings at scientific conferences and lectures. For this reason, physicists will occasionally need to travel locally or internationally to go to conferences to present and discuss their research with other scientists (the costs for these trips are typically covered by the institution they are researching for). If working in academia, they may also teach courses or give lectures at universities in addition to research. Mentoring and advising students (both graduate and undergraduate) may also be part of their job duties. 

Because physics is such a broad field with many applications, there are many branches. Astronomy or astrophysics focuses on the physics of the universe and space while particle and nuclear physicists examine properties of atomic and subatomic particles and the forces responsible for their interactions. Atomic, molecular, and optical physicists study atoms, molecules, light, and the interactions among them. They may also research ways to control states of individual atoms because this can help develop better semi-conductors and transistors. Materials physicists examine physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, and novel compounds. Plasma physicists study plasmas, which occur naturally in stars and are found in neon signs and plasma screen televisions. They also study ways to create fusion reactors, a potential future source of energy. Some branches of physics are more inter-disciplinary, like medical physics, which involves using physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. Biophysics is also another example which applies physics theories and methods to understand how biological systems work.

Where They Work:

Physicists generally work in offices and research labs. Around 31% of physicists work in scientific research and development services (which includes privately and federally funded labs). Examples of labs include the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, the Goddard Institute in Maryland and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California. Some of the biggest employers of physicists within the federal government are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Defense according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Something to note: U.S. citizenship is required for most research opportunities in the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA). 

Some physicists choose to take alternative pathways beyond academia and research and go on to work in private industries. This includes a variety of industries such as those engaged with engineering, computer science, and companies who work for government contractors. The research or work done for private industries might be a little different from doing research in a government funded lab; for example, in a government funded lab you might be working with a high energy particle-accelerator because you are researching high-energy particle physics but for a private tech company, you might be researching ways to create better semiconductors and lasers which might have practical applications in electronics or medical imaging. 

Education and Training:

Most roles as a physicist will require advanced academic training. While many believe that getting a Ph.D. is necessary to getting a job in research, that is not always the case. There are other ways to working in research without getting a master’s degree or Ph.D. For example, if you already have research experience, you might be eligible to apply for entry-level positions like research assistant positions (especially within a school of medicine of health sciences), lab managers, or lab technicians. The American Physical Society also has a helpful guide to pursuing bachelor’s degree-level physics research roles in government-funded laboratories. For these roles, it is important to pursue physics research as an undergraduate (e.g., summer research programs, REUs, etc.). 

Pay and Job Outlook:

The average projected employment growth for physicists is around 8%, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in May 2020 is around $129,850 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $67,450, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000. However, these numbers start to change when looking at specific industries. For a more detailed look at median wages by industry in the United States, you can visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website.  

“Thank you for the interview opportunity!” How to follow up after interviews and write thank you notes

Following up after job interviews and writing them a quick “thank you” note after the end is a good way to ensure that you still remain in the interviewer’s mind and demonstrate your interest in the role. You should also follow up with a “thank you” note after networking conversations/informational interviews, as they are a great way to show your appreciation and strengthen your existing connections. But how does one write a good “thank you” note?
There is no single right way to pull it off but some general conventions still apply when writing thank you notes following a job or informational interview. When sending a note, be sure to:

  • Send the thank you/follow-up email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Hiring processes can be done quickly, so hand written cards to follow up on job interviews might not be feasible. However, for informational interviews, sending a written thank you note within a week is a good way to stand out and show your extra appreciation (this can be done in addition to the 24-hour email).
  • Refer to when the interview occurred.
  • Refer to important parts of your conversation with them, such as highlighting a specific piece of advice that resonated with you.
  • For job interviews, reaffirm your interest in the position and why the interview made you even more interested in that position.
  • End with an invitation for further follow up.

Here’s an example format of email to guide you:
Subject: Thank you for the interview opportunity

Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
Thank you for speaking with me yesterday about my interest in the [job position you are applying for] role at [organization name]. I sincerely appreciate the time you to took to explain the position and all that it would entail.


I enjoyed our discussion on [add specific references to the conversation]. It only further reaffirmed my interest in the position, as it [explanation of why you are interested in this position]. I am confident that my prior experiences have prepared me to jump right into the role, especially [very brief explanation of why you think you are qualified for the job].


