Behavioral Research Assistant
Description:
Here at BYU there is a Behavior Coding Lab. In this lab research assistants watch pre-taped videos of interactions between spouses and of a parent and a child. Then these interactions are coded according to specific behavior scales outlined in the codebook. Hours are flexible as research assistants can work whenever they would like to. Training takes approximately six weeks and is completed on the individual’s own time. Starting pay is significantly better than minimum wage. Overall it is a very good job for college students because it is extremely flexible and pays well.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
In one of my MFHD classes here at BYU a representative made an announcement about jobs in the behavior coding lab. After finding out what it was I decided to apply. Professors who are working on the Flourishing Families project along with graduate students interviewed and hired individuals they thought would fit the position. Now if an individual would like to work in the behavior coding lab they would need to take the behavior coding class prior to applying.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
At first it was difficult to learn the codebook efficiently enough. I overcame this by studying diligently and benefiting from other coders knowledge and expertise. Other challenges include the consistent pressure to measure up and have a reliable rating with other coders so that the data can be used for analysis and data. This is a continuous struggle, but as employees we work together and it is not too difficult.
What I learned:
This experience helped me to learn how to work with other people to come to agreement in an area in which there was previous disagreement. This experience has also provided me with experience in research. I have learned a great deal about the research process and the importance of many aspects of research. This employment was especially beneficial for me because I am pursuing a graduate degree in social sciences and research experience is a good assets to have on a resume when considering such pursuits.
Religion Research Assistant
Description:
I worked as a researcher for one of the Religion Professors at school. I did this because I am wanting to become a religion professor myself. As a result what I did was I would help to research and compile information for articles and books which my professor would write. I chose to do this because it allowed me the ability to learn basic skills of research needed for preparing lessons as a teacher, in addition, it allowed me access to and the ability to obtain and compile more information and documents about the church, which would be useful in preparing future lessons, and helping others to understand better the church.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I actually found the job by talking to one of my professors, about the CES program, and asking him about it. My professor was actually the one who mentioned the job, and suggested the usefulness of it in the future. He suggested that if I was planning on becoming a teacher, then this would help me to compile information, and also that it would help give credibility to me further in the process.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
The biggest problem that was faced was learning how to do find a follow leads in researching certain topics. So I had to spend extra time on learning basic things such as using the sources in the library, and how to follow up on leads. Also I had difficulties with finding time to work while I was in school, so I had to create a schedule for myself so that I would be able to have sufficient time for both school, and work. Much of the difficulties I faced had to do with disciplining myself to do it and setting the goal to achieve it.
What I learned:
I learned as with most things that are worthwhile that it takes diligence and determination. I assume that just as with any entrepreneurial intent, most things revolve around the ability to discipline yourself, and the willingness to sacrifice. This opportunity was useful because it allowed me access to basic skills for compiling and obtaining information as a future teacher and professor. Plus my understanding and ability to write and teach has actually improved.
Undergraduate Researcher
Description:
IMPACT at BYU stands for Interdisciplinary Mentoring Program in Analysis, Computation, and Theory. It is a one-year research fellowship which begins with a 7-week boot camp in probability, computation, and control theory. Then you begin your research project. You are well compensated with a $10,000 research grant from the National Science Foundation. It is very good preparation for a career in finance, risk, insurance, or applied math, or future academia. The opportunity to work as a researcher gives great experience in allowing you to maybe publish findings, develop your resume, and improve computational skills. You would also do well to become well-acquainted with a mentor to help you throughout your research experience and university experience. The students will be providing various services including explaining phenomenon in nature or discovering it. They will work on teams or individually depending on the project. You will meet with your mentor for an hour each week to discuss the project and its progress. You will present at the BYU Spring Research Conference in March of the next year.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I participated in my own research project through another interdisciplinary lab, IdeAlabs. I studied Retail using computer science and statistics. The research taught me good consulting experience as well. I learned to lead business meetings. We met with the management team of the BYU Bookstore each month to discuss the progress of our findings. We created a website for the bookstore to model its sales data. The modeling of sales data is very complex, and it was a great opportunity for me to get outside the box. I enjoyed the challenge. We were creative and delighted in learning about how we could improve the inventory problem for the BYU Bookstore.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
Having a team of individuals to work with, I constantly had to relay information back and forth, decide meeting times, and work very tactfully to keep everyone involved. The real difficulty came in working with people above me. I wanted to do a pricing experiment that involved changing prices all over campus to find optimal prices for vending machines, the Cougar Express, and the Bookstore Annex. The trouble came in getting it to happen, but I overcame it through persuading them to do it for their reasons. It never actually happened, but we did work hard in the process. Another challenge I faced was making my project interesting to my professor. He was very busy, and so I would bring new ideas to each meeting so that he could see my vision of why I was so interested in the project.
What I learned:
I learned that sometimes you can’t make everything happen that you want to happen. It just doesn’t work that way. You have to fail. It is part of the experience. My math and problem solving skills improved greatly. I enjoyed the research and found that my character improved as well. I also learned that I did not want to go into Academia. I am perfectly content in going into business and doing something there. Countless hours in the research lab were not as exciting as I had pictured.