Any non-science major get a summer research internship? Any advice?

[Penner]

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My major is in the social sciences, so I think it's going to be hard convincing people that I'm planning on pursuing a career involving biomedical research. Of course, I do plan on doing biomedical research as an MD, but most summer research programs seem to be targeting potential MD/PhD's or PhD's.

Has anyone out there landed a summer research internship (ie: Amgen Scholars, Mayo SURF, etc) as a non-science major?

I've done research in previous summers by contacting a PI directly, and it worked out great, but I really want the experience of participating in a summer research program and getting paid.

Thanks.

 

[Penner]

I knew these guys were scarce.

 

[SweetRain]

While there are many non-science premeds, I do find it a little strange that you are looking into biomed research in the future.
If I were the PI, I would be a little skeptical to have an undergrad who's only taken up to sophomore level biology and pursuing a degree in social science.

Those summer programs are aimed for those with a scholarly pursuit in the field of science (not to say that you don't have scholarly pursuit) and have shown that interest through their college coursework.

Nevertheless, there is no restriction on what major you are so go ahead and apply to see what happens. You can also have build some research experience at your home institution if you are close to any of the science profs you took class with. They're probably more willing to listen to your story.

You can also look into doing non-science research before medschool. And it's never too late to start biomed research when you're in med school. My friend is a social science major as well and she did research on health policy and welfare in DC. For the sake of application, it doesn't matter what area you studied as long as you are able to show your intellectual cuiosity.

 

[NickNaylor]

If you've had meaningful research experience, you should probably be fine. Just make sure you get LORs from your previous PIs. I think those are probably the most important part of your application anyway.

 

[Penner]

While there are many non-science premeds, I do find it a little strange that you are looking into biomed research in the future.
If I were the PI, I would be a little skeptical to have an undergrad who's only taken up to sophomore level biology and pursuing a degree in social science.

Those summer programs are aimed for those with a scholarly pursuit in the field of science (not to say that you don't have scholarly pursuit) and have shown that interest through their college coursework.

Nevertheless, there is no restriction on what major you are so go ahead and apply to see what happens. You can also have build some research experience at your home institution if you are close to any of the science profs you took class with. They're probably more willing to listen to your story.

You can also look into doing non-science research before medschool. And it's never too late to start biomed research when you're in med school. My friend is a social science major as well and she did research on health policy and welfare in DC. For the sake of application, it doesn't matter what area you studied as long as you are able to show your intellectual cuiosity.

I've taken several upper level science courses, including a graduate level biology course on cancer. I will have non-science research experience as well as two summers of research on cell-signaling pathways... I don't need more research experience for medical school, I just want to participate in a summer research program because it seems intellectually exciting, I'd be able to do what I like doing, and I'd be able to make some money.

So you think that my chances of getting into a summer research program is severely limited because of my major? :/

I do want to do research (academic medicine) in the future, and I know one doesn't need more than an MD to do research part-time. Why would I waste my undergrad years learning biology though when I'll learn all the science I need in medical school and during my research experiences?

 

[SpaceDementia]

Can't say from personal experience, but I imagine you would want previous research experience for a competitive summer program regardless of whether you're a non-science or science major.

College is the time to follow your interests anyway, as there will be plenty of time for science in medical school. I've seen plenty of great academic physicians who studied literature or philosophy or some other non-science topic in college, and that's just as important to intellectual maturity as being a scientist.

 

[cfx]

Do you have any research programs that are ran out of your school? I did a summer program through my college that was open to pretty much any major (science, social science, humanities...). The only exception, I think, was physics and engineering, but they had a separate program for them.

Through my program, I worked in a lab at another institution, and was basically grouped with a bunch of students in one the "big name" national programs at that institution, so I had an identical experience as them.

Honestly, though, the experience isn't THAT much different from just working in a lab independently. There were a few valuable extra experiences, but I'm pretty sure that they would have let me take part in them anyway, being a summer student.

 

[rxnfiend]

A guy in my lab at the NIH was a history major and was just accepted as an intern. So there is hope!

 

[Evergrey]

I am a non-science major in a somewhat similar predicament. I have already graduated, but got to do paid science research during school for a semester. I worked in an industrial lab that required an associate's degree in science for half a year after I graduated, and now I am trying to find a job in biomed research. It is tough.... The best advice I can give is to make your lab resume very strong and sell yourself as "I have these skills, plus a whole lot of other shizzle" and not "I am not a science major but I can still do this." You could also sell yourself as having an interest in being a physician-scientist without specifying the degree, because it's research training that truly matters, not degrees. Some people will inevitably care, others will realize that most people won't know WTF is going down in their own lab anyway and that someone with a good core who's intelligent will be trainable enough and then they have to want you for something beyond your science skills, like perhaps your writing skills. Let's face it -- neither of us have the lab skills that a chem major has, so if candidate evaluation is based strictly on lab skills, we are SOL.

I'm not sure if it will be possible for you to get a SURP.. but definitely try! I don't know what year in school you are either, but if you have time left you can hone your lab and research skills over the next year, maybe by volunteering in a lab, and end up doing something like NIH Intramural Postbac Fellowship in your year off (which is badass).

