Science Research
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Participating in research experiences as an undergraduate is an excellent way to add depth to your science understanding and actively engage with what you are learning in the classroom. By doing so, you further develop your laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and you start to build your network with faculty members. Research experiences are valuable components to your resume, and they can make you more competitive for both graduate school and industry opportunities.
Undergraduate Research Fellowships
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This page is a resource for students looking for fellowships to support undergraduate research (you can also check out our resource on language and study abroad).
Market Research and Development
Market researchers work to understand what drives people to buy Cheerios, Chevrolets, and chimichangas.
Biomedical Research and Health Internships
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Developed to expose our pre-health students to professional research opportunities, the Biomedical Research Internships provide an opportunity for students to learn skills related to research in healthcare today. Interns work with a mentor to conduct basic research in a laboratory or to contribute to the development of a research effort. Interns are expected to become familiar with the research approaches used by their mentors. At the mentor’s discretion, students may: develop a specific project within the research team; have shadowing opportunities with a health professional; and interact with patients and their families through volunteer experiences.
How to Conduct Career Research
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Regardless of where you are in your career — whether you are unsure where to begin or you are preparing for a final round interview — conducting research can help you learn more about and prepare for potential career opportunities. There are many ways to gather information when you’re in the beginning stages of exploring your options, including career research and networking. In this resource, you’ll find ideas and general resources to get started.
Gaining Research Experience for Health Professions Schools
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Got a question you want to try to answer, or an idea to explore? Having a research experience can teach you skills of academic inquiry beyond what you can learn in the classroom. It is an opportunity to be curious, inventive, and creative. It will allow you to engage in a particular subject in great detail. If you enjoy the experience, you may want to consider making research a part of your career planning.
“I’m glad I decided to pursue Fulbright. It gave me an opportunity to share my unique experience as an immigrant and first-generation college student, not only with my Chinese colleagues, but also with other international students at Northwest University, who rarely meet Chinese Americans.“
“I previously had dreams to be an author, but found myself called by the combination of logic, mystery, and truth in science.”
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission. Eligible are currently enrolled undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents, majoring in chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or another STEM discipline.
“You will always have access to [Career Education]. Keep using them, keep checking in with them afterward, because the Wellesley community is always willing to help.”
“I’ve learned that at its core, medicine is all about creating an environment where relationships can be fostered and grown.”
“Listen to your heart and use your head. Math and science ignited my imagination for as far back as I can remember.”
Graduate School Preparation Mini-Grants
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The Graduate/Professional School Preparation Fund, funded by a generous grant from the Wellesley Students’ Aid Society, is intended to help current Wellesley students with expenses related to graduate or professional school preparation.
“For me, the Watson was not about a year-long adventure but about learning to see the possibilities available in the world and realizing that I am capable of pursuing any of them I want.”
Preparing for a Career in the Health Professions
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This resource covers courses, studying abroad, gaining clinical experience, providing service to others, research, summer opportunities, taking a gap year, resources for underrepresented students, post-baccalaureate planning, and more.
Introduction to Think Tanks
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Think tanks are public policy research, analysis, and engagement organizations. They are organizations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues that enable policymakers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy issues. Think tanks may be affiliated with political parties, governments, interest groups, or private corporations or constituted as independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Writing a Personal Statement
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A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future.
Finding Summer Opportunities
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Summers are a great time to explore interests. There are a vast number of opportunities to learn about and prepare for careers in the health professions.