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While being a Greek may be one of the only things on your mind right now, eventually you’ll need to start thinking about the future, such as a job or graduate school, and ways to give yourself an advantage over the competition. There is a multitude of academic opportunities at whatever university you’re attending, one of which is research work. Any major research university will have a number of eager professors looking for undergraduate students to fill assistant positions. And while you may not be looking to pursue research once you graduate, academic research is a great way to get job training, unique experience, and a letter of recommendation. If you’re interested in research but don’t know where or how to begin, here are some tips that will get you into a lab in no time.
1. Research the Research on Campus
Finding out what research is going on at your university is the best way to start your search and figure out what type of research you want to do. Most university websites will have information about each professor, what they study, and any current research projects they’re currently pursuing. Additionally, department websites should have information about graduate students and their research (remember that assistant positions are available with graduate students as well as tenured professors). Although most students tend to look for research that is related to their field of study, keep in mind that your options aren’t that black and white. Any and all students can apply to various research positions (whether you get the position is up to you). Thus, don’t confine yourself to one major, one professor, or one department; branch out and learn about different studies in other fields. Bottom line: when learning about research on campus, find a project, study or subject that interests you. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time as well as that of your professor.
2. Find Research Opportunities
Many times, research opportunities for undergraduate students aren’t widely publicized simply because the spots are filled quickly or the need isn’t pressing. Additionally, as there are research opportunities in almost every academic program, professors don’t usually publicize the openings outside of their department. The first place to look for research opportunities is with the department. Some departments have a “job” board where professors can post up open positions. Other departments rely on word of mouth. If the department you’re interested in doesn’t have a job board, don’t be afraid to ask around. A good place to start is graduate students as they usually have a faculty mentor and know about their mentor’s current studies. Additionally, keep your eyes and ears alert in class. Many times, professors or graduate students will announce research opportunities before or after class. Finally, if you can’t find any information about research studies, contact the individual professor. While you probably won’t get a response for a few days (professors tend to be very busy), the professor should eventually answer your questions, send you an application, or point you to another professor who’s looking for assistants.
3. Make Yourself Qualified
Once you find a few research positions to apply for, make sure you’re qualified. Getting a research position is just like getting a job: the more qualified you are for the position, the more likely you are to get it. Therefore, spend time learning about the subject of the study, previous studies like it, and even the professor running the study. Additionally, if the position requires special skills like soldering or data manipulation, learn or brush up on these skills (many times, your lower division classes and labs will have covered what you need to know). Finally, don’t be afraid to admit your shortcomings. One of the aspects of being qualified is acknowledging what you don’t know and expressing an interest to learn. Remember: most professors and graduate students don’t expect you to know everything when you first start, they only expect you to be interested in the study and want to learn.
4. Spend Time on Your Application
Just like writing a paper for your literature class, make sure you spend time and effort on your research application. While you might be applying to several different research openings, it shouldn’t be evident in your application. Make sure your application is specific to the research study you’re applying to, and don’t use generic answers or essays. Additionally, make sure your answers are written in complete sentences and with proper grammar. Remember that your application is your first impression, and sometimes, your only impression. The time and effort you spend on your application should be proportionate to how much you want the position. If you realize you don’t really want to work on a specific study, it might be better not to apply then to send in a bad application. After all, you might end up working with the professor in some round-about way, and a bad application can sour your relationship before it even begins.
5. Ace Your Interview
Once you submit your application and all goes well, you’ll be asked in for an interview. This is the final stage of the process and will determine whether or not you get the research position. Since the interview is very important, make sure you take time to prepare. Brush up on information about the professor, the study, and any graduate students you might work with. Additionally, review information regarding the daily responsibilities of the position such as research methodology and data input and analysis. Finally, don’t forget about yourself. Since you’re the subject of the interview, you’ll need to explain about your experience, skills and training. While this can be very easy for some people, for others, talking about themselves can be disorienting and difficult. If so, practice talking about yourself in the mirror or with someone else, and going over specific experiences or skills that are relevant to research.
The day of the interview, be sure to get a good night’s sleep before (no late night keg parties), and arrive early to the interview. Dress professionally and appropriately (if the research is with children, don’t show up in your four inch heels and mini skirt), and most importantly, be confident in yourself. Answer questions truthfully and honestly, and if you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask. Your interview is just as much about the professor being comfortable with you as it is about you being comfortable with the professor and the study. And if offered the position, remember that you don’t need to say yes immediately. Take your time, figure out what is best for you, and then make your decision. You’ll enjoy your research experience that much more if you know from the start that it’s the best choice for you.
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