| |
    |
My summer research was one of the most valuable learning experiences of my youth. Some of the skills I’ve gained are most readily applicable on a small scale. Some are over-arching skills that can be applied to all facets of life. All of them, however, will prove invaluable as I prepare to enter the professional world. Participating in the NCUR program helped me develop many important skills that I might not have been exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. I met a lot of good people, learned about myself, others, and the world around me, and had fun doing it, the importance of which cannot be underestimated. A great experience all around.
As an interviewer, I’ve learned much about dealing with people. I’ve become better at establishing a rapport with new people, a skill I’ll always find use in. I’m also now more adept at subtely yet effectively guiding discussions towards my desired conversation topics, in both a social and professional setting. As an partly independent researcher, I’ve learned a lot about time management, working under deadlines, being proactive, and solving problems on my own. These are skills that are sometimes under-emphasized in a normal classroom setting. For this reason, my summer research experience was great for me. I didn’t have a professor to hold my hand through every obstacle I encountered, and as a result, got a chance to develop some real independence. I had to think on my feet, adapting to changing situations. I was encouraged to solve my problems independent of my supervisor. This was something I was not very accustomed to, having never participated in the NCUR program before. It, however, was on of the most valuable aptitudes I developed, however. As a team member, I got a lot of exposure to new ideas and fresh perspectives. I learned how to work well in groups and how to best utilize the strengths of each team member while minimizing their inevitable weakenesses. Teamwork is something often emphasized in the professional world, and a necessary skill for success. For these reasons, I highly valued this aspect of the experience.
Dan Suarez
Sociology Major
