Question about research

[sganjam91]

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Hello SDN,

I am a sophomore in college and am facing a sort of dilemma regarding research. I have two options:

1.) A paid job at an Alzheimer's Research Clinic. This would be part time and I would be starting in January. I would most likely work here for the long term (1.5+ years). This is a great opportunity because I would be responsible for seeing patients and administering basic neurological exams, the results of which are used for the research. The only disadvantage I can see is that it would be almost impossible to get my name on a publication because I would not directly be contributing intellectual value to the project (unless I have a random epiphany). I expect to work up to ten hours per week.

2.) A 10 week (40hr/week) paid summer internship at a prestigious research institution. This research would be more microbiology-related and there is a remote possibility for continuation with a small chance of getting my name on a publication.

I can only do one of these things, because the internship is full time (so I won't be able to work at the clinic), and if I try to work at the alzheimer's clinic for next semester and then do the internship over the summer, I probably won't be able to come back to work at the clinic after the summer. The way I see it this is a choice between a long term position versus prestige and the fact that I can handle a full time job. I think working at the clinic will be better for me, but I'm not entirely sure, so I thought I would post this. By the way, both positions are very fascinating and would be happy doing either. I just want some input as to what will look better for med school apps.

Thanks!

 

[theWUbear]

it would be almost impossible to get my name on a publication because I would not directly be contributing intellectual value to the project (unless I have a random epiphany). I expect to work up to ten hours per week.

Thanks!

tl dr but it is a misconception to think that you need to contribute intellectual value to a project to have your name on a paper. Sometimes working hard and doing grunt work on a project will be enough for a PI to add you as a second or third author. Something to keep in mind

 

[Rustifer]

IMO I think it would be better if you went with the longer term research position. In both cases it sounds like getting authorship is unlikely so doing something that is long term may be of more benefit. It would show that you have the ability to stick with something for the long term.

 

[RookTookIt]

Definitely go with the long term project. Either way it sounds unlikely that you'll publish, but as WUbear said, sometimes hard work is enough to get you an authorship and that is more likely to happen if the PI knows you in the long term.

Another big advantage is that a PI who knows you for 1.5 years is likely to write you a far better letter of recommendation that a PI who knows you for 10 weeks.

 

[sganjam91]

Thanks for your input. I think I'll go with option 1.