One of the cool (and best kept secrets from undergraduates) things you can take advantage of when you are in college is research opportunities! Research opportunities give you a chance to test out your passions, and stay abreast of the most cutting edge work in the field. Also, it will give you a glimpse of what grad school in a certain subject may feel like. So, why not invest the time, get the experience, and maybe even publish a paper or two while you are at it?
Now, don't run out and look for applications from your favorite department...most of the time, these positions are advertised as being "for Graduate Students Only", and more often than that, they are just plain unadvertised. In this post, I want to show you how you can safely ignore that and still walk away with an awesome research opportunity.
1. RESEARCH - ironic, but seriously, do it. Go through subjects you like, and shortlist a few professors whose work you find naturally interesting. Then read some of the papers they have written; afterall, you need to understand their specific interest in a field (this is where Google Scholar comes in handy)
2.CONTACT THEM - Email them or better yet, attend their lecture and speak with them after! Dont explain everything right then and there. Just ask your professor for a time when you can learn more about their work.
3. C-Wat? - People in academia often use only CVs and dont find that resumes share all the big picture ideas. So, prepare a CV - which is a detailed account of your coursework, interest, and background. (More about CVs on my Examiner page- link will be up later tonight)
4. MEET THEM - Send a confirmation the night before, Be on time (should I even say that anymore?), and bring your resume, CV and if you are a good student, a transcript. Instead of telling them you want to join their team, tell them about your background, the relevant papers you have read, and what was interesting to you about those papers. As the discussion progresses, and if the work still interests you, you should mention that you are interested in pursuing this field, and ask for advise on how to get started on learning more.
5. LEARN MORE - If they didn't offer you a way to work on their team right away, don't fret. Go back to those resources he/she gave you and go through it all. Then meet them again, and elevate your discussion with intelligent and relevant questions. Now, if they don't offer it to you, you may ask them if there would be any way to join his/her research team. Offer them suggestions of ways you can help and what your background will add to the table.
6. THANK THEM - Whether you get a position or not, thank him/her for their time (they are busy people!). If you don't have luck with one person, keep trying! If you try hard enough and in the right direction, some one could use your background and help. So, keep emailing and meeting professors and instructors!
And because I know I am going to get asked - If a professor is able to provide you with money for your work, then of course, take it. Otherwise, once a position is offered, ask if it is a paid position (NOTHING wrong in asking). If its clearly not a paid position, depending on your time and your passion for this work, consider taking this opportunity. For me, the experience alone was worth it! Hopefully, some of you will feel the same way.
It sometimes seems like a chicken and the egg deal when it comes to finding your first job/internship -- employers want someone with experience, but you cant have experience until you have...an employer. So, whats the best idea in this situation? Here are the top 5 ideas for making up for the lack of experience in your resume!
1. Research - Since you are reading this blog, its assumed you have some connection to your university...USE IT! Email professors from your university (even if you are not sure if they will remember or know you) who are possibly doing work in a subject you are interested in. Offer to be their research assistant. Once they know you are doing awesome work, you can let them know that you are interested in a full time position in this subject...chances are, they will have some connection who may help you get your foot in the door! (Next post, I will tell you the best tips in getting research opportunities).
2. Get Out! Out of the Country that is. Either move to a country you wanted to live in, or find a service to help place you in a full time position abroad. Also, read the job bulletins on most job search engines, and apply, apply apply!
3. Create Opportunity ! Find local start-ups, and look at their business model (or what they reveal about it), and see if there is something that you may be able to help them out with. Email as many people from the company, tell them about your suggestions, and small ways in which you believe you may be able to help. Somebody, somewhere can use your help! (Especially if you dont expect money from this however).
4. Fight for a Cause! Work on a project that seems interesting to you. Whether you are raising money for environmental cause in your area, or whether you go to South Africa to help children with AIDS, spend this time doing something you enjoy. That way, when asked in an interview, what you do with your time off, you have an exciting answer ahead!
5. Be there, Everywhere! Look up industry events, or scholarly lectures at local universities, professional organizations, or even on google search, and attend AS many AS YOU CAN! Even if you have to pay to get in (makes sense given that people spend a lot of time on organizing these events and have to pay the speakers), it'll most likely be worth both the knowledge and networking!
Do any one of those things, and take action towards getting ahead. Use your connections wisely, and let everyone know that you are looking for a position! Once you do those things, you are that much closer to riding out these times, and cracking the chicken-and-the-egg problem. Good Luck! Next Post - Getting Research!