Errrrr.....
I'm gonna have to say "caution" on the idea of working free for a company to
illustrate your value, for practical reasons. It probably wouldn't have been a
serious issue as late as the 1980s, but today some companies--especially larger
ones--may take advantage of you. I believe the current phrase is kthxbai. :-)
And of course, when you're starting out, you may not have enough cash to be
able to live for several months without income. (I sure didn't!)
This is still five or six years down the road for you...but there is an
attractive program that may provide an "in" with more than one company. The
National Science Foundation funds a program called Research Experience for
Undergraduates (REU). A university either has or will develop a research
program suitable for undergrad participation. The principal investigator(s)
writes a proposal for NSF funding. If he is successful, undergrads apply for
the university's REU program, and the PI mentors them for ten weeks, the summer
after sophomore or junior year.
It gives experience in real, publishable research. The REU student is typically
provided on-campus housing, a meal plan, and a stipend ($5000 is common). Some
even fund travel to and from the university. (Competition among students for an
REU spot is pretty stiff, though.) On graduation you may find that a company or
three that has an interest in that research, or has even funded work in the
same general area. Since you already have some experience in the area...
Some schools get REU funding from NSF every year. You'll find more information
here: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517
Research Experiences for Undergraduates | NSF - National Science
Foundation<https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517>
DUE DATES. Full Proposal Deadline Date August 25, 2021. Fourth Wednesday in
August, Annually Thereafter. SYNOPSIS. 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.
www.nsf.gov
Best -- Terry
________________________________
From: arocket-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <arocket-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf of
Dr Edward Jones <RocketPioneer@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 4:42 PM
To: arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [AR] Re: Career advice please.
Charlie, the advice give here is excellent. One other idea: a
work-study program to begin after High School. I worked at White Sands
Proving Ground while a student at NMA&MA, needed another year to get
the degree, but payroll covered books and tuition, so there was no
need for scholarship or student loans.
Remember what Uncle Bobby Dylan said: "Look out kid, they keep it all
hid." You will need to dig deep to find a work-study program that
works for you. And they do exist.
Another approach is to get an interview with a company you deem good
for your future, and explain "I will work here for you, doing whatever
you assign me, for three months, no pay, to show what I am worth."
Every company will find that appealing, and they will be forced to pay
you SOMETHING to make things work for the firm. But start with "I'll
work for free awhile."
And think ahead, might you best become a mechanical engineer, a chem
engineer, a physicist, a chemist, a data reduction expert?
You are doing the right thing! Keep asking for what you want.
Edward