I GOT THE POSITION

Hello!!

I wanted to update because I have exciting news to share to you guys!

So recently, I have been looking for volunteer and work/study positions involving research because I wanted to get experience in that area, as well as gain more knowledge in the area that the lab focuses on. I generally only look at labs that are centered around my own interests, so it definitely does cut down a lot of time.

Also, since I am at the end of my second year with literally zero experience with research, I felt that this was the perfect time.

I did apply to some positions during the beginning of my second year, but unfortunately, I would never get a reply back outside of the one where they inform you that your application was received. I didn't realize how competitive it is to get research related positions. I thought I was the only one that checks their email and updates frequently to see if new positions pop up...until one day, I saw that I got this email, and the girl next to me happened to check her email too. Now let me tell you how fast she wrote up her reply. From what I saw, it sounded like she clearly did this many times before, and she already had a transcript, resume and general cover letter to send. That's when I realized how unprepared I was, and how it's like a race to get these positions sometimes.

Honestly, I would have never thought I would get any position relating to research in my entire undergrad life. Until today!

I had an interview today because apparently, the supervisor/lab manager that received my application, liked my resume enough to actually offer me an interview. Of course, I accepted it ASAP. I was so surprised that I actually got an interview. I was mainly surprised because my resume just lists some of my past job and volunteer experiences that I felt demonstrated that I possessed certain skills to be able to work as a research assistant in a lab. I constructed my resume so that it would promote those skills, in an effort to make up for the fact that I had no prior research experience.

I was also surprised because with any application for research assistant positions, they require a cover letter and a transcript. Now let me tell you, my writing skills never really changed since I rarely take any classes that involve heavy writing. So i was definitely not confident in my cover letter. Also, my transcript...my marks are just not good. I notice that my main fall is that I tend to do really bad on the final exams, which results in my mark dropping by a lot of points.

Oh yeah, I did learn one thing recently. So, before, I never really had any experience with whatever a cover letter was. I only looked it up last year because I noticed that all the positions always asked for one. I was never taught this at school ever. So, I always thought that the cover letter had to be kinda general so that you can use the same generic build to apply to many postings. However, I recently found out (and it does make sense) that cover letters are supposed to be made unique to whatever position you are applying for. It basically serves as a filter to see if you genuinely have interest in the research that the lab does, or not.

So, I did do that for this particular lab mainly because I had genuine interest in the research areas that they focused on. Originally, I was set on using my generic build and add some additional stuff to it...but in the end, I ended up typing up a lot more stuff that the generic paragraphs I had previously just were not needed. I ended up basically just writing a letter on the spot pretty quickly because I was really interested, and I really wanted this position (since it was a summer only position, 4 month commitment).

Anyways, I did have my interview today, and I honestly felt that it went really well. I was pretty nervous prior to the actual interview, and I dressed up pretty nice for it too (I wore a dress). I did feel a bit uncomfortable wearing a dress to school because I have been wearing only leggings and a tee to school since the school has really strong AC, and I tend to go home late, so it gets cold. I felt that the interview went well because the lab manager kept expressing that I seemed fit for the position, and how when she skimmed my resume, I already fit the criteria somehow. She did ask me some questions, and apparently my answers to them were all spot on. I was really happy to hear her say that. I honestly was too nervous that I could barely smile...and it was a very hot day too, so I probably looked so bad. She did say that she'll look at my resume more closely later, and that I'll get a reply by the evening to see if I got the position or not.

So hours later, I was already home at that time (since summer friday hours at the library suck) and I got an email from her. My heart started to shake because I was scared to see what the result was, and I was pretty sure that I would not be able to get the position since I was sure that other people would be more qualified. HOWEVER, I LEGIT GOT THE POSITION. It took a while for it to process in my brain. I just could not believe it. I was literally ecstatic. I will find a GIF that describes me.

OFF TOPIC BUT OMG I FOUND A GIF OF BTS' JIN AND LEGIT THIS WAS MY REACTION + SCREAMING. I'm surprised wix even has BTS related gifs omg. BTS really made it!! So happy for them!!! ♥

SO legit, I was SCREAMING AND HAPPY. I shared the news to basically everyone that I talk to lmaooooo. I actually got a research assistant position...my training starts monday. The hours that I am required to be committed to WORKS SO WELL WITH MY CURRENT SCHEDULE. LEGIT. She said, I usually would only have to work from 2-5 on weekdays (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays), and I was like screaming on the inside because I have classes on Tuesday and Thursdays, and they both are at 10am-1pm and 6pm-10pm. I HONESTLY FELT THIS WAS JUST A MEANT TO BE POSITION HONESTLY.

Anyways, I was so happy. SO SO HAPPY. I keep checking my email too. I honestly feel the same as that time when I got my acceptance into the psychology major post. I didn't expect to actually be accepted into it, since it was a type 2L post (very competitive, based on required courses and marks, limited space). BUT I DID. AND NOW THIS TOO.

This lab is a psychology based lab that focuses on attention and inhibition. EVEN BETTER. DIRECTLY FALLS IN MY INTERESTS.

ANYWAYS, IT IS LATE NOW AND I HAVE TO GO SHOWER. TECHNICALLY IT IS JUNE 2 RIGHT NOW AT 1:09AM.

SO HAPPY.

UNTIL THEN!!

P.S. I said that I would stop using GIFs and use my own photos BUT HOENSTLY, I FLIPPED WHEN I SAW A BTS RELATED GIF. I JUST HAD TO USE IT. I AM SO GLAD THAT I SCROLLED DOWN A BIT AND SAW A FAMILIAR FACE.

#school #updates #greetings #thoughts #work