There are many reasons to engage in academic research during your undergraduate career. Research is a great way to apply knowledge gained in classes outside the classroom. Furthermore, students with research experience are more employable upon graduation since they cultivate a variety of skills in the lab that are valued in the industry. In classes, you are generally solving problems to which the answers are known. By nature, these problems are structured, and there is a preexisting approach that can be used to tackle them. On the other hand, research concerns itself with problems to which the answers are unknown. Oftentimes, it may require formulation of the problem itself. For these reasons, there is a high level of vagueness and uncertainty inherent to the process. However, it requires creativity to devise a novel approach to find a solution to the problem. These skills are invaluable in the real world. Moreover, the professors for whom one works for are in a position to serve as strong references down the road. There are also plenty of opportunities for building connections in the lab.
How to get a research opportunity
It is wise to begin looking for research opportunities as soon as possible. There are several possible ways to get a research position. Most faculty have their own pages that highlight their research interests. Look at pages for faculty members in your department to view potential opportunities. More often than not, students often end up working for professors with whom they have taken classes with. Therefore, it is important to attend class regularly, take interest in their research, and have conversations with faculty members outside the classroom. Professors are always happy to talk about their research, and these conversations could certainly lead to a research position. If you are interested in working for a professor, you should read up on their research and express your interest. Sometimes, professors may make announce in class that they are looking for students to work with them.
Alternatively, you may have the option of doing research for credit. Many departments have one credit hour classes that pair students with faculty members in the department to do research for a semester. Upon the conclusion of the semester, students often end up continuing work in the lab. Finally, you should not hesitate to reach out the professor with whom you haven’t interacted with before. It is perfectly acceptable to cold email a professor expressing your interest to work with them.
Although some research positions may be paid, a lot of them tend to be unpaid for undergraduates. Generally, large labs that bring in substantial funding tend to be able to pay undergraduates. On the other hand, if you are working individually with a professor, it is far less likely that you will be paid. For research performed for course credit, you are not allowed to be paid.
All undergraduates are encouraged to pursue creative endeavors and research opportunities. For those interested in going on to graduate school, research is a must, and the recommendation letters from your professors will be a significant part of your application. In addition to furthering science, you are enhancing your own technical and soft skills that are valued in the real world and will make you employable upon graduation.
Author – Shreyas Kamath