Goals

Internship Goals

1. Communicate Research Findings

I achieved this goal by asking questions when I was confused or wanted to know more. I read research papers published by the lab's associates to learn about the goal of the lab's research and what they have already done so far to achieve this goal. In order to continue to achieve this goal in the next few years, I will read research papers frequently and get to know the scientific language involved so that I can translate it to others who many not know much about it.

2. Gain Experience

I achieved this goal by accomplishing goal number one, asking questions, working toward independence in the lab, and reassessing myself in order to grow. I asked questions about the research that the lab was doing, and I also learned complicated techniques in cell culture and Western blot. In order to achieve this goal in the next few years, I need to continue to listen to protocol and directions so that I reduce mistakes and ask questions when I am confused with a topic or procedure.

3. Balance work and school

I achieved this goal by working closely with my schedule, making connections between classes and lab work, and working on time-management. I obtained a planner and delegated my assignments and tasks for different days and times so that I could get them done quickly. In order to achieve this goal in the next year, I need to continue working on my time-management skills, write and delegate tasks in my planner, and pay close attention to my schedule.

Other things I have done to achieve these goals include

  • Asking my internship site if I can stay with them during the summer

  • Networking with other health/science professionals

  • Presenting at Research Day in the Dentistry School to showcase my internship's research

Other goals that I have in mind for my professional growth this year include

  • Improving my oral communication

  • Improving my networking skills

The skills I will need to achieve these goals are active listening, asking for feedback, and practicing public speaking and speaking with others I do not know. These goals have changed as I have been working through the internship program, learning new techniques, and adapting to different activities in the lab. I have learned everything and more of what I wanted to learn, like cell culture, Western blot, statistical analysis, behavioral scoring, and a little bit about qPCR.

Career Goals

My career goals are to do exactly what I have done at this internship: work on neuroscientific research in a lab and work amongst a small team of people. I have grown to really love cell culture and Western blot procedures, so I hope to be able to continue doing these kinds of things when I graduate. I feel as if I choose my career goals based on what I am good at, but most of the time when I am good at something, I am passionate about it as well. I am very sure of these career goals since I have learned that I am very good with cell culture and I really enjoy the lab setting. There are challenges that I have faced and will face, but I am determined to overcome them and grow from them.

Is This the Career Path for Me?

In order to find out if these career goals are what I really want, I talked with others about what I did during my internship and received feedback. I have also evaluated other possible career paths and at this point, I feel most comfortable and happy with the one I am currently on. In order to continue to explore this pathway, I attended the IU School of Dentistry's Research Day exhibit and presented what I learned during my internship. To continue exploring this pathway for the rest of my time at IUPUI, I will be attending seminars and exhibits of neuroscientific research and will even read important research articles online.

My Career Planning Journey

My internship has affected my career planning journey and goals significantly. There was one time where I wanted to pursue a master's degree in biology, but using the advice from my laboratory manager, I decided not to since I did not think it would be worthwhile, and right now I am ready to graduate and go into the workforce. I am thankful that I listened to her advice because now I have a graduation plan and potentially have an opportunity waiting for me when I do graduate.

Goals for Summer & Beyond

Summer

This summer, I will be continuing with the lab that I did my internship at and will be building on my project until the fall semester. The goals that I have set for myself during this time include

  • Creating/helping with the creation of a new and testable hypothesis

  • Learning how to maintain a colony of mice and carry out mouse surgical techniques independently

  • Building upon my growing communication skills so that I can effectively communicate my research to others

Beyond

The biggest goal right now is graduating college. I am graduating a semester early (December 2022) and will be going directly into the workforce. By then, I will have hopefully either found a career doing something I enjoy or be very well prepared to enter the workforce with my degree. I will prepare by

  • Continuing to update and polish my resume/CV and create professional cover letters for the jobs I apply for

  • Continuing to network and establish good relationships with health/science professionals

  • Doing potential job shadowing/volunteering in careers that I am interested in to gain experience, discover my interests, and continue to improve working relationships with health and science professionals