Why do I need research experience, especially as an undergrad? I’ve been a research intern at Cambridge, LSE, Ashoka, and an independent researcher at Lady Shri Ram College, and I'm here to explain why research skills are TRANSFERABLE and INDISPENSABLE.
In short, a research internship is the best decision you can make for your career (regardless of whether you want to do a job or entrepreneurship or higher education).
The hard and soft skills you’ll learn from a research internship will help you stand out wherever you’re applying (higher education, career, entrepreneurship, etc.)
- Career preparation: Research experience helps prepare students for careers in academia, industry, and government, where research skills are in high demand.
- Skill development: Research helps students develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and communication.
- Personal growth: Research allows students to explore their interests and learn about a specific topic in-depth, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the subject.
- Higher education preparation: Many graduate programs require research experience, and having research experience can help students stand out when applying to graduate school.
- Exposure to real-world problems: Research can give students exposure to real-world problems and the opportunity to make a difference by contributing to the scientific community's understanding of these problems.