How easy is it for WashU students to find research and internships in college?

At WashU, research is generally very accessible, especially if you are proactive early. The university is a major research institution with strong opportunities in biology, medicine, engineering, psychology, public health, and economics, and undergraduates can get involved through faculty labs, independent study, and school-specific programs. Many students start by emailing professors, applying to structured summer programs, or using department and career center resources.

For research, one big advantage is WashU’s scale and funding. The university has extensive ties to the WashU School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and major research centers on and near campus, which creates a lot of openings for undergrads, especially in STEM and health-related fields. It is not the kind of place where only a tiny group of top students can participate, but competitive labs and high-demand professors may still require persistence.

Internships are also realistic for the average student, though access depends somewhat on field and initiative. The Center for Career Engagement helps with internship listings, fairs, networking, resume support, and employer connections, and WashU students place into internships in St. Louis, Chicago, New York, and other major markets. Business, pre-med, engineering, and CS students tend to have especially clear pipelines, but humanities and social science students also find opportunities through alumni networking, research, nonprofits, and local organizations.

The honest answer is that opportunities are there in abundance, but they do not usually just fall into your lap. A student who builds relationships with professors, checks Handshake and department emails, and attends career events will usually have a very realistic shot at finding research or internships. WashU is strong in this area because the resources are real and the institutional connections are strong, even if students still need to take the first few steps themselves.