CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Hello, everyone!

In our last newsletter, we discussed tips and strategies for finding an internship for summer 2021. This newsletter will focus on information for students interested in participating in research as a professional development experience, specifically for those students in STEM. There are many ways for students to find or develop research opportunities! Whether it be a nationally recognized research program or a research project you want to propose, we have resources to help you prepare. 

Keep reading to learn more about the many ways to develop your research skills over the next few semesters.
Save the Date: Virtual Career Fair
The Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers is hosting a Virtual Career Fair on Tuesday, November 10th. This is a great opportunity to meet state and national employers. As a Wesleyan College student, you are eligible to atttend!

Check out this AMAZING site for funding opportunities:
Current Funding Opportunities - AAUW : Empowering Women...

The American Fellowship program began in 1888, a time when women were discouraged from pursuing an education. It is AAUW's largest fellowship program and the oldest non-institutional source of graduate funding for women in the United States.

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www.aauw.org
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
What are REUs? According to the National Science Foundation, “The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.” [Source]
An Important Note:
Undergraduate student participants in either REU Sites or REU Supplements must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Review the end of this newsletter for non-REU research program information.
An article from Princeton University provides some great insights into the REU application process. What are some of the major takeaways?

  1. Be thoughtful and consider the type of research you want to do.
  2. Do your research-- look into the specific programs and the professors you may be interested in working with.
  3. Know what components will be required in the application process. These may include: A C.V., a personal/research statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation (make sure to check the individual sites for specific information).
  4. Apply to more than one program-- but don’t overwhelm yourself with too many applications.
  5. Give the people writing your letters of recommendation enough time to complete the letter.
Are you planning to apply for an REU program? Traditionally, applications will be due by February. But it's never too early to start your preparations! Talk to you professors about your interests and stop by the CCD to go over your application materials!

Note: You'll want to consult each program for exact due dates and application timelines. This may vary by institution!
REU Resources
So You Want to Apply for an REU... Here's How

If you are a sophomore or junior undergraduate, you've probably spent the last month watching your senior friends apply to graduate programs, jobs, and other non-academic positions. You may be thinking forward to when you fill out these same...

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astrobites.org
Search for an REU Site | NSF - National Science Foundation

NSF's mission is to advance the progress of science, a mission accomplished by funding proposals for research and education made by scientists, engineers, and educators from across the country.

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www.nsf.gov
Resources for
Non-REU Programs
As mentioned above, many of the REUs are not available for international students. Below, you will find databases and websites that allow you to search for experiences open to international students:
Have you found a professor whose work interests you, either on or off campus? Reach out to them about getting involved with their research! Students in the past have found experiences through connecting with professors and departments who were NOT actively advertising opportunities.
On-Demand CCD Resources
Wesleyan College CCD Student Resources

During this period of remote learning, the Center for Career Development staff is available for email resume reviews, as well as phone and virtual (video) advising appointments!

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www.wesleyancollege.edu
"What Can I Do With This Major?"
Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know what major I want to declare, but I'm not sure about what I can do with the degree?" Well, the CCD has a resource just for you!
Want to talk about career or major exploration?
We're here to help with in-person, virtual, or phone appointments!