Importance of Summer Research Programs (vs. "Regular" Lab Research)?

[Soulstice]

Hey, quick question: I've got the option of doing a summer research program in the biosciences, but I also have the option of finishing up a research project at the lab where I work during the year and getting a (first/second author) publication out of it. Is it worth doing a summer program to get some lab/topic variety (and the 'resume prestige' of a selective research experience), or am I better off spending my time finishing off the project that I've been doing over the last two years?

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[kduck]

I would stick with the project you are already on. The experience of publishing is definitely great. I think the only real reason to do summer programs is to get funding to do research, or if you go to a small school that doesn't have a lot of research going on, so you can only get opportunities somewhere else over the summer. It sounds like you have a great situation where you are!

 

[sector9]

I think getting published outweighs the potential "prestigious research position" for one summer

And what do you know, there's a post from LizzyM that I just barely found that is relevant. It doesn't exactly mention summer research programs but I'm guessing they don't beat out #1 on the list http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7350809
🙂hello:LizzyM!)

 

[tiedyeddog]

I think getting published outweighs the potential "prestigious research position" for one summer

Totally agree.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

I'm applying for a summer research program, only because my lab research is going soooo slowly, it's like my PI isn't even motivated. I'm thinking about dropping out.

 

[raltima07]

Chase that paper boy

 

[Nymphicus]

You are considering leaving your lab where you will most likely get a first author (or second, or any authorship at all for that matter) publication for a summer research project?

 

[ksmajmudar]

Definitely stay in the lab and get a publication out of your research. Much better than doing a selective summer research opportunity.

I actually did a summer research internship at an international pharmaceutical company. I also did research at my school which was over a longer period of time. For my school research project, I got to present a short talk at an international conference (all PhDs or post-docs, I was so out of my league haha). During my interviews, interviewers were much more interested in that research experience than my "prestigious" research experience at the pharm. company.

So stay and get the publication, it means more.

(p.s. nice avatar)

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

^ but what if there was an average potential for each research opportunity, but the "prestigious" university or company can offer more selective research with more resources. Would the summer opportunity be better? This is my case.

 

[kduck]

^ but what if there was an average potential for each research opportunity, but the "prestigious" university or company can offer more selective research with more resources. Would the summer opportunity be better? This is my case.

If your current lab is going nowhere, that's one thing. It might be worth leaving for the summer, especially since funding opportunities can be good in summer programs. But OP specifically said he was close to a pub in the current lab... leaving makes no sense.

 

[Soulstice]

If your current lab is going nowhere, that's one thing. It might be worth leaving for the summer, especially since funding opportunities can be good in summer programs. But OP specifically said he was close to a pub in the current lab... leaving makes no sense.

Wouldn't really be leaving so much as doing a different lab for the summer program to demonstrate the capability to get a funded, selective research opportunity.. though I think in this case, the answers I've gotten make the decision pretty clear. 🙂

 

[JJMrK]

Stick with what you're already doing. A publication trumps all. When I see research listed on an application, it's a talking point during an interview (maybe). When there is a publication listed, I know there was some seriously hard work put in.