Thank you again for your consideration and for providing me the opportunity to meet with you and your team. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide as you move forward in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Name]


You can find examples here and find more here. If needed, the Career Center has thank you cards available for your use. And, as always, if you need help writing a follow-up note or anything else, you can always make an appointment there!


Raisa Fatima ’23, Career Peer Educator

Hiring Timeline and Internship Programs Series Part 2: Rotational Internships and Educational Programs

While summer is great to enjoy your time off, it is also a good time to start searching or applying for internships. There are many programs for anyone interested in a career relating to the #BE community. We have already covered many summer internships and their hiring timelines in Part 1, which you can see here. This week, we have Part 2 which covers Rotational Internships and Educational Programs.
Rotational Internships require you to work in multiple roles. Some of these types of programs are full-time jobs geared towards new grads. Educational or Training programs involve the participant’s learning.
Most applications for Rotational and Educational Programs open around July or August and the deadlines are usually in September or October for the following summer. It would be wise to plan ahead as during Lawrence’s academic year, you may find yourself busy with classes when these deadlines arrive. Here are some internships to start your search over the summer categorized by when their applications open to help plan out your application process.


Applications opening in July:

  • Cigna: Sales Academy – Deadline in October. For graduates who have had their Bachelor’s for 0-3 years.
  • Cigna: Actuarial Executive Development Program (AEDP) – Deadline in November. For graduates who have their Bachelor’s degree and professional experience for 0-4 years. Successful completion of minimum one SOA examination strongly recommended.

Applications opening in late August or early September:

Ongoing Applications:

Others:

  • Spotify: FAR Program – Deadline is in mid-February. This program is for recent graduates who identify with one or more underrepresented groups.
  • Glaxo Smith-Kline: Future Leaders Graduate Program – This 2-3 year program includes various opportunities in business, marketing, R&D and more!
  • Northern Trust: Opportunities and Student Programs – 12-18 month program for recent graduates. 3.0 GPA preferred.

Educational and Training Programs :

  • JP Morgan Chase: Winning Women Program and Advancing Black Pathways Program – Chase’s Winning Women Program is for currently enrolled female undergraduates that is open from May 2021 and closes by late June. Advancing Black Pathways is for students from underrepresented groups, first generation college students and others facing significant barriers when entering the financial industry. Applications are currently closed but if this interests you, feel free to keep an eye on it for next year!
  • International Monetary Fund Research Assistant Program – For recent graduates with a GPA of 3.5 and higher.
  • Disney: International Exchange and College Programs – The International Exchange program is for currently enrolled undergraduate students while the college programs are for both students and recent graduates.
  • Harvard Business School (HBS): Summer Venture in Management – Not to be confused with HBS’s CORe business classes, this management program is geared towards students who are from groups currently underrepresented in the corporate world, are first generation college students, or from schools whose graduates are underrepresented.

Once again, the majority of internships open during August/September and end up closing in the middle of our fall or winter terms, which makes it difficult to apply while handling all your other responsibilities at Lawrence. You can schedule an appointment with Grace, our #BE advisor (she’s available all summer too), or with Raisa, our CPE, to get help in planning ahead and preparing your applications!
Raisa Fatima ’23 Career Peer Educator

Hiring Timeline and Internship Programs Series Part 1: Summer Internships

There are a variety of internship programs for anyone interested in a career relating to #BE. We will cover many of them and the hiring timeline in a 2 Part Series: Part 1 covers companies offering Summer Internships and Part 2 covers Rotational Internships (ones where you have to work in multiple roles with some being full-time job programs geared towards new grads) and Educational Programs.
Focusing on Summer Internships in this article, most applications open around July or August and the deadlines are usually in September or October for the following summer. Given Lawrence’s academic year, you may find yourself busy with classes when these deadlines arrive, so it would be wise to plan ahead. For instance, select internships that interest you and prepare applications in the summer when you may have more time. Here are some internships to start your search over the summer and their application opening dates (program details and deadlines are in the links) to help plan out your application process.

