Research
This may appeal to you if you’re interested in going into academia, such as doing research in an institution of higher education or industry.
Participating in research allows you to see the scientific process. The labs that you may work in can vary from looking through a micro- scope for a few hours a week to greeting people and preparing them for an experiment. As a result, you will discover if this is something that you would enjoy doing for a career.
Laboratory skills also provide a route into graduate school if the program you are applying to requires research experience. It may also demonstrate to a potential employer your interests, initiative, and ability to commit to a goal. You can find research assistant opportu- nities by talking with your professors, checking your college’s website, and doing a search online.
When I was a research assistant, I had the privilege of learning about the workings of a funded lab. The research lab was filled with documents, equipment, protocols, and procedures. I had the chance to screen participants, set them up for testing, do an organic search online, and analyze data. It felt like a combination of a medical and legal office.
Although research assistantships for undergraduates are often unpaid, in some schools it may be possible to get a scholarship. There is financial support for summer research and other similar opportunities. Be sure to meet deadlines for the financial assistance. Universities love it when their students are involved in research.
As an example, you can take a look at an extensive list of labs at the University of California, Los Angeles by visiting http://www.research. ucla.edu/labs.
Tips
Participating in research allows you to see the scientific process. The labs that you may work in can vary from looking through a micro- scope for a few hours a week to greeting people and preparing them for an experiment. As a result, you will discover if this is something that you would enjoy doing for a career.
Laboratory skills also provide a route into graduate school if the program you are applying to requires research experience. It may also demonstrate to a potential employer your interests, initiative, and ability to commit to a goal. You can find research assistant opportu- nities by talking with your professors, checking your college’s website, and doing a search online.
When I was a research assistant, I had the privilege of learning about the workings of a funded lab. The research lab was filled with documents, equipment, protocols, and procedures. I had the chance to screen participants, set them up for testing, do an organic search online, and analyze data. It felt like a combination of a medical and legal office.
Although research assistantships for undergraduates are often unpaid, in some schools it may be possible to get a scholarship. There is financial support for summer research and other similar opportunities. Be sure to meet deadlines for the financial assistance. Universities love it when their students are involved in research.
As an example, you can take a look at an extensive list of labs at the University of California, Los Angeles by visiting http://www.research. ucla.edu/labs.
Tips
- Do research in an area that interests you.
- Do not be discouraged if you get several “no” responses before a “yes” to your applications.
- Read up on the lab’s publications and current projects before reaching out to them.
- Be willing to make the initial investment into learning something new.
- Keep learning and improving.
- Ask questions about various aspects of the lab beyond your own role.