Going to a Research Conference as an Undergraduate
Going to a Research Conference as an Undergraduate
Ethan Thomas is a senior in the Schar School of Policy and Government, with a major in Government and International Politics. He is originally from Elmhurst, IL and is a part of the Honors College and Student Government. He serves as a Resident Assistant and a Research Assistant.
Ethan Thomas is a senior in the SCHAR School of Policy and Government, with a major in Government and International Politics. He is originally from Elmhurst, IL and is a part of the Honors College and Student Government. He serves as a Resident Assistant and a Research Assistant.
I’ve known I wanted to conduct research since before I came to Mason. When I was in high school, I had the goal of doing my own research project during my time in college. Fortunately, through an undergraduate thesis program in the Schar School of Policy and Government, I was able to turn that goal into a reality. However, I never expected that I would get to present my own research at a professional research conference.
My thesis, titled “Supreme Effect: The Impact of SCOTUS Rulings on Legislation Passage,” analyzes how the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) has impacted the introduction and passage of restrictive voting legislation in the states. Earlier in April, I got to present this research at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference (MPSA) in Chicago, IL.
Not Just Prestige
There are a couple of colleges everyone knows, regardless of their background, what major they want to go into, or even where they are from. But at the end of the day, prestige really isn’t everything. Going to a school with a great reputation doesn’t mean the teachers will support you and help you when you really need it. It may not be as “open to all majors” as they advertise, but really have stronger programs in one department, and weaker ones in others. Going to a school with a big name does not equate to having the greatest education for you.
Distance
I know when I was looking into colleges, the biggest deal breaker for me was distance. Not just to home, obviously, but also if it was near grocery stores, parks, or malls; if I didn’t want to live on campus, were there any apartments nearby? Living on campus means you need to have those resources available, ways to get to the grocery store or mall to shop for supplies, food, clothes, etc.
And then, there is considering what will you do when you are bored? When you want to go off campus? Working or studying all day is detrimental to our health, having an outlet or a place to go helps separate school/work and personal life. We had that when we were in high school, school stuff stays at school and then when you came home, that was your personal time began. It’s important to be able to keep that distinction, even when/if you live on campus.
Courses
This highly ties back to my first point, but looking into the courses that specifically apply to your major can majorly affect your decision about which college you choose. Finding the resources that not only will help your education in the long run, but also influence you even when you are in your career, that will help you specifically in that industry, it absolutely necessary. General courses like math, science, and history, are just that, general. Your required, major-specific courses is what influences how you work and think within you career and your specialty.
Extracurriculars/Jobs on Campus
Extracurriculars creates an easy way for students to meet those that are like minded and have similar interests. It also serves as a way to unwind from your school day and the workload, depending on the club you join of course. There are many different types of clubs to join as well, some that are academic based, where you can meet those in similar majors, or others that are interest based, such as book or art clubs.
Want to make a difference to the university? Volunteer organizations and honor societies are at your disposal to join and work in the communities around your school. Many of these types of organizations specifically will even give you leadership experience and build up your resume.
If you want to work on campus, maybe in a university office or even in one of the stores/restaurants on campus, those opportunities are also available. Most schools will even hold job fairs to inform their students about the opportunities available near the campus so they have the chance to work within their field early on, even gain internships.
Conclusion
Finding a school that will suit not only your needs as a student, but also your needs towards the future is extremely important. Your decision should be made with your best interests in mind as a student and as a person, with the goal of having an ideal college experience in mind. Finding what is best for you so you can succeed, should be the main priority when you evaluate all your colleges.