Hello, my name is Drande and I am a final-year MSci Physics with Theoretical Physics student. I am now confident that I want to pursue a career in research and academia, but I wasn't always this sure.
During the summer of my third year, I had the opportunity to explore this path through a research internship in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. My project focused on intracluster light (ICL), under the supervision of Prof Nina Hatch and Dr Jesse Golden-Marx. It was a valuable experience, which allowed me to apply what I'd learned during my degree to tackle real research questions, through developing code and engaging with current literature.
A highlight of the internship was being part of the wider ICL collaboration, which included researchers from around the world. Attending meetings, seminars and discussions made me feel a part of the scientific community. These interactions, alongside guidance from postdocs and PhD students, helped me see what a future in research could look like. It wasn't just the project itself that inspired me, but also the people I worked with. Their passion for their work and their willingness to share knowledge made a huge impact on me.
It was also the first time I really saw myself as a physicist in a professional setting. While I had great guidance from my team, I was expected to work independently, contribute ideas and present my finding, including a final presentation of my results. This experience was a major confidence boost and confirmed that I could hold my own in a research environment.
Overall, the internship gave me not only experience, but also clarity. It solidified my ambition to follow this career path and gave me the confidence that I belong in this space. For anyone considering this route, or even just curious about it, I cannot recommend a research internship enough. These is no better way to explore whether this is the right track for you, then to try it out.