Applying for WISP Internships

The application process for the WISP research internships is as follows:

• • Attend the WISP Research Internship Information Session on [date].
  • Complete the online student profile form.

• • Visit the WISP online project database to search for projects that interest you. (1) New projects may be added periodically and (2) 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.
    • Please 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. Listing only one or two projects may reduce your chances of being matched.
  • Await matching notification.
  • Complete the required forms and trainings as directed by WISP and your faculty mentor.

Fall Term

September 22, 5-6 PM: What is WISP? Virtual session. This orientation introduces students to WISP's programs, events, and resources.

October 1, 4-5 PM: WISP Research Internship Information Session. Virtual session. 

October 1, 6 PM:  Online project database and intern profile will be available to students. You must complete this profile to move forward with the internship matching process. Please be sure to check the database periodically, as new projects may be added.

October 4-22: Round 1 interview period begins.

October 18-24: The online student preference form will be open to students.

October 29: Notification of Round 1 matches.

November 4-16: Round 2 interview period begins.

November 10-18: The online student preference form will be open to students.

November 23: Notification of Round 2 matches.

Winter Term

*Please see "Before Your Internship" for actions that must be taken before you can begin your internship.

January 5: Mandatory Intern Orientation Session. Link to recording.

January 4-March 4: First term of research internship.

Spring Term

March 28-June 1: Internships continue.

May 25: Karen E. Wetterhahn Science Symposium.

Your email should include the following:

• • 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.

• • 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.

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 where women are underrepresented, etc.). Students and faculty mentors will receive an e-mail from the WISP office 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