<p>Looking for specific suggestions on how UG students obtain research opportunities particularly in COE (or the physical sciences).
Son is concluding first year MATE. He approached his department chair, who is likewise his academic advisor, this quarter but he felt sort of “shot down”.
Some universities have a centralized office which works to UG match students with research positions. I didn’t see where CP or COE has any point of contact like that. It appears that students have to cold contact individual faculty to enquire about these sorts of opportunities.
Any suggestions from those who have successfully sought out research positions in the past?</p>
<p>My freshman son is doing research (chemistry) . It was one of those situations where he was in the right place at the right time and had the same interest as the research project being worked on (unknown to him when he discussed his interests and future plans with his adviser). He was told it was quite unusual for freshmen to be doing research. </p>
<p>I would have your son attend the summer internship fair which starts about two weeks after the beginning of Fall quarter. Make the rounds and talk with his advisers who most likely will be there (as well as others) That’s what my son did (and he was only at the internship fair to check it out, not apply, yet ended up getting into a discussion with his adviser, finding out about the research project, interviewing and being selected for research by his adviser). </p>
<p>As MLM stated above, it’s rare that freshmen will get a research position, because they haven’t had much experience yet, and also the lack of research opportunities at the school. I do know of a few freshmen who have research position but they talked to their professors individually about it. I would advise your son do the same, the professors are actually quite helpful.</p>
<p>If you don’t get anything now, tell him not to be too discouraged. It’s part of the nature of being an underclassmen. Most of the opportunities are usually taken by upperclassmen who have have more knowledge and need the experience before their jobs.</p>
<p>It is possible to get internships or research positions as a freshmen, but it takes some work and being proactive to get them. Have your son discuss with his professors about possibilities or references. </p>
<p>As a current freshmen in the college of engineering, I don’t have a research position, but I do have an internship lined up for the summer. It took many months of work and going to the career fair a few times to get used to interviews and talking to companies. </p>
<p>One thing I figured out in my months of looking for an internship, is that just because one person can’t help you, DO NOT stop looking! Ask, Ask, Ask, Apply, Apply, Apply, and Ask again… your son CAN find a research position if he is persistent in his search!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Dear GunnerDad, </p>
<p>I am in that department at CP and was able to earn a research internship after my sophomore year with the direct help of the person I am guessing he spoke with. As others have said, it may just be that he needs to wait a year to earn one. Sophomore classes in MATE are more rigorous and are likely the first real opportunity he will have to show his academic “chops” in a MATE classroom as the first year is primarily project-based with little writing/researching. In my case, I know that my effort & performance in one of the department chair’s classes sophomore year was the reason she was willing to vouch for me. </p>
<p>Feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:Vaialation1232@yahoo.com">Vaialation1232@yahoo.com</a> if you have any specific questions. </p>