<p>I'm wondering what kind of research opportunities or internships first/second years can get. Do they normally participate, or do they focus mainly on their studies? </p>
<p>I'm curious because I'm assuming that most people in their first/second years haven't taken some of the more advanced coursework that is the basis of most university research, and I'm wondering how involved they actually get. Same goes for internships--will companies want people who haven't even declared their majors? This is a general question, but I'm specifically interested in computer science, if that helps.</p>
<p>hey doc,
yep there are options for 1/2 years without question especially in compsci.</p>
<p>here are research opportunities specifically in compsci.
[Undergraduate</a> Research Involvement Program: Department of Computer Science](<a href=“http://www.engineering.columbia.edu/urip/pages/opportunities/cs/index.html]Undergraduate”>http://www.engineering.columbia.edu/urip/pages/opportunities/cs/index.html)</p>
<p>there are some prereqs that are as you note for some labs, but others are more open ended and definitely look for just about anyone.</p>
<p>beyond this, a lot of the action at columbia is how you sell yourself, many columbia students have convinced profs that they can handle it, and though it is more daunting without the prereqs so much of research is learning in the fly for almost any discipline (coming from someone who has done science and social science research while in college). so if you find a project in the lot that you find interesting, you should have the gaul to say “hi prof, i know i am not quite there, but i want to be, and think working with you and more advanced students is the way to get there.” and they often respect that you’ve asked which makes them want to give you a shot.</p>
<p>same with internships. but consider if you start researching right away - then internships will love the work you’ve already accomplished. so the earlier you start, the more aggressive (without being a turn off) you are is in relation to the opportunities you will have.</p>
<p>academics are pretty brash people themselves (once upon a time they were the 19 yo trying to sneak into the compsci research group) so they respect people who have that attitude, but can come across without absurd self-promotion.</p>
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<p>This isn’t really true. Most university research is highly specialized, and a smart and hard-working person can pick up on it by learning the fundamentals behind that highly specialized research. By taking some junior level course, you don’t all of the sudden become able to jump into a research lab and have the fundamentals needed to begin doing research.</p>
<p>c02, if you have never heard of a 1/2 year columbia student (particularly in SEAS) ever research, okay than say so. yes research is specialized, but i know for fact kids in cs who have done research in seas as 1/2 years. were they anomolies, yes! but they were awesome kids who were not bashful and wanted that experience. were they freaking out? as well, but they picked up the pace very quickly.</p>
<p>saying such a statement like “This isn’t really true” when in fact you mean to say “I’ve never heard of this” is just an example of your inability to say what you really mean.</p>
<p>columbia2002 is entirely correct though.</p>
<p>i researched under two different physics profs first year, so it’s not hard. sending emails out is all that’s necessary. but it helps to take the advanced first year track in whatever field it is to show interest/competence.</p>
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<p>No, it’s not really true. It’s an incorrect statement. It’s not correct that “i’ve never heard of this.” I did research my freshman year – the main obstacle isn’t that you haven’t had junior level coursework.</p>