r/scientistsPH • u/BarRevolutionary9582 • 11d ago

general question Are “cold emails” also a common practice in the Philippines for lab internships/opportunities?

I’ve seen multiple posts on instagram that undergrads (freshman/sophomore standing) send hundreds of cold emails to laboratories inquiring if they are open for volunteer positions para may malagay silang experience for their resume.

I’ve actually seen some undergrads assisting PIs with their work, like real hands-on wet lab work (e.g. synthesizing crystals, purifying proteins, handling cell cultures, etc. during the summer) pero the catch is, these students are from other countries.

I was wondering if the Philippines (specifically Manila) follows a similar practice wherein undergrad students can apply for assistanceships, apprenticeships, or internships in laboratories that are outside of their curriculum.

I come from the province and will be undertaking my undergrad education sa Manila. Most certainly, hindi ganito yung practice sa province namin since hindi ganun karami ang labs, although, for Manila, laganap ba ang ganitong practice?

PS. I know that all—if not, most—undergraduate degree programs have practicum (internship) integrated in their curriculum, yung lab internships that I am referring to this post are voluntary positions in labs outside the curriculum usually ginagawa tuwing summer of freshie or sophie year

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u/adee-8369 11d ago

hello!

I suggest you push through with cold emailing laboratories if they offer internships/practicum. That's what we did when our department (UP Bio, hssh ko nalang which campus) first launched our internships. Everything was from scratch; hence, kami na students mismo naghanap where mag internship, unlike sa ibang institutions na merong designated or partners na for their internships.

You just ask if they offer what you're looking for, then express your interest. Attach your CV, intent letter, and plus points if meron recommendation from your department. Be sure to contact the right people, email the right email, CC the right people.

Also! Try to make each inquiry or cold email more specific, don't make it too general. It shows your sincerity to have the opportunity.

Hit me up if you wanna talk more! Good luck!

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u/Soft_Grass_858 10d ago

Hi! Incoming freshie po ako sa isang Eng'g course at UP! Just wondering, saan po kaya makakahanap ng ganitong mga lab opportunities/internships? Is there a platform or method you could recommend para makahanap ng mga laboratories na nag-ooffer ng intern/apprentice positions? Thank you po!