Opportunities Abound
Lauren Kageler '20, Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Major:
Biochemistry and molecular biology.
Internship title:
Microplastics intern.
How I got this internship:
I got this internship by responding to a listing on the company website or search engine.
What I do, day to day:
I never really have a 'normal' type of day here at Archipelagos because I have the unique opportunity to get involved in many different projects other than microplastics research. Generally, though, I spend most of my day in the microplastics laboratory carrying out filtration of turtle samples or microscope analysis of the treated samples in search for microplastics. I also spend a significant amount of time logging the new data or working on the final report.
Other internships:
I have not had other internship experiences previous to this internship since I have just finished my first year at college. I definitely hope to intern again whenever possible, but in a different discipline of biology, particularly biochemistry.
Most valuable part of this experience:
I have been fortunate enough to have firsthand experience in many different marine biology and conservation projects here at Archipelagos. I have participated in boat surveys, installation of artificial reefs and conducted my primary microplastic project among other things. This diverse involvement has provided the opportunity to learn about different types of work as well as to obtain and improve my own skills.
Advice for students considering internships:
I would say that any internship is a valuable experience if you are motivated and committed to taking advantage of each opportunity. Even if the internship is not directly related to your current interests, you can gain significant knowledge if you are actively engaged and eager to learn. Internships are also a great opportunity to experience the real working world and the different types of working environments that are possible.
How this internship has helped me:
This internship has helped me to realize that I should grasp every opportunity there is that could advance my competency and knowledge. I know now that it is important to be an adaptable student with a diverse range of experiences and practice in different disciplines. Therefore, I plan to make an extra effort in my next years at Dickinson to delve into a variety of different areas in order to enhance my professional, leadership and academic abilities.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I do not have a formulated plan for after I graduate from Dickinson because I am still in the beginning of my undergraduate career and I am trying to keep an open mind about the different directions that I could take in the future. However, I do really enjoy my academic studies and I truly appreciate the value of knowledge therefore I would like to further my education after Dickinson, possibly in biochemistry or molecular biology. Ultimately, I hope to find a career that continually challenges me to improvise, adapt and improve myself and my work. I wish to be very passionate and self-invested in all of the work that I will conduct because then I believe that I will go above and beyond the job description.
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Published October 19, 2017