Why should you get involved in undergrad research?

Nikola Malinov (2nd year Gorman Scholar) gives his take below:

Aside from the passion and interest for investigation itself, there are numerous benefits in
pursuing an undergraduate research internship. For one, you will attain new and practical skills
that directly call upon your knowledge from previous coursework. You will witness the
importance of concepts that you may have filed under the “What will I ever use this for?”
category. This in turn will improve your critical thinking abilities as you combine theory and
application into one. You will be exposed to the reality of professional-level group work that
goes beyond your experiences of simply collaborating on a class project. You will inevitably
advance your communication and public speaking skills through writing and presentations,
which will directly boost your overall confidence to tackle seemingly overwhelming problems
without fear.
In addition to your own personal development, an undergraduate research internship will
ensure that you stay competitive with your peers as you expand your professional network. In
current times, it’s increasingly evident that strong individual qualities and experiences may not
be enough to progress you forward in your career. Success in any field is now partly dependent
on personal connections. Even if you have plans to enter industry, a research internship can only
further these aspirations. Your supervisors will undoubtedly know company representatives or
owners within certain fields and can help you to form an initial connection with a potential
employer. Don’t be intimidated by the challenges and time commitments that come with a
research internship, as it’s exactly these challenges that will enable you to grow.