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Initial Stage of Internship: Establishing Contact

Attended an "Insider's Look at Internships" event, organized by Princeton's Peer Career Advisers. Represented OURSIP, the Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Policy, as an ambassador.

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Initiating the First Phase of the Internship: Establishing Connections
Initiating the First Phase of the Internship: Establishing Connections

Initial Stage of Internship: Establishing Contact

For students looking to gain valuable research experience during the summer, unpaid internships can be an excellent opportunity. However, securing these positions often requires a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the experiences of Princeton University students and similar institutions.

  1. Target Academic and Research Institutions Near You or of Interest

Many unpaid research internships are offered by university labs or research centers. For example, Princeton University's Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) provides free research opportunities for students under faculty guidance. The Center for Discovery & Innovation at Princeton also offers unpaid summer research scholar programs focused on biomedical topics.

  1. Utilize University Advising and Job Boards

Princeton's Health Professions Advising post-grad job board shares unpaid clinical and research positions that are ideal for students seeking hands-on experience. Institutional boards often post current research internships, which may not be widely advertised elsewhere.

  1. Leverage Grants or Financial Aid for Unpaid Positions

Since unpaid internships require financial flexibility, seek grants or stipends that can cover living and travel expenses. For example, some students at Christopher Newport University used grant money to afford unpaid but invaluable research internships.

  1. Prepare a Strong Application

Admissions to unpaid research internships are competitive. You should:

  • Highlight your academic interest and any relevant coursework or prior experience
  • Submit required documents such as research proposals or summaries
  • Meet the eligibility criteria precisely (age, citizenship, enrollment status)
  • Apply early — deadlines can be several months in advance
  • Explore Broad Opportunities and Networks

In addition to university programs, consider reputable internship listings that cover multiple domains including medical and AI research. While many are unpaid, they provide access to mentors and real research experience.

  1. Attend Informational Events and Workshops

Participating in events such as Princeton’s "Insider's Look at Internships" can provide insight into application processes, expectations, and networking with alumni or program coordinators.

Summary of Best Practices:

  • Identify unpaid research internships at universities or research institutions early.
  • Use official university resources and job boards for trustworthy listings.
  • Secure financial support if needed to cover associated costs.
  • Submit tailored applications meeting all criteria well before deadlines.
  • Attend related events to gather insights and network.

This approach mirrors experiences shared by students and programs at Princeton and similar universities that emphasize mentorship, professional development, and real research engagement despite the unpaid nature of the internships.

Summer 2019 Cheat Sheet

For updated resources and tips for securing funding for unpaid internships, check out our Summer 2019 Cheat Sheet.

This guide was written by Ellie Breitfeld, the Natural Sciences Correspondent.

Categories: Funding, Research Abroad

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