As a research intern, it’s your job to assist your employer, usually a professor at your college or university, with a multitude of tasks. Your duties include conducting research, compiling data, implementing ideas, and helping write papers. You often work closely with other students and interns. The main qualifications are an interest in the research subject and strong communication skills. You usually need to be enrolled in a relevant degree program at the school to qualify. The short-term goal of a research intern position is to gain academic credit or work experience. The long-term goal is to turn the internship into a career.