Getting Undergraduate Research Experience! | Top 5 Tips To Finding The Perfect Research Position!

Summary

This video offers top strategies for securing undergraduate research opportunities. The host, an anthropology major with an evolutionary medicine minor, shares personal experiences and five key tips, including contacting professors, attending office hours, collaborating with TAs, applying to research programs, and seeking opportunities beyond the institution. The advice encourages students to be proactive, build relationships, and explore various avenues to gain valuable research experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 Contact Professors: The speaker suggests reaching out to professors in your field of interest, reading their research papers, and expressing your interest in their work to potentially get involved in their research.
• 🔍 Follow Up: Persistence is key when contacting professors; don't be afraid to follow up multiple times to ensure your message is seen and considered.
• 🗓 Attend Office Hours: Building a relationship with professors by attending their office hours can lead to opportunities for research involvement once they recognize your interest and dedication.
• 👩‍🏫 Connect with TAs: Teaching Assistants (TAs) are often conducting their own research and may need help, offering a chance for undergraduates to get involved and gain experience.
• 🎓 Research Programs: Many colleges offer specialized research programs that provide a structured research experience, including funding and mentorship, though they can be competitive.
• 🏢 Look Outside Your Institution: Don't limit your search for research opportunities to your own college; consider institutions like museums, hospitals, or bio-tech labs for broader opportunities.
• 💡 Be Open to Discovery: Engaging in research can lead to discovering related fields or topics that may ignite a new passion or direction for your academic or career path.
• 🚀 Apply Despite Fear: Overcoming imposter syndrome and applying for research opportunities, even when you feel underqualified, is encouraged as the worst outcome is remaining in the same position.
• 🤝 Build Relationships: Establishing rapport with both professors and TAs is crucial for creating opportunities and gaining insights into the research process.
• 📈 Research Can Inform Your Future: Participating in research programs can help you understand if a career in academia is right for you and can expose you to related fields of study.
• 🌐 Seek Out and Share Experiences: The speaker invites others to share their research experiences in the comments, highlighting the value of a community of learners and the exchange of knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about getting undergraduate research experience and the best strategies to accomplish this.

Why is the speaker qualified to give advice on undergraduate research?

The speaker is an anthropology major and an evolutionary medicine minor at UCLA, which gives them experience from both the STEM and social science perspectives.

What is the first recommended method to get involved in undergraduate research according to the video?

The first recommended method is contacting professors whose research aligns with the student's interests.

What should a student do after identifying professors of interest?

The student should read a research paper the professor was involved in and then contact the professor expressing interest in their work and asking about research opportunities.

How should a student follow up with a professor if they don't hear back?

The student should not be afraid to follow up via email, and if there is no response after three attempts, it might be time to move on to a different professor.

What is the second tip mentioned in the video for gaining research experience?

The second tip is attending professors' office hours to build a relationship with them, which can potentially lead to research opportunities.

Why are Teaching Assistants (TAs) considered a valuable resource for research opportunities?

TAs are conducting their own research and may need help with tasks that a student could assist with, providing a way to get involved in research.

What is the advantage of participating in a specialized research program at a college?

Specialized research programs offer a structured and funded opportunity for students to conduct their own research, helping them understand if research is the right path for them.

What is the fourth tip for finding research opportunities?

The fourth tip is to look for research programs within a specific department at the college, which can provide a comprehensive research experience.

What is the final tip provided in the video for seeking research opportunities?

The final tip is to not be afraid to look for research opportunities outside of the institution, such as in museums, biotech labs, or hospitals.

What should a student do if they think they are not qualified for a research position?

The student should not let imposter syndrome hold them back; they should apply anyway, as the worst outcome is to remain in the same position without the opportunity.

Why is it suggested to ask professors about their research even if they are not actively looking for assistance?

It is suggested because sometimes professors may not be actively seeking a research assistant but could hire one if a student shows interest and initiative.

What does the speaker suggest doing if viewers want to hear more about their anthropology research?

The speaker suggests that if viewers are interested, they should let the speaker know, and they might share more general information about anthropology research and their experiences.