Benefits of Becoming a Student Researcher
After spending the past month applying to summer internships and research positions, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight an area of study that most pre-meds fail to consider whether when applying to my school or thinking about a career. The research industry is a very important ally to medical professionals and most of what has been studied in the lab have aided doctor, nurses and PAs in providing the best care possible whether it be for the current COVID -19 pandemic or other diseases regarding the genetics of cancer.
The benefits of research are endless and offer pre-med students with a variety of exposure to the field they wish to study in the future. Other benefits of gaining research experience include:
- Interacting with other peers and researchers with ample knowledge on your intended field of study
- Improves critical thinking
- Assist with writing and communication skills
- Learning skills in advocating and defending academic work
- Work and volunteer experience to boost resume or professional school apps
- contributing knowledge and impacting the world
- and many more
How do I find research positions
A good way to start is by asking around in your institution of study. For university and college undergraduate students, most professors will more or less be involved in some type of research or the other and it just boils than to mustering up the courage to sending that email out expressing your interest in what they do.
The next option would be to just look up some positions on LinkedIn, at a local hospital website, or just asking your friends or older siblings. There are so many resources out there for both high school and university students and it only requires you to ask.
What type of research positions ARE OUT THERE????
if you were to ask any qualified professional they will simply say “ I can’t definitively say” and this is due to the variety in the kinds of research that take place. There are over a thousand topics that need to be explored and so the staff needed to conduct these researches are different. Most students will apply to either be a research volunteer, a part-time paid research student, a full time paid research student, and a research assistant. I would recommend looking at whatever the description is when applying for any position of the research teams.
What are some tips for reaching out to Principal Investigators
Everyone is different, but there are some fundamental criteria that have to be met if one wants to guarantee a spot on a research team. These include
- Using professional language when sending emails and use a professional email address rather than a personal one
- Attach the research relevant CV and your resume when reaching out
- Make sure to include specific references that relate to past research positions and/or relevant positions.
- Read up about the research and check any websites regularly to be updated on any big news in the field.
- be patient and don’t get disappointed.
Recommendations
High School Students
- STEM Fellowship
- SHAD Program
- SCI High Research Institute — (https://scihigh.ca/students/)
- SunnyBrook High School Program (https://sunnybrook.ca/research/content/?page=sri-ed-summ-ultra)
Undergraduate Students
- Any university professor
- SunnyBrook research programs (https://sunnybrook.ca/research/content/?page=sri-ed-summ)
- RTC research program — Mt. Sanai ( http://research.lunenfeld.ca/rtc/DEFAULT.ASP?page=Summer Research Program)
- SickKids Summer Research Program — (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/research/research-training-centre/summer-research-program/)
- Princess Margaret Summer Student — (https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Trainee_Programs/Department_Supportive_Care/Pages/summer_student.aspx)
Unfortunately, we at OYMS don’t offer research positions but there are still some options for both high school and university students that will improve your resume. Check out our Instagram and LinkedIn to fill out forms for future internships and content creator positions. (https://linktr.ee/oyms)
