CERN has opened its applications for the Summer Student Program 2024

CERN has opened its applications for the Summer Student Program 2024.

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter — fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

One of CERN’s key missions is education. Our professionals very much enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with students who are committed and passionate about their chosen field. There’s no better way to learn than on the job. And when that job happens to be in a world-famous research organization and center of scientific excellence, it’s even better.

Are you currently studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree and have a strong IT profile? Are you looking for a practical training period during the European summer (June — August)? If so, this could be the opportunity for you: apply now for the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme 2024!

Job Description

Take part in CERN’s openlab Summer Student Programme!

During two full months corresponding to 9 weeks (June-August 2024), CERN openlab summer students will work on an advanced IT project and will be given a series of IT lectures specially prepared for them by experts at CERN and other institutes. The students also have the opportunity to attend the main CERN Summer student program lectures, if they wish. Visits to the accelerators and experimental areas are part of the programme. A short report and a presentation of your work and project at CERN will be expected at the end of your stay.

For more information on the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme, please visit Education | CERN openlab

This is what some of the former CERN openlab Summer Students had to say about their experience:

“A program that provides excellent international experience and exposure to particle physics and related research fields.”

“Incredibly unique and special opportunity to learn new skills, collaborate in large teams, and meet people in your field from around the world. Truly an amazing experience which I will recommend to others.”

“It has been one of the most exciting experiences in my life. My experience here will undoubtedly prove to be extremely useful in my future career, be it academic or professional. I will never forget and greatly treasure the time spent here working with my supervisor, fellow summer students, and colleagues.”

“I loved meeting my fellow open lab, summer students, and coworkers. Specifically, the diversity in nationalities and cultures made it very interesting for me, since I had a chance to learn so much from them beyond just technical stuff.”

“Socializing, meeting people with the same interests, projects, weekend travels and adventures.!”

Qualifications

To qualify for a place in the program you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a Bachelor's or Master's student (not Ph.D.) with a strong computing profile and will have completed, by summer 2024, at least 6 semesters of full-time studies at the university level, in the field.
• You will remain registered as a student during your stay at CERN. If you expect to graduate during the European summer of 2024 (as of May), you are also eligible to apply.
• You have not worked at CERN before with any other status (Technical Student, Trainee, User, or other status) for more than 3 months.
• You have a good knowledge of English; knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply for this Summer Student Programme.

Additional Information

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment, and passion.

In return, CERN will provide you with:

• A contract of association of 9 weeks to work on an advanced IT project.
• With an extensive IT lecture program, students will also be able to attend the CERN generic summer student lecture program if they wish.
• A 92 CHF per calendar day (net of tax) subsistence allowance to cover the cost of accommodation and meals in the Geneva area for a single person for the whole contract duration.
• A travel allowance on a lump sum basis paid at the end of your stay to help you with the cost of travel between Geneva and your residence at the time of the selection committee.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution is already deducted from the daily allowance).
• Assistance to find accommodation on the CERN site or a nearby hotel.

Possible arrival dates (contract start dates, some flexibility is possible):

Monday 17 June, 21 June, or 1 July 2024

Required documentation:

You will need the following documents, clearly labeled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:

• A CV.
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal please make sure there is no protection so that we can open it).
• At least one reference letter (dated less than 12 months), preferably 2.

Please make sure you have all the documents requested to hand when you start your application on our career portal as they cannot be added after its completion (only reference letters can be submitted afterward). Please note that all the documents you upload will remain attached to your Smartrecruiters profile. You do not need to upload them again for other applications you might submit.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains a link. If you have not yet uploaded your reference letters when applying, you should forward this link to at least one referee, so that they can upload their recommendation letter. Please note that this must be done before the application deadline (Wednesday 31 January 2024 12 noon CET time).

Online Interview Tips:

Video interviews are the new normal. In an age of powerful technology, it’s no longer necessary or practical to bring candidates to you or to go to them. In fact, people are increasingly interviewed and hired without an in-person meeting. Here are ten tips on making sure you ace your next video interview:

1. Know your time zones: The video allows us to speak across (great) distance. Make sure you’re clear if suggested interview times are in your time zone or the interviewers. Try converting the time zone according to your specific time zone.
   Know your tech. Familiarize yourself with whatever technology the interviewer has asked you to use (Skype, Zoom, etc.). If you’ve never used the tool before, get comfortable with the interface in advance: how should your computer be positioned so the interviewer can see your face at a comfortable angle? Are your camera and microphone connected and working? Many people un internationally make a bad impact on the interviewers because of this.
2. Minimize off-screen distractions. The only person you should be interacting with during a video interview is the interviewer.
3. Choose a proper background: When choosing a space to show up for a video interview, be conscious of how the setting you’re calling from reflects on you: choose a well-lit room where you can sit in front of a neutral background.
4. Avoid backlighting (when no one can see your face) and spotlighting (when you sit with light close to you and look like you’re telling a ghost story at a campfire).
5. Be prepared for glitches. Distractions will happen. Technology will fail. Stuff will come up. Handle these smoothly and professionally.
6. Be your best and authentic self. Being unfamiliar or uncomfortable with technology is not an excuse for a poor interview. As soon as you know you’ll be doing a video interview, do what it takes to feel confident and at ease on screen. If that means you need to practice in advance with a friend or colleague, do so.
7. Emphasize your skills and Achievement: Focus on your skills and accomplishments, including high school/college coursework, volunteer and co-curricular activities, and your computer and language skills. Previous internships or work experiences are important as well as describing your transferable skills: communication, interpersonal, organization, strong analytical and problem solving, and more.
8. Emphasize the Positive: You may be asked during the interview to give a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Remember in these types of questions to focus on the positive. When referring to weaknesses, recognize those things you feel you need to work on and quickly shift to actions you have taken to improve in this area. Specific examples can be helpful to illustrate your progress.
9. Close the interview with confidence: The beginning and end of the interview can be the most crucial aspects of the interview. End your interview with confidence. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and ask when you may expect to hear back from the employer.
10. Follow up the interview with a thank-you note: Take this opportunity to clarify a topic discussed in the interview and to reaffirm your interest in the organization and the internship. Send a thank-you note to everyone you interviewed on the day of your interview.

The questions you should prepare for:

1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why do you want to work at this company?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Tell me about an experience when you made a mistake and how you fixed it?
5. What are the three things you wish to see in the firm you are working for?
6. Where do you see yourself in 3 years/5 years/10 years?
7. Tell me about anything else which you have done or you are proud of but it is not in your resume?
8. What are your expectations from the company or colleagues?
9. What are your hobbies?
10. Do you have any questions for us?

About Hexhybrids:

HexHybrids is a community group for students interested in emerging technologies. HexHybrids represents a versatile community of innovators developing and exploring Frontend, Backend, Cloud Computing, AI-ML, Cross-platform development, and many more.

We also provide technical, non-technical as well as career growth assistance to students pursuing various STEM fields such as computer science, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, MBA, etc by highlighting active internships, jobs, scholarships, or free courses so that more and more people can apply for those and land a job.