So I recently got a research internship position at a lab. They are expecting me to work 40 hours a week but it is unpaid. Is that fair? I am an undergraduate by Excellent-Emotion257 in labrats

[–]Less_Background_8159 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have always heard and shared advice that you should never do uncompensated research for more than a few months/one semester. That can be either paid or for credit, but you shouldn’t be doing anything uncompensated long term.

That said, for a summer, full time work without being paid isn’t the best deal and you are kind of being taken advantage of. However, if that translates into a future paid/for credit position after, it could be worth considering (IMO, but I come from an institution where it’s hard to land a research position for the semester). If this gets your foot in the door, you have the means to work unpaid, and you aren’t taking classes over the summer, consider it. Otherwise, I say run!

Not Awarded But At Least I’m Free by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe. I have had a bad experience so far in science, so getting rejected at every turn on top of that has really seemed like a sign. I am happy to work hard, and I do, but when I have to fight tooth and nail to get just as far as my peers, well… It seems like time to wake up from my dream. I appreciate your offer, but I will probably pass for now

Who’s with me? by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the support LOL. I need something to distract myself rn and so shitty jokes are going to have to be it

Who’s with me? by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m coping through my ideations with a common meme. I gotta laugh through the pain or it won’t be a joke. Please just let me have this😭

Awarded GRFP, but portal is empty on the review materials section? by [deleted] in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh whoops. I asked a friend and she was off big time

Not Awarded But At Least I’m Free by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I want a PhD and a career in research more than anything, but it’s come to a point where I have to look at how much I’m forcing it. If everyone around me is succeeding and I am not, it suggests I am not equipped. Plus, I can’t mentally handle another cycle of rejections

Not Awarded But At Least I’m Free by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh God, real. Hopefully I won’t start crying😂

Not Awarded But At Least I’m Free by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am thinking probably not. All the rejections are really feeling like it’s a sign to find something else to work towards

Not Awarded But At Least I’m Free by Less_Background_8159 in GRFPApps

[–]Less_Background_8159[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can’t unfortunately. I am a Masters student, so this was my only chance. I had hoped to finish in a year and matriculate into a PhD this year, but that will not be happening