So, I am entering my fifth year as an undergraduate student. I changed my major quite a few times from biology to clinical laboratory sciences to nursing back to general biology. During my turbulent 5 years, I somehow missed the memo that in order to go to enter a science graduate program, one must have research experience. Don't miss out! Undergraduate research is exciting and fulfilling; it is truly the first step to becoming a scientist.
However, getting an undergraduate research opportunity is difficult. How do you obtain the research opportunity that you need to achieve your goals? Unfortunately, it is probably too late for me to obtain a research position. However, if you start early, you can get one. There are some steps that makes this process easier.
1. Talk to your professors
Your professors will never know who you are if you do not introduce yourself to them. When you start your first semester, try to get to know your instructors. They can provide valuable advise and act as your mentor for your college experience. The thing about college is this: a college degree does not necessarily guarentee employment. In order to obtain employment post-graduation, networking with your current instructors is essential. In this economy, getting a position is all about who you know and what you do to get there. Companies are generally not seeking out college graduates; you must meet them on their own turf. Getting in touch with company representatives will be much easier if you establish a solid rapport with your professors.
How do you get to know your professors? Try some of the following techniques.
First of all, sit in the front row. Faculty recognize students who are genuinely paying attention in class. If you are sitting in the front row every day avidly taking notes on their lecture, your professors will notice and become familiar with your face.
Ask questions during class. Its scary to speak out in a big lecture hall, but if you ask questions, your teacher will notice you. Asking questions shows that you are paying attention. Teachers like students that pay attention in class and ask thoughtful questions. They are not just talking to the air; professors want to engage their students. Asking your professor insightful questions shows that you are not just paying attention, but that you are understanding what they are saying and want to know more.
Go to test review sessions. Again, if you are diligently taking notes during non-mandatory review sessions, that shows that you value your grade and want to learn.
Finally, approach your teacher about research opportunities. Odds are, your professor will either be conducting research and may need your help or will know another professor who does. Even if they have no leads on research to offer you, they will still know that you are interested.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and get some research experience! But remember, don't get discouraged if you don't succeed the first time you seek out a research opportunity. You have many semesters ahead of you, and by starting early you will get a research opportunity eventually. Persistence is key.
Have you already followed these steps and are still having trouble finding research to work on? Check out some of these great websites with summer research programs for undergraduates:
1. http://biology.uoregon.edu/SPUR/
2. http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/programs/summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship
3. http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/SURE/SURE.html
4. http://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/genetics/summer_student_program.aspx
However, getting an undergraduate research opportunity is difficult. How do you obtain the research opportunity that you need to achieve your goals? Unfortunately, it is probably too late for me to obtain a research position. However, if you start early, you can get one. There are some steps that makes this process easier.
1. Talk to your professors
Your professors will never know who you are if you do not introduce yourself to them. When you start your first semester, try to get to know your instructors. They can provide valuable advise and act as your mentor for your college experience. The thing about college is this: a college degree does not necessarily guarentee employment. In order to obtain employment post-graduation, networking with your current instructors is essential. In this economy, getting a position is all about who you know and what you do to get there. Companies are generally not seeking out college graduates; you must meet them on their own turf. Getting in touch with company representatives will be much easier if you establish a solid rapport with your professors.
How do you get to know your professors? Try some of the following techniques.
First of all, sit in the front row. Faculty recognize students who are genuinely paying attention in class. If you are sitting in the front row every day avidly taking notes on their lecture, your professors will notice and become familiar with your face.
Ask questions during class. Its scary to speak out in a big lecture hall, but if you ask questions, your teacher will notice you. Asking questions shows that you are paying attention. Teachers like students that pay attention in class and ask thoughtful questions. They are not just talking to the air; professors want to engage their students. Asking your professor insightful questions shows that you are not just paying attention, but that you are understanding what they are saying and want to know more.
Go to test review sessions. Again, if you are diligently taking notes during non-mandatory review sessions, that shows that you value your grade and want to learn.
Finally, approach your teacher about research opportunities. Odds are, your professor will either be conducting research and may need your help or will know another professor who does. Even if they have no leads on research to offer you, they will still know that you are interested.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and get some research experience! But remember, don't get discouraged if you don't succeed the first time you seek out a research opportunity. You have many semesters ahead of you, and by starting early you will get a research opportunity eventually. Persistence is key.
Have you already followed these steps and are still having trouble finding research to work on? Check out some of these great websites with summer research programs for undergraduates:
1. http://biology.uoregon.edu/SPUR/
2. http://www.mayo.edu/mgs/programs/summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship
3. http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/SURE/SURE.html
4. http://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/genetics/summer_student_program.aspx
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