Passport to Discovery: Unleashing MS Opportunities Worldwide
Meet Anuksha Bhave, an AI trailblazer currently honing her craft at Carnegie Mellon University. The brilliant student researcher with a stellar background in Machine Learning research at MIT and experience as the president and technical lead at MLSC VIT Pune, Anushka seamlessly blends academic brilliance with hands-on AI expertise. Graduating in May 2026, she’s now on the hunt for thrilling Summer 2025 internships in AI/ML and software development. Anushka’s journey exemplifies dedication and skill, propelling her toward AI stardom.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X
In this power-packed session, here’s what awaits at Hackspiration'24:
Crafting Standout Applications:
- Anushka’s pro tips for internship success.
Inside MIT’s Research Wonderland:
- Peek behind the scenes where innovation thrives.
Navigating Internship Applications:
- Crack the code with Anushka’s guidance.
Pursuing advanced degrees abroad is akin to stepping onto a bridge that connects your aspirations with the world. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies, demystify the process, and equip you with the compass you need to chart your course toward success.
Importance of Research Internships:
Do research internship completion certificates help in getting jobs?
Yes, they do. They demonstrate your passion for the field and make your resume impressive.
Let’s talk about NTU (Nanyang Technological University):
NTU is excellent for research internships and does offer scholarships. Cold emails can help secure positions, but remote internships might not be paid.
Research internships with companies do exist, mainly focused on product-based research one should check them out.
What is the monetary cost for these research internships, in terms of things like cost of living?
For offline internships, scholarships might cover living costs. Remote internships generally don't offer financial support. Anushka's MIT internship was remote, highlighting that sometimes, you may even need to pay for certain internships.
And here’s the twist: Anushka’s MIT internship was remote too. Sometimes, you’re not just paying with time; you’re paying with enthusiasm and curiosity. But hey, knowledge is the ultimate currency, right?
Mastering Cold Emails:
Schedule Cold Emails: Send formal cold emails to professors with a maximum of 2 follow-ups.
To find professors to cold email:
Make a List: Start by listing universities you're interested in.
Use csrankings.org: Choose your desired location and explore the rankings and research areas.
Identify Professors: Look for professors in your field of interest based on their research work and publications.
Cold Email: Reach out to these professors with formal, personalized emails.
Targeted Outreach: Research professors working on your areas of interest at various universities and email them directly.
Two Follow-Ups Max: Persistence is key, but don’t flood their inbox. A polite follow-up after a week shows genuine interest.
Extensive cold emailing, like for MIT, can increase your chances, and your internship duration might vary based on your work.
Anushka’s MIT Journey:
She cracked the code with extensive cold emails. Her reward? An internship at MIT. Yours might be too!
Grades and Academic Performance:
How grades impact your chances of securing internships and MS opportunities?
Maintaining a stellar academic record serves as a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and intellectual rigor. Anushka's roadmap to success underscores the pivotal role played by a robust CGPA in fortifying your candidacy for prestigious internships, illustrating the crucial interplay between academic performance and burgeoning opportunities on the global stage. Engaging in complex, state-of-the-art projects and collaborating with professors enhances your practical experience and showcases your ability to handle advanced concepts. These achievements collectively underscore your commitment to your field, making you a standout candidate by proving your technical skills, innovative capabilities, and strong work ethic.
Brief overview of how to find open roles:
Researching available positions can be challenging. Utilize lists available online and shared by speaker at workshops. Some notable programs include:
Internship Programs:
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: Canada
DAAD: Germany
University of Alberta Research Experience (UARE): Canada
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Research Internship: Japan
Honda Y-E-S: Japan
University of Tokyo (UTokyo) Summer Internship Program: Japan
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) India Connect Research Internship: Singapore
Robotics Institute Summer Scholar (RISS), Carnegie Mellon University: USA
CERN Summer Student Program: Switzerland
CHARPAK: France
EPFL: Switzerland
Visiting Student Researcher Program, University of Ottawa: Canada
Max Planck Institute of Software Systems: Germany
Internship in Global Engineering & Advanced Research, Michigan State University: USA
Making Your Resume Stand Out for MS Applications
Creating a standout resume is crucial when applying for MS programs, particularly in fields like MS-CS and MS-AI. Here are key elements to focus on:
Projects: Highlight complex, relevant projects that showcase your skills and contributions.
Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong GPA and highlight academic achievements.
Skills: List technical and soft skills pertinent to your field.
Scholarships: Mention any scholarships or awards you have received.
Scores: Include all relevant test scores and certifications.
Research: Research experience is essential, especially for tier 3 college students. Publications in reputable conferences are a tangible proof of your potential.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Obtain strong LORs from your professors. They are often preferred and can significantly bolster your application.
H-Index and Publications: When applying, check the H-index and publications of potential supervisors to ensure alignment with your research interests.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Craft a compelling SOP that conveys your passion and experiences. Avoid simply expanding on your resume.
Essential Tips and Strategies:
Guidance from Seniors
Seek guidance from seniors and students who have already navigated this path. Their experience can be invaluable in managing the workload and targeting good conferences for publishing papers.
Blockchain Internships
There are a few programs at universities focused on blockchain. Look up professors working in this field and reach out to them via cold emails.
Non-Tech Domain Internships
Internships in fields like Material Science and Astronomy follow similar processes. Some programs specifically cater to these domains.
Value of Completion Certificates
Completion certificates from research internships can enhance your job applications, showcasing your dedication and passion for the field.
Importance of Mathematics in AI/ML
A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly linear algebra and statistics, is essential for success in AI and machine learning.
Awareness of Professor’s Research
Being knowledgeable about a professor’s research can significantly increase your chances of getting their attention. Make intelligent comments and show genuine interest.
Collaborating with Foreign Students
Email PhD students at foreign universities and use LinkedIn to build connections and collaborate on research.
"Skills work wonders; sometimes you might even get the internship without an interview," said Anushka Bhave.
In conclusion, embarking on a journey of international research internships opens doors to a world of possibilities and academic growth. As students navigate the complex yet rewarding path towards research internships and MS opportunities, they are encouraged to embrace the journey with passion, determination, and a quest for excellence.
By emphasizing the importance of prerequisites such as collaboration with professors, engaging in impactful projects, and nurturing a good CGPA, aspiring students can enhance their chances of securing internships at renowned institutions. Understanding the financial considerations associated with research internships, honing research skills, and leveraging resources to identify open roles are essential components of a successful application process.
With the guidance provided in this guide and the inspirational journey of Anuksha Bhave as a beacon of inspiration, students are empowered to embark on a transformative academic adventure filled with growth, learning, and unparalleled opportunities on a global scale. The passport to discovery awaits, ready to unleash the boundless potential of those who dare to dream and strive for academic excellence in pursuit of their MS aspirations worldwide.
"Anushka's story teaches us that persistence, passion, and skill are the keys to unlocking doors to prestigious institutions and groundbreaking research."