I liked working with other mechanical engineers and computer scientists on a project I was interested in. I liked that I got to work independently and learn new software on my own and develop my problem-solving skills.
What I wish was different
I wish the opportunity was in person.
Advice
Don't give up when things get difficult.
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Software Engineering Intern
May 2020 • Richland, WA
What I liked
My internship was remote, and the IT personnel at PNNL did a fantastic job of ensuring that I and my fellow interns had all of the equipment and software that we needed to contribute effectively towards our teams' projects. Also, the project managers and other team members did a great job of communicating and making sure that we had a remarkable internship experience.
What I wish was different
It would have been nice to work in the same physical location as my coworkers, but obviously this was not a viable or safe option during the spring and summer of 2020.
Advice
Be proactive in finding opportunities for tasks during an internship. Take deadlines seriously, but also do your best to pursue professional development and networking opportunities outside of project work.
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OMICS lab intern
May 2021 • Richland, WA
What I liked
I really liked learning about cell culture and growing cells.
What I wish was different
I wish the environment was more welcoming and open. I also wish that someone would bother to train me how to do actual lab work instead of what I've currently been doing.
Advice
Work environment makes or breaks a job. It really sucks when the job is exciting but the environment is one that is hard to succeed in.
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Technology Intern
August 2021 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Being online has made it easy to attend class and still participate! My internship has allowed me to learn more about construction, and to train for a HERS certification!
What I wish was different
Advice
An online opportunity can be just as informative as an in-person one! I think I've learned a lot already that could make me more useful in a construction position just from working on the BASC website that a hands-on construction internship may not have a chance to cover.
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Tech Intern 4
May 2021 • Richland, WA
What I liked
I liked everything about the internship, I learned so much during my time and I had a great mentor that was always willing to help me. They paid me extremely well and my work had a real impact on a project. There are also many resources available for interns.
What I wish was different
I wished the internship would have been in-person as opposed to remote, but I understand why it was not this past summer.
Advice
Do not be afraid to ask for help and I wish I would have asked more questions throughout my time.
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Technical Intern
June - September 2021 • Richland, WA
What I liked
During my internship, I was in close contact with members of my team. My deliverables were always clearly communicated, and my work noticeably contributed to the progress of my team towards their larger objectives.
What I wish was different
Sadly, over the summer of 2021, internships were virtual. Being able to come onto campus would have been nice.
Advice
Communication is key in any sort of team-oriented workplace. The success I saw over the course of my internship was made possible by clearly communicating both my capabilities/progress and needs to my team regularly.
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Tech Student 3
September 2017 • Richland, WA
What I liked
I am able to learn and explore a lot of different technologies used at the lab. I also get to contribute to meaningful projects that have an impact.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Undergraduate Intern
March 2019 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
The flexibility regarding my priorities for school as well as opportunities to attend conferences as part of the Lab.
What I wish was different
None really. It has been really great.
Advice
Be flexible, coordinate with your higher-ups,showcase your skills, and be a sponge and soak in all of the learning available. Don't be afraid to branch out.
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Technical Intern
June 2019 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Excellent experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
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High Performance Computing Intern
June - August 2019 • Richland, WA
What I liked
I liked that I learned a lot of new things and had close mentorship.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Software Engineering Intern
June 2017 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Learning in a work environment, getting to meet researchers from across the lab. Solve complex business problems.
What I wish was different
I missed out on some of the cool tours.
Advice
Networking should be your number one priority as an intern.
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Tech student
May 2019 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
Environment and the people were fantastic.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Take a look through all the programs they offer.
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Project Controls Intern
June - August 2019 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Fun projects and very relevant experience for my future goals
What I wish was different
Less government bureaucracy
Advice
Sometimes you have to disagree and commit when you don't agree on specific inefficient practices.
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SULI Research Intern
May - August 2019 • Sequim, WA
What I liked
I enjoyed the research I took part in--I worked in analytical environmental chemistry, characterizing a passive sampling device prior to field use. I was offered a lot of independence in my work and my input was valued. I also really enjoyed the friendly and supportive work environment of the Marine Sciences Laboratory.
What I wish was different
The workplace as a whole was very interdisciplinary, which I really enjoyed. However, I was in one of the only chemistry-based labs, so it was hard to talk about issues I was experiencing with my fellow interns, most of whom were in biology-based labs.
Advice
Don't be afraid to apply for internships or jobs far away from your hometown. I'm originally from Ohio and spending the summer in the Olympic Peninsula seemed intimidating at first, but it opened up new avenues for connections and familiarity with the field in which I'm interested. The administration at MSL was very helpful in finding the interns housing and answering questions we had about the area.
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Electrical Eng Intern
June - September 2019 • Richland, WA
What I liked
The national lab has lots of summer activities for interns. There are work-life balance. I collaborated in the multidisciplinary team and learn a lots from them.
What I wish was different
I wish I have more time to work and study there.
Advice
Be mindful and curious about different projects. Ask questions to learn more.
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UI/UX Designer Intern
June 2018 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Small community environment and personal connections
What I wish was different
Connecting with other UX designers and working on other projects that I am interested.
Advice
Being open minded and adapt the pace of the company
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Nuclear physicist intern
June - August 2018 • Richland, WA
What I liked
My mentor and the research
What I wish was different
Being in a different directorate
Advice
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Electronics Engineering Intern
September 2017 - June 2018 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Hands on work, impactful projects, everyone is eager to help you learn
What I wish was different
Projects can get tense when funding starts to run out near end of fiscal year, they are good at making sure interns have things to do but full time employees otherwise have to seek out projects to work on
Advice
Make the most of your internship by seeking out projects that sound interesting and network with other groups to learn more about what kind of projects/research is happening at the lab
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Tech Student
June 2016 • Richland, WA
What I liked
There is a lot of freedom to explore not only the group you are hired into but, you also get the opportunity to meet and network with a lot of other scientists. I also like how willing a lot of the scientists are to help students learn and grow. The campus is beautiful and they have a lot of summer events to help students network and meet other interns.
What I wish was different
I wish when I came to pullman there was a way I could have worked for them remotely but, most of my work was in the lab.
Advice
Don't be scared to ask questions, scientist's love talking about themselves and their work, you can learn a lot if you listen with open ears. Also, don't be scared to ask for more work, or ask to help another scientist with their work. Don't be that intern who sits on facebook all day, get to know your peers and and get known for the right reasons.
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Tech Student
June - August 2018 • Richland, WA
What I liked
Scientists at PNNL are eager to teach you new skills and want you to succeed.
