Summer Research Intern
Department: Div 3
My experience
Overview
Don't care to get too specific. However, used ML/AI techniques for various applications for missile defense. In particular, modeling hypersonics and "anti-hypersonics vehicles." Test and improve code based. Present weekly updates along with justifications and thoughts.
competitive atmosphere- without an advance degree you "rank up" base off of results and work. Keep in mind that your pretty much free to find things to research. This means if you are uncomfortable doing this and aren't mentally prepared then it can be stressful. Keep in mind the thoughts you had coming from HS to college. You may have not been the smartest person or you might have been! However, coming out of college (undergrad) to MIT LL you most definitely will not be the smartest person and depending on how you cope with this and a real environment of independent research you may find your self lost and preforming very poorly. MY advice is apply and just be inquisitive. The best thing you can do as an intern is learn. That's all the program is. However, when moving to full-time its a whole other beast and its about results! if you like that type of fast pace environment then accept full time else just use MIT LL as a resume builder an only do the internship/co-op.
Pros
great place to work if interested in defense and academia. Very flexible and good work life balance. You will grow as a researcher and scientist. Very good for people wanting to go to school while working.
Cons
pay Can be stressful to meet expectations! Depending on what you want and your personality. You may be in a competitive atmosphere!
Would recommend it to people who...
aren't afraid to fail and keep digging for answers. You are really left to figure things out. If you want structure and are afraid speaking in front of people who are much smarter than you then mentally you may find this place miserable
Impact of work
Time spent working
How did working remote affect your experience?
lack bonding with team
Interview advice
How did you find the job / apply?
Interview Rounds
Interview type
Interview questions
What is hypersonics? What are the pros and cons of using IR vs RF for seekers in a hypersonic environments? if given an unorder list of integers how would place them in 5 bins in an ordered way? The interview was the easiest i've ever had! Not at all difficult compared to others i've had.
Advice on how to prepare
You need to be able to speak on what you've done very well and clearly. IF your skills matches a need then they will schedule another interview with a more relevant group. You most likely need an advance degree but not really required. Most, interns ~60-70 are in grad school.
More questions? Send the reviewer a message!