P.S. Btw, just as a friendly comment, your Penn pride comes on a bit.. strong 😛

 

[Penner]

I am a non-science major in a somewhat similar predicament. I have already graduated, but got to do paid science research during school for a semester. I worked in an industrial lab that required an associate's degree in science for half a year after I graduated, and now I am trying to find a job in biomed research. It is tough.... The best advice I can give is to make your lab resume very strong and sell yourself as "I have these skills, plus a whole lot of other shizzle" and not "I am not a science major but I can still do this." You could also sell yourself as having an interest in being a physician-scientist without specifying the degree, because it's research training that truly matters, not degrees. Some people will inevitably care, others will realize that most people won't know WTF is going down in their own lab anyway and that someone with a good core who's intelligent will be trainable enough and then they have to want you for something beyond your science skills, like perhaps your writing skills. Let's face it -- neither of us have the lab skills that a chem major has, so if candidate evaluation is based strictly on lab skills, we are SOL.

I'm not sure if it will be possible for you to get a SURP.. but definitely try! I don't know what year in school you are either, but if you have time left you can hone your lab and research skills over the next year, maybe by volunteering in a lab, and end up doing something like NIH Intramural Postbac Fellowship in your year off (which is badass).

P.S. Btw, just as a friendly comment, your Penn pride comes on a bit.. strong 😛

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try to come off as the "I have these skills plus others" type.

Any non-science majors with personal experience with a summer research program though?

 

[cfx]

I don't understand...It's obviously too late to apply for current summer research programs, and I see on your mdapp that you just finished your junior year? So that discounts next summer, as well (unless you're taking >4 years to graduate). Are you looking for an undergrad program (e.g., SURF), or a post-grad program (e.g., NIH)?

 

[Penner]

I don't understand...It's obviously too late to apply for current summer research programs, and I see on your mdapp that you just finished your junior year? So that discounts next summer, as well (unless you're taking >4 years to graduate). Are you looking for an undergrad program (e.g., SURF), or a post-grad program (e.g., NIH)?

I finished my sophomore year. Where does it say I finished my junior year on mdapps?

 

[cfx]

I finished my sophomore year. Where does it say I finished my junior year on mdapps?

Oops, sorry about that. I confused your profile with someone who is applying this cycle.

 

[josephfu20]

Hey, I just read your post, and I have definitely been in your shoes! I am a psych major at Creighton and I am doing a summer research program at UC Davis this year. I (through divine intervention and massive amounts of luck) managed to get paired up with a cardiologist and will be studying heart arrhythmias!

So to answer your question..IT IS POSSIBLE to obtain biomedical research programs as a non-science major.

I will give you a tip though...1) obtain previous research experience. I see that you've done past research in not just science but also non-science. I've also done research in both fields and I incorporated my experiences in both fields into my personal statement when I applied to these programs.
2) Understanding what research is about: it is about problem-solving...through trial and error and improving your skills as a scholar of whatever field you're pursuing. Find a connection between how research is relevant to what you want to do (I said I wanted to do MD/PhD, but wrote more about PhD part). I wrote a bit about previous lab experiences to show that I am interested in doing their programs.

Hope this helps!

 

[Evergrey]

I finished my sophomore year.

Since you are a sophomore, I *definitely* think a summer program is doable for you next year. If you're able to get lab work this summer, and start research with a prof next year, I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to get a program! I mean, at that point, you will have more research experience than most science majors. 🙂

 

[rjsmit2]

I'm a double non-science major, and I've participated in paid research "programs" all three summers. Take a look at the REU website, specifically under "Behavioral, Economic, and Psychological Sciences." You should find a bunch of really neat social science opportunities to get you started. Also, if already you have some basic science coursework completed, many "science-y programs" will see your alternative major as a benefit, not a hindrance.

 

[Penner]

Hey, I just read your post, and I have definitely been in your shoes! I am a psych major at Creighton and I am doing a summer research program at UC Davis this year. I (through divine intervention and massive amounts of luck) managed to get paired up with a cardiologist and will be studying heart arrhythmias!

So to answer your question..IT IS POSSIBLE to obtain biomedical research programs as a non-science major.

I will give you a tip though...1) obtain previous research experience. I see that you've done past research in not just science but also non-science. I've also done research in both fields and I incorporated my experiences in both fields into my personal statement when I applied to these programs.
2) Understanding what research is about: it is about problem-solving...through trial and error and improving your skills as a scholar of whatever field you're pursuing. Find a connection between how research is relevant to what you want to do (I said I wanted to do MD/PhD, but wrote more about PhD part). I wrote a bit about previous lab experiences to show that I am interested in doing their programs.

Hope this helps!

Awesome advice, thank you very much!!

 

[Penner]

I'm a double non-science major, and I've participated in paid research "programs" all three summers. Take a look at the REU website, specifically under "Behavioral, Economic, and Psychological Sciences." You should find a bunch of really neat social science opportunities to get you started. Also, if already you have some basic science coursework completed, many "science-y programs" will see your alternative major as a benefit, not a hindrance.

Good to hear! Congrats on your successes 👍