UD ACM Meeting - 11/27/2007
Lori Pollock started by talking about the importance of independent studies, studying abroad, undergraduate research, and internships.
Study Abroad
Lori talked about the CIS study abroad trip this summer to London, England. The courses being offered are software engineering based are 300 level classes. The only prerequisite for going on the trip is CISC-220.
Independent Study
Independent studies are 1-3 credit courses that involve an individual and a faculty member. They fulfill tech elective or concentration requirements.
How to find an independent study: scan websites, talk to other students, express interest to faculty member, interview, summer or academic semester.
Undergraduate Research
Involves working on a project with PhD students and a faculty member. Very open-ended , creative, experimental, etc. The earlier undergraduate research is done the better - sophomore summer. Researchers can either be paid, earn credits, or just volunteer. The more years involved in research the better for graduate school and/or job applications.
How to participate in research: same as independent study.
Internships
Spend a summer at a company for about 10-12 weeks either locally or some remote place. Internships usually involve research and development, software, hardware, communications, non-computing, and beyond. Internships don't earn students credit but often pay very well. They are very import for making contacts for jobs and reference letters and they help students learn what the industry is like.
Make sure to go to UD Career Services and get help with resumes, cover letters, interview skills, etc.
How to get an internship: apply in December, January, or February for a summer internship.
About an internship for Arctic Supercomputing Center in Alaska...
"That sounds like a really cool internship." - Phill Conrad
