http://www.vai.org

Van Andel Institute

Cyber Security Assistant

April - October 2023 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The team and staff at the Institute are AWESOME. Huge learning culture where results happen due to everyone's drive to learn. The mission itself at the Institute is powerful with a great culture behind it. The IT team was amazing and I learned 1000x more than I was expecting, just from conversations.

What I wish was different

There was a few changes in management during my time that really hindered my learning for a period longer than I had hoped.

Advice

Just dedicate yourself to it. There is no reason to do something and not make it worth it. Don't forget to socially network at every opportunity.
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Summer Research Intern

June - August 2022 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I loved getting to use new, state of the art technology and the lab workspace. I also really liked the intern social events.

What I wish was different

If anything I wish I could have learned more experimental techniques, even if they were not needed for my project.

Advice

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Research biology

May 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Lots of experience. Awesome staff. Made connections with other research facilities

What I wish was different

Advice

Don’t be scared to apply!
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Finance Intern

October 2018 - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The people were friendly and helpful.

What I wish was different

More work for the interns.

Advice

Ask for help when you need it, everyone is willing to lend a hand.
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Biology Research Intern

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed working in a professional research environment. I liked being around experts in their field. I also had many valuable opportunities to learn new lab skills.

What I wish was different

I wish I had received more guidance about research. It would have been great to have worked on a more research-focused project than the one I did.

Advice

Go into it prepared by reading the papers produced by the lab and contacting the PI about possibilities for research topics. Communicate effectively with your superiors from the start of your first day.
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Research Intern

May - July 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I really enjoyed my internship as it was good for me to work in a research lab and further my experiences while also receiving compensation for my work. I also loved the city of Grand Rapids. It has a big city feel but doesn’t have a lot of traffic which is really nice.

What I wish was different

Advice

I would highly recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in any science related career. I learned a lot and met a lot of great people through the Van Andel community.
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Undergraduate Research Intern

May - July 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I loved being able to work with my team in the lab. It was a very collaborative experience, and I was able to learn a lot about what it's like to work in a research lab in the biomedical sciences.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Student Research Intern

June - August 2018 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I loved being able to conduct a long research project rather than an experiment to complete in a 3 hour lab period. I really enjoyed the hands on experience I got in the lab and the mounds of knowledge I gained from it.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Student Intern

May - June 2017 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Friendly environment with events for interns and mentors on hand

What I wish was different

More difficult projects

Advice

Learn quickly and ask for work if it isn't given
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