Applications Opening in August:

Microsoft ACE Rotation Program – Applications for 2022 open in August 2021 (mainly for Juniors and Seniors interested in pursuing careers in Marketing).

Microsoft University Internship – Typically, most applications open in August or December, however some open in March.

Cigna: Technology Early Career Development Program (TECDP) – Applications open starting August 2021 for Juniors and Seniors.

Cigna: Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) Summer Internship – Applications open starting August 2021 (mainly for Seniors who have just graduated as they are looking for people with a Bachelor’s Degree in related fields).

Applications open Starting September:

Cigna: Summer Internship Program – Applications open from September to November annually for Juniors and Seniors.

Spotify: Global Summer Internship – Early applications open in the Fall with some opening over spring and summer. Some are still open, so if working for Spotify interests you, be sure to check them out!

L’Oreal: USA Summer Internship Program – Operations– Undergraduate (Supply Chain / Manufacturing) – Applications are for Juniors and open up early September with interviews occurring from September to January.

Uber Student Internships: Applications are open from September to November.

Uber Student Internships: Applications are open from September to November.

Others:

Undergraduate Leadership Programs – There are a variety of leadership programs for undergraduate students. If working with this company and the programs they offer interest you, you can go through them here.

JP Morgan Internship Program: Typically open from April to October.

CSX Internships: Opportunities are posted as they become available.

If none of these internships interest you, that’s alright! The next part in this series covers rotational internships and educational programs so be sure to check them out as well!
The majority of the internships open during August/September and end up closing in the middle of our fall or winter terms, which can make it difficult to apply while handling all your other responsibilities at Lawrence. To get help in planning ahead and preparing your applications, schedule an appointment with Grace, our #BE advisor (she’s available all summer too), or with Raisa, our CPE!
Raisa Fatima ’23 Career Peer Educator

7 questions about the Career Center that you may have but are too embarrassed to ask

What can the Career Center help with?  The Career Center has Career Peer Educators (or CPEs) and Career Advisors willing to help you with resume building, job/internship searches, exploring life after Lawrence, and more. CPEs can help you with general resume, job searching advice, and how to use platforms like Handshake and Viking Connect. Meanwhile, Career Advisors can offer more specific advice about careers and planning for graduate school.

Where do I even begin? If you don’t have a concrete idea on where to start in the career exploration process, the Career Center can help you get started! Just make an appointment and we will walk you through the Career Center resources and help you identify your career exploration goals.

I just made an appointment, how do I prepare?  You don’t need to stress about preparing for your appointment. For resume review appointments, we can help you get started if you’ve never written a cover letter or resume, or you can bring a current draft to review during the appointment. For other appointments, it’s helpful to make a list of your questions so that we can be sure to cover everything within the advising session. We will always meet you where you’re at!

What is Handshake?  Every student has a Handshake account and you can log in using your Lawrence credentials to register for events, search for jobs and internships, and schedule appointments with Career Advisors and CPEs.

What is Viking Connect? Viking Connect is Lawrence’s alumni networking platform. It is a lot like LinkedIn but it only includes Lawrence students and alumni, and the alumni are ready and there to support you! Connecting with alumni is a good way to conduct informational interviews with people in your potential fields of interest. For example, you can ask alumni about a day in the life of a molecular biologist, or ask how a research and development role with a corporation might look different from academic research. There are even templates to help get you started with networking.

Do I need to use a Handshake account *and* a LinkedIn account *and* a Viking Connect account?  Having a Handshake account is essential for receiving updates from the Career Center and because it is how we schedule appointments. LinkedIn and Viking Connect are centered more around networking. It is highly recommended that you have all three so that you don’t miss out on potential opportunities for career exploration.

I am an upperclassman and have never been to the Career Center – is it too late?  It is never too late to schedule an appointment. The Career Center and its resources are open to you while you are on or off campus, and you can even schedule an appointment after you graduate!

Adapted from Barbara Espinosa’s ’20 (CPE) list of questions that her friends had about the Career Center.

Julia Ammons ’22 is a Biology major and Anthropology minor with interests in the natural sciences and museum studies.

Raisa Fatima ’23 is a Physics major with interests in research related to Physics and/or engineering.