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Outside of internships and reading literature, are their any ways to be productive during the summer as far as building a resume towards research as an undergraduate student?
Freshman undergraduate student studying psychology and neuroscience. #psychology #college #research
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Josh’s Answer
Volunteer in your community. As a hiring manager, I would always look to see what people did in their community. It showed me what people were passionate about and what drove them to be better. It didn't need to be a huge activity that brought thousands together to do good, it just needed to be something that made a difference in the lives of others.
Your passions and your interests will expose you to people who will help you build your network. Too often, we narrow our focus of volunteering to the thing we are specifically interested in and forget that there is an immense and broad world of opportunities that exist beyond that scope and sphere.
Last point, and perhaps my most important piece of advice, if you focus everything you do on a single area then you risk burning yourself out and transitioning your passion to a pain. You need harmony in your life as you balance your career, personal, family, and social life.
Define your passions -- write them down. These are things that you would do even if there wasn't any reward
Find a place to volunteer in places you are passionate about
Talk to everyone and ask them why they are volunteering and share your passion too.
Your passions and your interests will expose you to people who will help you build your network. Too often, we narrow our focus of volunteering to the thing we are specifically interested in and forget that there is an immense and broad world of opportunities that exist beyond that scope and sphere.
Last point, and perhaps my most important piece of advice, if you focus everything you do on a single area then you risk burning yourself out and transitioning your passion to a pain. You need harmony in your life as you balance your career, personal, family, and social life.
Josh recommends the following next steps:
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Beth’s Answer
Speak with adult family and friends for ideas of where you can SHADOW for a day or a week in your preferred field. Spending a few days in the office with a professional who is doing what you want to do can be quite insightful!
I agree with this! While this may not explicitly be a "resume builder," it will help significantly when having conversations with recruiters and are in interview situations.
Jennay Golden
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Lauren’s Answer
Hi Christopher! Great question! I highly recommend volunteering. There are lots of organizations you can get involved with that need help and provide great experience that always looks good on a resume. My favorite resources for volunteering are places like www.volunteermatch.org. LinkedIn also has some volunteer opportunities listed!
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Alejandra’s Answer
I think internships and volunteer work should be at the top of the list. Prefer working for organizations and positions aligned with your goal career. Build up your experience. No job is too small in the beginning as long as you are working in the area you are interested in. If you cannot find a volunteer position or internship in the area of your interest find an opportunity that will develop your skills.
All the best!
Alejandra
All the best!
Alejandra
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Angela D.’s Answer
Hi Christopher...great question! I echo the volunteering/shadowing ideas. Because your interests are psychology and neuroscience, you may want to consider a few options. Check out online summer classes, many of which are free. Some have a set start date, others are open-entry, open-exit. I took a four course series on analyzing and presenting Big Data that was interesting and you can use data that you already have access to or public/open source datasets such as data.gov, apa.org/research/responsible/data-links, etc. Plus, you can practice analyzing data on your own using free statistical analysis software (and you can always explore a new program!) and writing up the results…and consider submitting this as a conference proposal. Brushing up on APA style will be helpful. Face-to-face classes, either through your university or the Extension/Professional Development Department are an option as well. Check for on campus seminars/presentations, including those at local community/junior/technical colleges. Join a relevant professional association/organization, there are discounted fees for students. Summarize/review recent literature within the last five years in an area of interest or for an upcoming class in the Fall. Having said all of that...summer can be a great time for taking a break! Wishing you the best in your endeavors, Dr. B
Free summer classes/seminars
Practice analyzing data
Enjoy your summer!
Angela D. recommends the following next steps:
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Gregor’s Answer
I always like to compare what I have done with other resumes to spark ideas, suggestions and to be sure that I am on the right track with my resume (task).
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Marie’s Answer
Echoing everyone else but definitely volunteer in a cause you're passionate about! It's less about the work itself but the connection you gain. You'll find yourself using your network down the line many years later and be surprised about how much smaller and interconnected the world is... and enjoy yourself! Having a summer break is a luxury that you won't have after you start working full time so enjoy it while you can!
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Drew’s Answer
As just about everyone else mentioned - volunteering is a great way to get started. There are a lot of reasons to volunteer - you build your network by making friends and getting to know others who have similar interests, you get experience working on a team/project, but it will show that you know how to use your time wisely as opposed to sitting at home all day and watching Netflix.
Another way to spend your summer is to take an online class in an area you're interested in studying. It may not be something that you can get college credit for, but it is a good way to dive into a topic and see if you like it. You could find that you love it and are excited to get started on the topic early, or you could decide that it's not way you want at all. Basically, it's a way to find out what you like!
sign up to volunteer at a local agency
build relationships with other volunteers
take a free online class
Another way to spend your summer is to take an online class in an area you're interested in studying. It may not be something that you can get college credit for, but it is a good way to dive into a topic and see if you like it. You could find that you love it and are excited to get started on the topic early, or you could decide that it's not way you want at all. Basically, it's a way to find out what you like!
Drew recommends the following next steps:
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Kayla’s Answer
Hi Christopher! I 100% agree with everyone on making sure you are volunteering in the community and shadowing with professionals in your field. Networking is a crucial part of getting a job. I suggest you focus on doing things that won't necessarily be a bullet point on your resume, but will make you stand out from the rest. I would recommend working on your presentation skills and your elevator pitch.
Many people are knowledgeable on specific topics but are not able to clearly communicate it. In research, you will find yourself having to present on the data that you find. Being able to talk in front of groups of people, knowing your audience, and explaining your points clearly will set you up for success. The same goes for an elevator pitch. This was not something I was taught in school, but having a good elevator pitch will set you apart from others applying for the same position. It shows you are confident, know what you want, and have the skills to get the job done. Here is a simply guide:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
Practice your elevator pitch
Take a class on public speaking
Many people are knowledgeable on specific topics but are not able to clearly communicate it. In research, you will find yourself having to present on the data that you find. Being able to talk in front of groups of people, knowing your audience, and explaining your points clearly will set you up for success. The same goes for an elevator pitch. This was not something I was taught in school, but having a good elevator pitch will set you apart from others applying for the same position. It shows you are confident, know what you want, and have the skills to get the job done. Here is a simply guide:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976
Kayla recommends the following next steps:
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Sean’s Answer
As many before have already answered (including my colleague Joshua Biggley) -- focus on volunteer work and (if possible) internships. At this point, you need to actually get your hands dirty doing what you're learning. Volunteer work is a great way to do not only this, but also to start making connections in your field of interest. It not only helps you learn what is involved in doing the work, but also allows you to work in a team environment, honing your interpersonal skills (never underestimate the power of these). Internships are equally valuable, but can be harder to come by.
Make friends when volunteering or interning! The value of making connections in your field can't be overstated -- it's how most people find jobs!
Make friends when volunteering or interning! The value of making connections in your field can't be overstated -- it's how most people find jobs!
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Bridie’s Answer
Totally agree with the volunteering advice. Skills like emotional intelligence (self-awareness, social skills, empathy, emotional regulation) are going to be skills that will be in high demand as business and the world evolves. Get out and get some life experience where you mix with people from different backgrounds and with different beliefs than you.
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Pamela’s Answer
Internships and reading around the subject are really useful, however, if you can't get an internship or work experience in your ideal career subject or area, then I highly recommend seeking work in a commercial environment as this will provide you with some of the skills that will be transferable to your chosen career and will therefor help you build your resume.
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Will’s Answer
Good question. If you look at job descriptions they typically list skills. Compare the required skills to your experience. If you are lacking experience, focus on getting experience relevant to this skill whilst on your holiday.