Is unpaid summer research worth doing?

[joey jake]

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Hi everyone, I have the opportunity to do research in the lab of a well-respected physician PI. However, it is unpaid.

Is this a scam? I will have to pay for travel and accommodation so it will be quite expensive. Is it worth doing?

Thank you

 

[plshelpmeineedhelp]

probably worth doing if you can afford it and are interested in more competitive fields that like research.

 

[joey jake]

probably worth doing if you can afford it and are interested in more competitive fields that like research.

Thank you. However, is this common? From my previous experiences, they were all paid, even if just a very small amount.

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

Thank you. However, is this common? From my previous experiences, they were all paid, even if just a very small amount.

I did unpaid summer research and got three pubs out of it. I think that was worth more than the minimum wage you'd otherwise get.

 

[joey jake]

I did unpaid summer research and got three pubs out of it. I think that was worth more than the minimum wage you'd otherwise get.

Ok thank you so much, I will do it then. Thank you

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

Ok thank you so much, I will do it then. Thank you

It’s all an investment for your future. You will thank yourself. Work hard now so you can enjoy the life you want later.

 

[DarkBluMage]

Hi everyone, I have the opportunity to do research in the lab of a well-respected physician PI. However, it is unpaid.

Is this a scam? I will have to pay for travel and accommodation so it will be quite expensive. Is it worth doing?

Thank you

Depends. If you get a pub out of it, then it’ll be worth it. If nothing really comes of it then I would consider it a waste of time/money. Kinda depends on what you want/working towards.

 

[DarkHorizon]

It’s probably worth it but it’s BS that they won’t pay you.

 

[AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson]

I think it's criminal to work what is potentially full time during your summer and not get paid. I understand some students have the ability to do so, which probably why it's so prevalent, but it's still criminal.

There are plenty of labs that can and do get funding and I'd personally try and find one that does. I did summer research and was given a 5k stipend, I could not have spend my summer doing unpaid work unfortunately and had to supplement that stipend with tutoring even.

To your actual question:

Is it worth it? If you have the means and it's a productive lab and you're entering a research heavy specialty or love research - sure. Otherwise no.

 

[joey jake]

Thank you so much to everyone. I think I will do it. I should have applied for paid summer positions, but I didn't, so this is the only option I have. I'll try to get my name on a paper.

Thank you again.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

You should have the discussion with the PI about publishing beforehand since it’s unpaid

 

[LunaOri]

Your school may be able to give you a work-study grant to fund your position. Talk to your financial aid office.

 

[joey jake]

Thank you @LunaOri and @voxveritatisetlucis I will do that. I didn't think of that, I will ask my school for maybe even a credit.

Thank you again to everyone who responded.

 

[zorcandpals]

Is it really that well respected if the PI is so cheap/broke that he cant spare 3k out of his grants to pay for full time labor for a few months?