There was a lot of free time and plenty of opportunities to go to interesting talks and explore the town all while being able to get your work done.
What I wish was different
I wish there was a little more structure in the internship.
Advice
This was an amazing experience. If you love being able to work on amazing projects with experts from around the work and hiking around mountains in your free time then try to work at Los Alamos.
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Engineering Student
December 2014 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I worked in a design engineering group that designed modifications to existing facilities on site. I was able to work on small projects with other engineers mentoring me on the day to day tasks and issues that come up when doing engineering field work.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have worked with an engineer that was working in my field of study, Chemical Engineering. However, the engineers I did get to work with were amazing and I hope to work with them again in the future.
Advice
Some students that apply for a position at the lab don't always get the experience that they are seeking in their field of study. That is no reason not to try anyway since there are network events that the lab hosts for their student employees and mentors.
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Undergraduate Scientist
May 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I loved learning about many different topics in the scientific field.
What I wish was different
I wish it had been easier to find housing.
Advice
Never stop applying to places and go to every new place with an open mind.
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Computer Systems Software Engineer
May 2019 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I was able to make my own schedule since I had to travel a lot. The people were really helpful in answering an questions I had
What I wish was different
I wish I would have applied sooner. The work environment was amazing.
Advice
Apply to any internship that come your way. You never know what opportunities will open.
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Cyber Security Intern
May - August 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
At the lab you are always learning something new everyday. I learned how to code in Python and was able to help on some really cool projects.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Cyber Security Intern
May - August 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
At the lab you are always learning something new everyday. I learned how to code in Python and was able to help on some really cool projects.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Project Management Intern
May - August 2023 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Meet as many people from different groups as possible! There's always something cool going on and learning about the different areas, like laser physics or space research, may help you find a new passion.
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Field Engineer
June - August 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I liked being able to work with a team and having the ability to work in the field helping the professional engineers do their jobs.
What I wish was different
I worked a lot of hours and sometimes Saturday's which could become overwhelming. I wish I could have worked a little more in the field with the team but I was able to get a good amount of field experience.
Advice
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Student Intern
May - August 2019 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
Los Alamos National Laboratory is very welcoming to student interns and very helpful in learning what the laboratory is about and what is going on there. They are very helpful in teaching you more about engineering and science in the research fields.
What I wish was different
I wish that housing wouldn't be as difficult to find and could be cheaper.
Advice
Don't just worry about working all the time, go out and do the Lab Tours and meet new people.
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Post baccalaureate researcher
January 2017 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
Independence in research. Learning many laboratory skills. Great mentorship. Great pay and benefits (401k, healthcare, etc).
What I wish was different
Nothing to complain about the job itself, but the town is small with not much to do. However, it is on a mountain with access to many outdoor activities such as skiing and hot springs nearby, mountain biking, and hiking. Santa Fe is a 45 minute drive too if you need a night out.
Advice
Network and go to conferences you are interested in. I met my boss after posting my resume up at an algae conference I had attended out of interest. I hadn’t had any luck prior with online job applications, and I got my dream job by showing initiative this way despite my minimal research experience.
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Intern
May - August 2019 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
What I really liked about this internship was that I was able to do research and complete the project in 10 weeks. I spent my summer working on a new explosive molecule and then tested it. This research is in the process of becoming a published paper. What I loved about this internship was that it was at the professional level and gave me a lot of hands on experience.
What I wish was different
I got a lot out of my internship at the laboratory and do not wish anything was different. The internship exceeded my expectations.
Advice
My advice about the SULI internship experience is to stay on top of your deliverables and dont wait until last minute to get stuff done.
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Chemistry Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I worked on battery research utilizing amazing laboratory facilities and great mentors throughout the summer. Northern New Mexico is naturally stunning and I was able to explore all over the region with other summer interns. My favorite part of the summer was interacting with the other summer interns and making lasting connections and memories I will never forget.
What I wish was different
I wish finding housing was easier.
Advice
Do not forget to apply by early January.
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Student Intern
May 2017 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I liked the atmosphere.
What I wish was different
More orientation toward a project.
Advice
Apply for the LANL Scholarship. That's the best way to get an internship here. Apply!
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Summer Intern
June - August 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
The work environment was very encouraging of networking, and the town was very welcoming.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Structural Engineer
June 2017 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
If the career fair is not helping you find a job, work on your cover letters and resumes and apply to as many jobs as possible with all your heart and effort.
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Student position
May 2018 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
extra paid for classes
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Work hard, be available, show up constantly/
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Student Intern
June - August 2019 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
I really liked the opportunity to learn about a new area of cyber security I was unfamiliar with.
What I wish was different
Advice
LANL offers so many opportunities for students. I highly recommend taking advantage of each opportunity. It gives you a great introduction to LANL and you can learn about other interesting areas of science being done at LANL.
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Actinide Chemistry Lab Assistant
September 2019 • Carlsbad, NM
What I liked
I have enjoyed how accommodating and welcoming the staff has been. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the lab and helping my coworkers.
What I wish was different
I don't wish anything had been different.
Advice
My once piece of advice would be to ask questions whenever something is difficult or something doesn't make sense. Asking questions has helped me out a ton.
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
May 2019 • Socorro, NM
What I liked
I learned so much about a lot of different softwares!
What I wish was different
Just a little more communication between staff and students and have more effective meetings
Advice
Have a teachable heart.
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SULI
May - August 2020 • Los Alamos, NM
What I liked
The lab was very flexible, which was very helpful in the time of the pandemic. I was given real opportunities to work on a real project, which really gave me a feel for what it would be like to work as a staff scientist in a lab.
What I wish was different
Due to the pandemic, the experience was virtual. It would have been more beneficial if I could have completed the experience in person, but aside from that, it was an overall wonderful experience.
Advice
Don't be afraid to take chances - you never know what experience you'll be able to complete so it is work it to take the risk.
