The Privilege That is Project Work

As a young academic stepping into the field of psychology, I have found one of the most difficult parts about climbing my way up is finding opportunities to work on large-scale projects and contribute to scholarly publications. To say that applying to internships or research assistant positions is competitive would be a massive understatement. 

When I first started to look for internship opportunities I was met with red tape and a warning sign that stated something similar to “this position is extremely competitive and we have too many applicants”. I have had hundreds of rejection letters flow into my inbox throughout my time trying to find experience. This is because, like me, thousands of other young academics are trying to make their mark.

When you finally get that acceptance letter, when someone believes in you, all you can do is feel this huge wave of gratitude because it is a step in the right direction. 

I came to Ireland expecting to be in a temporary research internship position but what I got was an entirely new world of professional experience that I never thought I’d receive before I started graduate school. Luckily, my time at Maynooth University is far from over. My advisor encouraged me to be the best version of myself for our team. Hard work, dedication, and problem-solving will get you far even if you’re nervous about what’s at hand.

It encouraged me to come to work just a little bit better than the me that was there the day before. This, my dear reader, really is the privilege that is project work. A majority of the time that you’re working, you are also working on yourself as a person. 

The drive and determination that I have to show the world I want to make a difference as a scientist was seen through my advisor. The GoGreen Next team at Maynooth University hosts some of the most hard-working people I have ever met in my life. It’s humbling to know that my place in the office is a privilege because the me who read the rejection letters all that time ago is green with envy.

All it takes is one person to see your potential and to believe in you to change your whole life. It can be difficult to break into a field and develop the skills necessary that will be pivotal for your career. However, the many opportunities I have found myself blessed with are all through the trust the team at GoGreen showed in me. 

The list of skills you develop when you take initiative in group projects is extensive. There are a lot of moving parts to big research projects, and knowing how to multitask with a cool demeanor and positive attitude is crucial to the success of the project.

I knew that these would be skills that I’d have to develop one way or another. In this process, you will make mistakes. Mistakes, like a positive attitude, are crucial not for the sake of the project but for your personal growth moving forward. Having a space where you can make mistakes and learn from them is how we mold the next generation of scientists into well-rounded researchers.

I firmly believe that the aforementioned space has been cultivated at Maynooth University by my advisors using patience, and encouragement.

by Raegan Thompson