Summer research

[carlyhylton]

Ok sooooo

I currently have a paid RA at my institution (York University in Toronto), and I have been offered to stay for the summer

however, I have been accepted to do an exchange in France next year (lots of research opportunities, a chance to do an undergrad clinical internship and honors thesis before coming back and doing my honors thesis here, so not to worried about that)

Because I am going to be away for 12 months though, I kind of wanted to go back home to Calgary for the summer, work, not have to pay for rent, save up some money for France, visit with the fam. I assumed that getting a part time volunteer RA gig at the university of calgary wouldn't be a problem.

It's turning out to be harder than I thought.

Does anyone have any experience with applying to RA positions at institutions other than your own institution? Does the process mostly tend to be internal?

How important would having an RA over the summer be?

I just finished second year and have only had the one RA position, for eight months. I also have had some clinical experience doing respite work with a girl with bipolar disorder, was president of the undergrad psych students association at my campus, was a student rep for the canadian psychological association (I dont know how much of the latter even matter, however).

[neuropsych76]

It's difficult but it can be done. Most summer RA ships will be volunteer positions and will take a lot of searching around. Basically, if you email enough professors one will respond back with a summer position somewhere. I worked in a lab at a summer far away from where I lived and it was an awesome experience.

[carlyhylton]

It's difficult but it can be done. Most summer RA ships will be volunteer positions and will take a lot of searching around. Basically, if you email enough professors one will respond back with a summer position somewhere. I worked in a lab at a summer far away from where I lived and it was an awesome experience.

Thanks neuropsych! I'll keep spamming then : )

[fingers_toes_X]

I was about to post a similar topic. I am willing to travel to the states on a visitor visa in the summer to take a volunteer research assistant position. I have emailed some professors but it is going nowhere. I have a few more questions - hope more experienced ppl out there could provide me some guidance.

a. Are these opportunities mainly for undergrads? Are the chances more slim for international students - profs might think it's a bit troublesome to recruit you because of the immigration issues? (although I don't really need them to provide anything)

b. How do ppl generally find these positions? It is much better to approach profs through exiting connections/contacts? I do not have many contacts - that's why I need to find a job to build one.

c. Is there a website where you can search for RA jobs? or do you just go to every university's website.

d. how many enquiry emails is 'enough' - I know it largely varies between individuals. I'm just worried that it might be already too late for finding a summer intern.

Oops so many questions.. It would be superb if I can get some answers

Thanks guys!!

[neuropsych76]

I was about to post a similar topic. I am willing to travel to the states on a visitor visa in the summer to take a volunteer research assistant position. I have emailed some professors but it is going nowhere. I have a few more questions - hope more experienced ppl out there could provide me some guidance.

a. Are these opportunities mainly for undergrads? Are the chances more slim for international students - profs might think it's a bit troublesome to recruit you because of the immigration issues? (although I don't really need them to provide anything)

b. How do ppl generally find these positions? It is much better to approach profs through exiting connections/contacts? I do not have many contacts - that's why I need to find a job to build one.

c. Is there a website where you can search for RA jobs? or do you just go to every university's website.

d. how many enquiry emails is 'enough' - I know it largely varies between individuals. I'm just worried that it might be already too late for finding a summer intern.

Oops so many questions.. It would be superb if I can get some answers

Thanks guys!!

If you volunteer and pay for your own housing/ travel/ living expenses a professor will be more likely to be able to accept you into his/her lab. I would tell them this up front.

Connections help but are not required. An email showing interest with a strong CV attached works as well. You can find some RA positions online but the best bet is to email many professors. You are not too late yet but its getting close to crunch time. Start mass emailing people ASAP

[fingers_toes_X]

If you volunteer and pay for your own housing/ travel/ living expenses a professor will be more likely to be able to accept you into his/her lab. I would tell them this up front.

Connections help but are not required. An email showing interest with a strong CV attached works as well. You can find some RA positions online but the best bet is to email many professors. You are not too late yet but its getting close to crunch time. Start mass emailing people ASAP

Neuropsych76, Thank you A LOT for these tips!! they prove to be effective - when i state point blank that I will cover maintenance myself, the person actually responded

[neuropsych76]

Neuropsych76, Thank you A LOT for these tips!! they prove to be effective - when i state point blank that I will cover maintenance myself, the person actually responded

No problem. Best of luck finding a position!!