SPUR 2012

Planemo

just looking at the application form, you need 2 academic refernces, who would they be looking for there?
Also, you have to give results but I'm in first year so obviously don't have end of year results yet - what to do?

XxMCRxBabyxX

hawaiichair wrote: »

just looking at the application form, you need 2 academic refernces, who would they be looking for there?
Also, you have to give results but I'm in first year so obviously don't have end of year results yet - what to do?

I applied succesfully in first year used a History and a law professor (I'm doing law and hist) as my references and just gave what results I had i.e. Xmas exams.

Planemo

Even if they've no idea who I am? And I don't have to let them know I'm using them as a reference?

XxMCRxBabyxX

hawaiichair wrote: »

Even if they've no idea who I am? And I don't have to let them know I'm using them as a reference?

I needed written references when I applied.

NEVER put someone down as a reference without asking them, for anything!

Just send a lecturer who you have had for a class (one you've done well in would be a good idea) an email asking if you can use them as a reference. Explain what you're applying for and why and they should be willing to let you.

mickstupp

I went to the lecturers I'd had for modules, for my references. They were fine about it. I'd never even talked to one of them before but she remembered my exam paper from the previous Christmas. They both also wanted a quick chat to make sure I was genuinely interested and not just doing it for the sake of something to put on the CV. Getting references shouldn't be an issue at all. Most lecturers are very nice.

Planemo

thanks!

CleanYerPlate

What's this like? Is it taken extremely seriously or would they mind if messed anything up? I'm interested in doing it for the sake of understanding what research would be like as a career. But my grades aren't very flattering even though I'm capable of doing well in exams. That would go against me in the selection process wouldn't it?

Also I'd be a bit shy. That's kind of putting me off applying for it.

mickstupp

The projects are all different. Some are just basic grunt work, data entry, some are contributing in a more direct way to ongoing research. I was left to my own devices, with some weekly guidance on a particular topic and a 2+ hour meeting each week. It was based around an area my supervisor was writing a book on, but he ended up not going near the particular area he had me looking at. Some people meet their supervisors every day. Depends on the particular project.

I enjoyed the hell out of it. Really loved being able to dedicate six weeks to just reading / writing in one particular area, no distractions like exams or midterms or essays or modules I wasn't into. Loved it. The only problem was the report I had to write at the end of it. I couldn't, and still can't, understand the point of submitting it during your last week there. Surely a week or two later would've made more sense. Well, it did in my case anyway. I was still researching my stuff right till the last day, but none of that last week made it into my report. Stupid really.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about being shy, or even not getting the highest of marks. I think they really want to see your enthusiasm for the subject. And probably some hint that you're interested in continuing in the subject to postgraduate level. As for messing up, it's a learning experience, for you to get a taste of research. Messing up is a great way to learn.

XxMCRxBabyxX

mickstupp wrote: »

The projects are all different. Some are just basic grunt work, data entry, some are contributing in a more direct way to ongoing research. I was left to my own devices, with some weekly guidance on a particular topic and a 2+ hour meeting each week. It was based around an area my supervisor was writing a book on, but he ended up not going near the particular area he had me looking at. Some people meet their supervisors every day. Depends on the particular project.

I enjoyed the hell out of it. Really loved being able to dedicate six weeks to just reading / writing in one particular area, no distractions like exams or midterms or essays or modules I wasn't into. Loved it. The only problem was the report I had to write at the end of it. I couldn't, and still can't, understand the point of submitting it during your last week there. Surely a week or two later would've made more sense. Well, it did in my case anyway. I was still researching my stuff right till the last day, but none of that last week made it into my report. Stupid really.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about being shy, or even not getting the highest of marks. I think they really want to see your enthusiasm for the subject. And probably some hint that you're interested in continuing in the subject to postgraduate level. As for messing up, it's a learning experience, for you to get a taste of research. Messing up is a great way to learn.

All this. Mickstupp has explained it better than I ever could.

I absolutely loved SPUR when I did it. I got to research a topic I was really interested in and it really helped me understand how research really worked.

I say that anyone should go for it! Applying won't hurt!

CleanYerPlate

Great insight. Thanks!

Mondobongo

Hi, I thinking about doing this too. However its in Dublin and I'd have quite a commute :S What are the hours generally like? Would it be better to just stay in the city? I'd appreciate any advice

mickstupp

Again, really depends on the project. I was in 2/3 days a week, for maybe 5 hours, was able to work from home for most of it. One of my friends on a different one was in 9-5 every day. A girl on a different one came in twice for the whole six weeks.

Best bet is to go talk to the person running the project you want to do. Their name should be listed on the application thing.

karaokeman

I'm interested in doing SPUR too.

Do you need to use lecturers as referees or can you put down relatives etc.?

XxMCRxBabyxX

karaokeman wrote: »

I'm interested in doing SPUR too.

Do you need to use lecturers as referees or can you put down relatives etc.?

They need to be academic references so really lecturers are your best bet, or maybe tutors at a push

XxMCRxBabyxX

mickstupp wrote: »

Again, really depends on the project. I was in 2/3 days a week, for maybe 5 hours, was able to work from home for most of it. One of my friends on a different one was in 9-5 every day. A girl on a different one came in twice for the whole six weeks.

Best bet is to go talk to the person running the project you want to do. Their name should be listed on the application thing.

I'll also add that you nay not be based in Dublin at all. I had friends who were in Maynooth fir the whole thing when they did spur whereas I was in Dublin everyday 10 to 5

freeze4real

I'm freaking out I sent a few emails to some lecturer which i did pretty good in but they haven't replied back.

I sent them this email last week.

J.D.R

Just checking, anybody do the economics program in previous years? Or know what it was like, how'd it go, how many students they took on?

XxMCRxBabyxX

J.D.R wrote: »

Just checking, anybody do the economics program in previous years? Or know what it was like, how'd it go, how many students they took on?

I'm 99% sure that all SPUR programmes only take one student on. I did history do can't say anything on the rest

Alt_Grrr

So Spur used to be a many projects to one department set up, now its one research project, one department scenario.

Some departments have other paid internship programs outside of spur (like Computer Science normally has a number of internships/projects)