Feeling Behind as a Sophomore

Dear CRCers:

As a sophomore, I'm feeling really behind about doing things like internships and research, and my resume is pretty sparse. [CRC staffer: "Have you ever worked for pay or volunteered somewhere?"] Oh sure, but nothing impressive-I mean I've tutored for kids back at home, worked at a grocery store over the summer, things like that. If I want to start asking about research opportunities for the summer, where and how do I start? Do I just go to one of my professors and say I want to work with them when they don't even really know me and I really haven't done anything?

Signed,

Sophomore Imposter Syndrome Poster Child

iStock | chroniclevitae.com

You brought up two different issues. The first being experience that is "worthy enough" of being on a resume. Of course, tutoring and working at a grocery store count! Check out the CareerLAB's useful resume writing tip sheet, and meet with one of their Peer Career Advisors during their drop-in hours or another advisor (CRCer Peggy Chang loves giving resume advice during her open hours) to go over your drafted resume.

As far as learning about research opportunities: Since many STEM concentrations require research for one or more semesters, they are often oriented toward helping students find out about the labs around campus and in the local hospitals. The Biology Undergraduate Education website has a link to a portal of research opportunities in the Bio-Med arena. Also, Brown has a faculty profile database (Researchers@Brown) where you can browse and see a professor's research areas.

But before you do all of that, take a moment to think about what currently interests you, or what topics have been meaningful to you for the past couple of years. Write them down, and talk about those ideas with an advisor and/or one of your professors. Many professors welcome a conversation that is exploratory in nature. Students interested in the arts, humanities, and social sciences often don't realize that UTRAs are open to them, too. Talk with your professors about what research or projects in these areas look like.

Finally, take a look at the Dean of the College's Fellowships@Brown website, and don't be shy about having exploratory conversations with academic deans, Victoria Huynh '19 (the FIRe peer advisor at the CRC), and others!

CRCer Victoria Huynh '19 says...

First, remember that as a sophomore (or junior or senior), you aren't behind, and you haven't done anything wrong at all. Tutoring, working at a grocery store, and other parts of your life are all worthy and valid experiences. You always have time, you're in a good place, and things will work out. But let's talk through some stuff:

1. Finding your path and articulating your goals:

Before you jump into searching for internships and research and stuff like that, take some time to ask yourself about what exactly you'd like to do. A few questions I try to ask myself: who do I care about? What do I care about? What gives me joy, what drives me, and what makes me think? The answers to those questions will be different for each person.

Think it through and talk it out, especially with peer advisors, friends and family, and yes, your professors. It can seem scary, but going to a professor's hours just to talk out your ideas is really helpful-even if they haven't had a class with you! They can point you toward things to read, other scholars to talk to, and cool opportunities. Any peer advisor in the CRC (Faunce 228) would be happy to walk you through approaching a professor and going to office hours.

Figuring out exactly what you want to do for an internship or research is a process of self-growth, and it never quite finishes. But a friend of mine was telling me how the moments when she was lost, vulnerable, and not sure what to do were also those moments that she learned a lot about herself.

2. Applying to opportunities:

Once you've defined some of your academic goals, you can start searching for and applying to opportunities. For internships, Handshake and BrownConnect are great resources, and you should reach out to DUG leaders and upperclassmen in your department for cool stuff they've done. For research, it depends on the discipline, so start by asking professors in your department about what research looks like for you and what would be wise to apply for. Like Peggy said above, you can also go on Researchers@Brown to find cool scholars that you haven't met yet, and see if you'd like to work with them.

At Brown, Fellowships@Brown, the Swearer Center, Watson Institute, IBES, and CareerLAB have several opportunities for funded internships or research across disciplines. Outside of Brown, national opportunities like the Leadership Alliance, MURAP, SROP, and NSF-REU offer guided mentorship and research experiences. Additionally, the CRC FIRe blog has a list from last year for some resources at Brown (which I promise I will update but is still mostly correct). To put together an application, CareerLAB can help you write your resume and cover letter, while your professors, peers, and especially I can provide additional support for personal statements.

Finally, you should definitely come to the events listed in the FIRe section of this newsletter, especially the last one. And this photograph is superstar actress Taraji P. Henson, but also me, excited for you and documenting your brilliance! You're going to be great.

CRCer Sierra Edd '18 says...

Being at Brown in a competitive environment can be intellectually and emotionally taxing. First, know that you are not alone and that your work is valued. Combatting imposter syndrome is already hard, so while applying things like internships and writing a resume, I find that it's important to trust yourself and to take a step back to see the larger picture.

Here are some concrete things you can do in the meantime: 1. Reach out to a close friend or mentor/advisor who is familiar with you and your work. A second perspective can be eye-opening, and often, these folks can point out some things you haven't thought of yet to add to a CV or resume. 2. Talking with a professor/mentor is a great first step. There are many opportunities offered at Brown and even more outside opportunities. All of this can be very overwhelming. But when you talk with a mentor, whether that's an older student or professor, navigating these spaces can get a bit easier. Having some extra knowledge makes managing which programs and internships to apply to more focused and somewhat less stressful.