I loved everything about my summer experience. The family that hosted me in New Jersey was incredibly welcoming, as was the church family that I was a part of. As a Jubilee Fellow working at Faith Community CRC, my mentorship was excellent, and I was not only allowed but also equipped and encouraged to grow in my areas of interest.
What I wish was different
I wouldn't change a thing.
Advice
Be willing to do things that are out of your comfort zone, different from what you have done, or aren't sure you will like. An attitude of willing service allows you to grow in many ways.
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Student Caterer
May 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed getting to learn the behind-the-scenes that goes into catering for various events.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens Steward Intern
June - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Good team dynamics and clear communications with supervisor.
What I wish was different
It was an ideal situation for me.
Advice
If you like being exposed to all the wonders of nature, then this job is for you. Fantastic experience for anyone intending to work outside in the future.
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Administrative Assistant
June - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Flexible schedule, great leadership
What I wish was different
Advice
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I liked learning how to write a professional systematic review of material, and use different databases to gain access to certain articles.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more people interaction. I didn't expect to be doing so much essay writing and reading of various different articles.
Advice
Remember that research can come in many different forms. Research doesn't just mean sitting at a computer and crunching numbers, and it also doesn't just mean meeting with patients in a clinical setting. Keep your options open and let negative aspects be used as learning experiences.
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Telecommunications Switch Technician
October 2017 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
There was a great deal of autonomous trust, and I worked on projects that were interesting.
What I wish was different
Taken more time to cross train and gain knowledge of other Calvin systems
Advice
Find a good project and focus on that
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Biology Research Intern
May - August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I had a fantastic mentor and independent exp3rience in research.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had more immunology background before coming into the position.
Advice
Expect to work odd hours and some late nights.
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Audio Recording Intern
August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Flexible Hours, Helpful Bosses, Creative projects
What I wish was different
Advice
Make the most of the opportunities you have within your internship.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - September 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I got to work with a team but also independently. I learned more in the lab than in a classroom during the school year. I had many resources.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more prior knowledge and experience. I also wish I had a partner.
Advice
Set goals beforehand and reach out to anyone and everyone that you can. Work hard, then play hard. Never think what you're doing is ever unimportant.
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Student Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Learned a lot
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Learn as much as you can going into research
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Orientation Intern
February - September 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I loved the community that I had built. I grew in my faith, administrative skills, speaking in front of thousands of people, graphic designing, connecting with higher-up admin and putting together a program for incoming freshman.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had more time to grow. I wanted to continue growing my skills that I had obtained over the past 6 months. Yes, I know it was just an internship, but I hope I can carry on with these skills that I learned in future jobs.
Advice
It is a job which will make you grow. You can't expect coming into this job and thinking that your life will not be changed or transformed. You will be stretched and morphed into a strong man or woman who is ready for several particular skills in the work force. Highly recommend!
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Painter
May - August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
The boss, people I worked with, and work environment were amazing and more than I could've asked for
What I wish was different
I wish it offered a part time position during the school year.
Advice
This job is very social and can be amazing if you talk and work with others well.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - September 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Learning more through interactive research and being able to apply the knowledge of classes in the field.
What I wish was different
Nothing, it was great.
Advice
Get yourself out there and look for something that will boost your resume and help pay some bills.
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Biochemistry Research Assistant
May 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Great hands-on experience that brought science to life.
What I wish was different
Advice
Take initiative and think ahead
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Human Resources Assistant
May 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
Before working this summer, I had no previous HR experience. I loved how much I learned this summer. Everyone in the office recognized that I'm a student and this was a huge learning experience for me. They took the time to explain the different aspects of their jobs so I could learn more about the HR field.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Research assistant
May - September 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed doing research in the field of process controls . I liked that I had a little bit of freeedom to guide the research.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Orientation Intern
February - September 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I loved working on a team of great leaders and programming events for new students.
What I wish was different
Having more time to plan for programs and walk through practices.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions and let your ideas be heard
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Research Assistant
May 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
As a research assistant on this project, I became well-versed in current Linguistics and Speech Pathology topics and practices. I gained familiarity with the SALT software, which is often used in my field. I also learned how to take what I've studied with respect to language and grammar thus far and practically apply it by learning how to code for errors at the word and sentence levels. This experience allowed me to go beyond just understanding topics in Linguistics to thinking critically about them and improving my written communication skills.
What I wish was different
Much of my tasks were completed independently, but I would've liked to have done more work alongside the other research assistants.
Advice
Research projects often involve multiple tasks that need to be completed at the same time, and unexpected issues can arise at any given moment. With this kind of work, it's incredibly important to be flexible. You can't always see how things will play out very far down the line.
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Cleaning Crew
June - August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
It was pretty easy to do and required no work outside of your hours
What I wish was different
Advice
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Political Science Research Assistant
June 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI
What I liked
I liked the practical implications of the work and at the end of the day being able to see how it could help people
