HIGHSTEMS

Why is research experience valuable?

If you’re a high school student planning to major in a STEM field, research experience can be one of the most valuable extracurricular activities you can pursue. These internships give you hands-on experience and allow you to apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world problems. Whether you’re into biology, computer science, or engineering, a research internship or fellowship lets you dive into topics you’re passionate about. You’ll develop practical skills like data analysis, scientific writing, and research techniques. Plus, you’ll get a better sense of how real-world research works and how to tackle problems beyond textbooks.

A research position also helps you build a strong network. You’ll connect with professors, researchers, and other students who can offer guidance and advice. These connections might even lead to future opportunities, such as college recommendations or job offers. On top of that, having research experience on your resume makes you stand out when applying to colleges. It shows you’re motivated, curious, and ready to face challenges. In the end, the experience, skills, and connections you gain from a research internship or fellowship will help you throughout your education and future STEM career.

Here are some positive things that can come out of getting experience in research:

• Gain work experience
• Gain knowledge in the specific field your interested in
• Grow personal network with professionals
• Get strong letters of recommendations
• Explore your interests and see if a certain field is right for you

Things to think about before trying to find research experience

1. Don’t expect to be paid

Remember, you are just a highschooler that is trying to get experience for their future, not a professional in the field. If you are looking to get paid, there are definitely some programs out there, but just getting experience is also very valuable. In addition, research experience will help you grow your personal network of professionals in your field. In the future, these connections could help you secure jobs, internships, or new opportunities. Experience and knowledge is one of the best forms of payment and will immensely help in the future!

2. Don’t only try to find research experience to impress colleges

Sure, research will look good on college applications, but the admission officers will be able to tell if you’re getting research experience just to impress the colleges. Instead, do it because you are passionate in and want to gain experience in that field. If you work hard, the rewards will reap!

3. Find out what kind of research opportunities are right for you

Research experience comes in many different forms. Before trying to find one, you have to think about what kind would be the best for you. Here are some things to think about before trying to find research experience:

• Location– do you want local or far-away?
• What time of year– do you want just summer or year-round?
• What kind of field– What kind of research are you most interested in doing?
• In-person or remote– Do you want to work from home or have hands on experience?
• Time commitment– Do you want to give up a big, medium, or small chunk of your time?
• Pay– Do you have to pay money to do it, get paid to do it, or neither?

3 Ways to find research experience

1. Use your connections

Using your existing connections is a great way to find a research position. The best part is that everyone has a personal network, whether big or small! For example, you can reach out to friends, parents, siblings, teachers, mentors, or even distant family members. These connections can open doors to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. Additionally, professors or professionals in your field might know about internships or projects looking for passionate students. By reaching out or asking for introductions, you can get your foot in the door at places you might not have considered. Furthermore, people are often more willing to take a chance on you if they already know you or if someone they trust recommends you.

2. Cold Emailing

Cold emailing can be a powerful tool for finding research experience, especially when you’re looking for opportunities that aren’t listed or advertised. By reaching out directly to local professors, researchers, or labs in fields that interest you, you’re showing initiative and enthusiasm, which can make a strong impression. In your email, you can express your interest in their work, highlight your skills, and ask if they have any openings for researchers.

Remember to not give up! If you email 5 professors and they turn you down, email 10 more! Even if they don’t have positions available right now, they may remember you for future opportunities or be able to point you to someone who does. Cold emailing gives you the chance to target specific projects or research areas you’re passionate about, and it often leads to unexpected opportunities that you might not find through traditional application processes.

The key is to be polite, professional, and specific about what you can offer and why you’re interested. Remember to highlight why you are passionate about the specific field you want to research in. In addition, remember to highlight your qualifications and skills that may help you in that field.

3. Apply through a college’s high school research program

Applying through a college’s high school research program is a fantastic way to find a research experience, especially if you’re looking for a structured and supportive environment. Many universities offer programs specifically for high school students, giving you the chance to work in research labs, learn from professors, and get a taste of what university-level research is really like. These programs often provide guidance and resources that make it easier to get started, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by other motivated students who share your interests.

A college’s high school research program, whether local or far, can expand your personal network. It connects you with more people who share your passion. Your network can now include students and professors in your field. Additionally, participating in a research program at a university you’re interested in shows your commitment to that school. It also gives you a glimpse into their environment. Moreover, being part of a college program looks great on your college applications. It highlights that you’re proactive and serious about research. The best part? You have a clear path to follow with set application guidelines, making the whole process more manageable.