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Applying for WISP Internships
Before you apply
Before entering the WISP research internship matching program, do the following:
- Review the program timeline (below).
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be sure that you are eligible to receive wages from Dartmouth.
- Contact the Office of Visa & Immigration Services if you are unsure of your eligibility prior to beginning the application process.
- Think about your time commitments during winter and spring terms. Heavy time demands in athletics, music, or other extracurriculars may interfere with some internships.
Application Process
Applications for the WISP research internships are accepted in fall term. Links to the profile form, online project database, and preference form are available only during the application period. The application process is as follows:
- Attend the virtual WISP Research Internship Information Session.
- Complete the online student profile form.
- Visit the WISP online project database to search for projects that interest you.
- New projects may be added periodically
- Some projects at DHMC involve accessing internal systems, and these projects will require that students have a social security number.
- Email faculty members to request an interview for projects that interest you (see email tips below).
- Do this early! Some faculty may limit the number of interviews they conduct.
- The more interviews you do, the greater the likelihood that you will be matched with a faculty member.
- Some faculty may receive multiple requests; please be patient while waiting for them to respond.
- Complete the online student preference form.
- Listing only one or two projects may reduce your chances of being matched but only list projects that you would be willing to accept.
- This is an introductory research experience, so be open to considering research projects in areas and departments about which you know little.
- If you are matched, complete the required forms and trainings as directed by WISP and your faculty mentor.
Application and Internship Timeline
Fall Term 2024
Thursday, September 19, 4-5 PM: "What is WISP?" This virtual orientation introduces students to WISP's programs, events, and resources.
Monday, September 23, 4-5 PM: WISP Research Internship Information Session. This virtual information session hones in on WISP's research internship program and includes a Q&A segment. Recording will be available.
Monday, September 23, 6 PM: WISP's online project database and student profile form will be opened.
Tuesday, September 24-Tuesday, October 15: Round 1 interviews period.
Tuesday, October 8-Tuesday, October 15, 11:59PM: The online preference forms available to students and faculty members.
Monday, October 21 (approximately): Faculty and students will be notified of Round 1 matches. Those who are not matched are encouraged to enter Round 2 of interviewing and matching.
Monday, October 21-Monday, November 11: Round 2 interview period.
Monday, November 4-Monday, November 11, 11:59PM: The online preference forms available to students and faculty members.
Friday, November 12 (approximately): Notification of Round 2 matches.
Wednesday, November 27: ALL ACKNOWLEDGMENT & RELEASE FORMS DUE!
Winter Term 2025
*Please see "Before Your Internship" for actions that must be taken before you can begin your internship.
Thursday, January 9: Mandatory Intern Orientation Session. Link to follow; recording will be posted here.
Monday, January 6-Friday, March 14: First term of research internship.
Important note: no research can be conducted during the break between winter and spring terms.
Spring Term 2025
Monday, March 31-Friday, June 6: Internships continue.
Tuesday, May 27: Karen E. Wetterhahn Science Symposium.
Important note: no payment will be issued for work conducted after June 6, 2025. The final day for submitting your timesheets will be posted here.
Tips for Requesting Interviews with Faculty Mentors
Your email should include the following:
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- Subject header: WISP Interview Request
- Describe your motivation: Your introductory paragraph should include your motivation for the specific project. Modify this for each project.
- Politely request an interview: You can include your availability but be as flexible as possible. Faculty are very busy and may not have much scheduling flexibility.
- Other information: Your internship profile form (copied from the email you received when you submitted your online profile form).
- Follow up: if you do not get a response from a mentor within two or three days, follow up via email or phone.
Keep in mind that WISP internships are only offered for projects listed in the WISP online database. You are welcome to contact other faculty about research opportunities, but funding for those opportunities is not available from WISP. WISP funding is only available to students who are selected via the matching process.
Tips for a Successful Interview
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- Keep appointments.
- Be on time. If you need to reschedule your interview, contact the faculty member immediately.
- Make sure you know whether the interview will be in person or via Zoom/phone. If the interview will be in person, be sure you are familiar with the location and factor in the time involved in getting there, particularly if it will be at DHMC rather than on campus.
- Prepare by reviewing the scope of the project. You might also visit the faculty member's Dartmouth directory profile so that you are more familiar with their work.
- During the interview, have paper and a writing implement to take notes.
- Ask questions about both general and specific aspects of the project. For example, ask about the overall project goals, the roles and responsibilities of interns, and the general and specific time commitment.
- Thank the faculty member for their time before you leave. A brief follow-up email thanking them for the interview would also be appropriate.
Waiting to Be Matched
Two rounds of matching are done by the WISP team based on a multitude of factors (student and faculty preferences, priority for matches in fields with less representation, etc.). Students and faculty mentors will receive an e-mail from the WISP team indicating whether they have been matched at the end of each round or not.
There are a variety of reasons why students are not matched in Round 1. Often, many students apply for the same project. If you decide to enter Round 2, consider broadening your interests to include projects in a variety of science departments. Students often find an academic passion where they least expect
