Akshay Raj (CH1)
Domain: Research (Core)- Solar cells Interned at National Tsinghua University, Taiwan
Mode: Offline
Interviewed by: Samyak Sanghvi
MOTIVATION
Regarding my motivation for choosing a research internship during my second year, I was at a stage where I was exploring different fields and figuring out which direction to take next. While many students opt for internships to build their CVs, I wanted to explore the core aspects of my branch and explore the frontier of research within chemical engineering. This is why I gravitated towards a research internship, specifically in the domain of solar cells, which is a groundbreaking future technology. I felt that the knowledge and experience gained in this field could be highly beneficial for my future endeavours.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND PREPARATION
When considering whether to pursue a research internship, I believe it’s crucial to be well-versed in your core subjects. A solid understanding of the fundamental concepts will allow you to make the most of the experience, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to the research and apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting. Additionally, you should consider your long-term career goals and whether the internship aligns with them. The application process for the internship was quite rigorous. I recommend starting early, ideally around October, and customising your emails to professors to show genuine interest in their work. This personalised approach can significantly increase your chances of receiving a positive response. Unlike the OCS internship process, which is quite streamlined, this is a little more unpredictable; hence, diversifying the universities and professors you apply to is essential, as it increases your chances of securing an internship, especially when funding can be a challenge.
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the National Tsinghua University in Taiwan through the TEEP program, where I worked on a research project focused on perovskite solar cells. During my research internship at the National Tsinghua University in Taiwan, I had an enriching experience that extended far beyond academic learning. In the lab, I focused on perovskite solar cells, spending the first few weeks diving into literature and getting familiar with the experimental setup. The learning curve was steep, but with guidance from my PhD mentors, I successfully fabricated my first device within a month. The kind of experimental setup and equipment I used there for my research was mind-blowing. The collaborative environment, with electrical and chemical engineers working together, provided me with valuable interdisciplinary exposure. Outside of the lab, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Taiwan. Living in Hsinchu, I found the city beautiful and spent my evenings exploring local sights and trying different foods. The flexible lab hours allowed me to balance work with leisure, making my overall experience both productive and enjoyable. The cultural differences, especially the strong sense of civic duty and discipline among the locals, left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve actively sought to incorporate these values into my own life since returning.
THINGS YOU COULD HAVE DONE BETTER
Reflecting on my experiences, I have a few significant regrets. I wish I had approached my applications with more diversification rather than concentrating on just a few universities at a time. A more balanced strategy could have provided me with a broader range of opportunities and potentially better choices. Additionally, my management of the application timeline was inconsistent; although I completed my applications promptly, I delayed sending them out, which may have slowed down the process and affected my chances. I also regret declining an offer from National Taiwan University due to the lower stipend they offered. In hindsight, NTU’s strong reputation might have been a valuable asset, even though I felt more aligned with the research project at NTHU, which ultimately seemed like the right choice. Lastly, I regret not being more active in immersing myself in Taiwanese culture. The language barrier was a challenge, and I could have made a greater effort to connect with people and learn more about the culture, which would have enriched my experience and helped me integrate better into the community.
TIPS
For juniors aiming for research internships, I’d recommend starting the search and application process early, ideally by October, to give yourself plenty of time to tailor your applications. Customise each one to reflect a genuine interest in the professor’s work, showing that you’ve done your homework on their research. Building a standout CV is crucial; it highlights relevant projects and skills. Connecting with seniors who have completed similar internships and asking for their advice can provide valuable insights and help refine your CV. Don’t limit yourself to one university—apply to a range of institutions to increase your chances. Be consistent and organized, as you may face rejections and need to manage multiple applications. If you're interning abroad, immerse yourself in the local culture and learn the language to enhance your experience. Balancing your research with exploring the new environment will make the internship more fulfilling.
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