Before working as a Research Assistant (RA) in the AHAT lab at California State University, East Bay I wasn't aware of research. When I thought of research the image that came to my mind was a chemist, or biologist in a lab. I never pictured a Computer Scientist or a Engineer doing research. I had a narrow view of what research was and who could do it.

Now I am a RA (Research Assistant), and I was recently accepted to an REU (Research Experience Undergraduate Program) at University of Colorado, at Boulder working with the first African-American who received a PhD in Computer Science, Dr. Clarence "Skip" Ellis. I am still in shock of being picked for the program and to work with Dr. Ellis. There would be many things that he can teach me as an African-American Computer Science student. I have so many questions to ask him about his computer science experience. I also applied to University of Houston and University of Maryland at College Park. I was accepted to all of three REU programs, but I picked Boulder because of Dr. Ellis. So now that you (the reader) have a general background of me, the next thing I want to do is give some suggestions on things that you could do if you want to become an RA, or want an internship.

Tip #1: Believe in yourself!

I can't stress this point enough. When I say this I am talking about all aspects of your life: school, work, family, etc. There will be times where people will not believe in your capabilities, and you will have to prove them wrong. Well not prove them wrong per se, but let them know that you are competent and qualified to do the services required/requested.

Tip #2: Surrond yourself around positive and like-mind people.

Again this is very important because unfortunately not everyone is going to be supportive of your decisions or career in life. There will be people for whatever reason trying to knock you down. This is closely tied to Tip #1.

Tip #3: Find a mentor.

Before meeting my mentor, Dr. Hilary Holz I felt like a zombie just going through the motions. I always knew I wanted to work with computers since my first job at a non-profit, Access to Software for All People (ASAP) at 14. Before working at ASAP I wasn't exposed to computers. In fact I didn't own one. After being exposed to computers a light went on in my head and I realized, "This is what I want to do." The thought of becoming a computer scientist gave me goosebumps. There were times early in my undergraduate career where I would give myself a pep-talk saying, "By doing this work, one day you will become a computer scientst." In the beginning I was my own mentor, but a student should find a faculty member to believe in their dreams too. Before finding my mentor I really didn't share my dreams with anyone because I realized that many people didn't get understand me or my dreams. They would give me a rather general and boring answer of, "that's interesting." The main point I am trying to drive home here is that you will not complete your dreams alone. You will need outside help, in people who are experienced in your field of interest.

Tip #4: RESEARCH!!!

After finding your mentor, and figured out what you want to do the next thing to do is research every possible thing to know about your field. In the beginning it will seem like a daunting task (which it is), but after doing the research you will come out as a better person. For one you will know the different aspects of your interests, and if by chance if you meet people who are already in your field then you can have a conversation with them. By asking specific questions that you learned through your research the person will realize that you are dedicated to your goal and that you will go over and beyond to get the information that you need.

For example: I want to become a cryptanalyst or work in computer security. I learned about cryptography (crypto) through a Yahoo! group. One night while I was on the internet I had stumbled to a group called Cryptography! After looking at some of the posts I find the topics to be interesting, but never thought I could do it. While the topics were interesting they looked really complicated and I thought to myself that I would be better off not knowing it. There's one thing I didn't mention about my thought process. Once something has excited me, and I find it intereting I can't get it out of my head! So after that night I started looking for more information on cryptography. Then I took a break because of family obligations and I thought that I had rid myself of crypto. Only to realize that two years later crypto would come back to my life and stay.

The example shows many things. One I didn't apply Tip #1. I didn't believe in myself. I thought I couldn't do the work, but after realizing that I could do the work I began my research on the subject of cryptography.

Tip #5: Look for employment.

The next thing to do is try to find employment into your field of interest. Now remember that you want a position to give you experience. You should hink of this job as setting the foundation for your work career. If you have bad foundation then you will have to go back and build a better one. As a student, I would suggest a part-time position. That way you will have enough time to do homework and still prepare for your future!

Tip #6: Apply for internships or REU programs.

During my research (and from Dr. Holz) I was able to get some great websites for REUs

The first place to look is: National Science Foundation

At this time it is hard for me to find pages worthy of finding quality internships. Some suggestions I can think of is going to the career center at your college and look for summer internships or part-time jobs in your field interest. I know for the sciences in general it is rather hard to find a job because most students don't have a lot of experience, or they can't work full-time. Don't despair! The quality job will come to you when the time is right!