By Jocelyn Ornelas-Munoz
Throughout graduate school, I’ve been told repeatedly, “Focus on your research.” While I agree that graduate school is a time of deep academic exploration, it’s also a stepping stone to broader career opportunities and professional growth. One of the most valuable—and even life-changing—experiences of my PhD was participating in summer internships. These internships didn’t just complement my research; they shaped it. They helped me define my identity as an applied mathematician—someone who cares about the real-world impact of their work, values interdisciplinary collaboration, and seeks to learn from experts by applying mathematical and computational skills to practical problems.
Why Summer Internships Matter to Graduate Students
Internships provide a chance to see how our skills apply beyond academia and expose us to problems outside our immediate research bubble. My internships took place at a research and development center and a national laboratory. Throughout these experiences, I gained insight into real-world applications, workplace culture, project collaboration, and the decision-making processes that drive problem-solving.
For me, these internships were an opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment. I was able to contribute to projects with immediate impact and learn from experienced professionals. They were transformative experiences that helped me clarify my career goals and gave me a better sense of the next steps I should take after graduation.
Finding and Applying for Internships
Securing an internship can feel daunting, but there are plenty of resources available. I found opportunities through conference networking, faculty recommendations, and online postings. My first internship came through a mentor I met at the Broader Engagement program during SIAM CSE21. I returned for a second summer, and later, I secured another internship through my advisor’s recommendation—where I also spent two summers. Attending conferences like SIAM, SACNAS, and IEEE helped me connect with professionals who guided me toward available opportunities.
A strong application typically includes a well-crafted résumé or CV and sometimes a research statement. It’s important to highlight not just your technical skills, but also your ability to collaborate, adapt to new challenges, and communicate effectively. I also found that reaching out to potential mentors about a month before applications opened made the process smoother. Talking to students in my department who had done internships before also gave me valuable insights. Use your network, and don’t be afraid to cold email—it can open doors you didn’t expect!
Making the Most of the Internship Experience
Once you secure an internship, making the most of the opportunity requires proactive engagement. I quickly learned the importance of asking questions early, seeking feedback, and contributing ideas based on my own experience. In cases where the research didn’t align exactly with my own, there was a learning curve—but the wealth of expertise at these institutions made it an invaluable learning experience. I found that most people were happy to share their insights.
One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of using the resources around me. Some of the leading experts in the field may work at your internship site, giving you a unique opportunity to learn from them. Attending seminars, inviting scientists for coffee, or joining institution activity groups are great ways to expand your network. The relationships I built during my internships even carried over into my academic career—both of my internship mentors are now part of my PhD committee, and I continue to meet with them regularly.
The Power of Asking for Help
One of the most valuable skills I developed during my internships was learning to ask for help when needed. I’m still working on it, but I am trying. In academia, there’s often pressure to be independent and figure things out on our own. However, I’ve learned that spending too much time struggling with something can sometimes slow progress when simply asking for help could move things forward much faster. Seeking guidance from mentors and colleagues isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an essential part of learning and growth.
I quickly realized that no one expects an intern to know everything. In fact, the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. Asking thoughtful questions, requesting clarification, and seeking feedback not only accelerated my learning, but also helped me avoid unnecessary mistakes. More importantly, taking the initiative to ask for help showed my mentors and colleagues that I was engaged and eager to learn.
How Internships Can Shape Career Decisions
Before my internships, I was unsure about whether I wanted to stay in academia or transition to industry. During this time of uncertainty, I was also unaware of opportunities at national laboratories and nonprofit research and development centers. My internship experience helped me realize that I value working on problems with direct applications, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and having a tangible impact on real-world challenges. It gave me a path to look forward to once I graduate.
For those unsure about doing an internship, I highly recommend exploring the opportunity. Even if you ultimately decide to stay in academia, an internship can provide fresh perspectives on your research and introduce new methodologies or problem-solving approaches that can be valuable in any setting.
Final Takeaways: Advice for Future Interns
Internships are about more than just building your resume—they’re about growth, learning, and expanding your horizons. Here are a few key takeaways from my experience:
- Be open to learning: You may find yourself in an unfamiliar field, but that’s part of the experience. Embrace the challenge and ask questions.
- Take initiative: Show interest in your projects and look for ways to contribute beyond your assigned tasks.
- Network and engage: Talk to colleagues, seek mentorship, and attend professional events to build meaningful connections.
- Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Asking questions and clarifying doubts can make your experience more productive and rewarding.
- Reflect on your experience: Consider how the internship aligns with your long-term goals and what lessons you can carry forward.
Looking back, my internships were some of the most transformative experiences of my graduate career. They gave me clarity on my professional goals, expanded my technical and professional skill set, and connected me with an incredible network of professionals. For any graduate student considering an internship, my advice is simple: go for it—you never know what doors it might open.
Jocelyn is a Mexican, first-generation, fifth-year PhD student in Applied Mathematics at UC Merced, studying image processing using deep learning under the supervision of Erica Rutter and Roummel Marcia. She is passionate about interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and applying mathematical methods to real-world challenges.