How do you approach professors?

<p>I am looking for research opportunities this summer since I don't think I'll get into the programs I applied for this summer. </p>

<p>Do I just go to a university website and pick professors to email? Do I ask outright if they have room for me in their lab? Do I list my qualifications in my first email?</p>

<p>I do not know where to begin. If anyone has had any experience, I would greatly appreciate it if you share some advice.</p>

<p>hey! I e-mailed a lot of professors, and just hoped for the best. Actually, I did not end up going with any of the professors I corresponded with, but it is still a great way to land a position. When u e-mail a professor, make sure u know a little about there research. Mention aspects of their research that interest u, to show that u read up on their work (they will like this!). Just give them a brief overview as to why u want to work with them in the summer, and say that u would like to apply for a summer position if there are any openings. Good Luck with ur search, and don't be discouraged if a professor doesn't respind, or briushes u off (I have had many experiences like that).</p>

<p>What do you guys mean about joining them for the summer on their research? Like, if they're doing a project, you'll be there to watch/ note-take/ observe, etc?</p>

<p>I assume help with hands-on research</p>

<p>yeah make sure they will actual let you perform research, and not just sit there and watch grad students!</p>

<p>Would e-mailing actually work? I'd be interested in doing this, but when I go to college I want to major in Econ/Business or Political Science, so I may be out of luck, no science?</p>

<p>You can do research in political science or economics.</p>

<p>How do you know if they're doing a research project? Do you just look up a college in your area & look for the professors? Sorry I'm so clueless!</p>

<p>
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You can do research in political science or economics.

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</p>

<p>Ok, but there seem to be a heck of a lot less opportunities for non-science people. </p>

<p>High</a> School Internships</p>

<p>yeah thats true, but there are opportunities - u just have to look a lot harder than u would for science research.</p>

<p>There are still plenty of opportunities in terms of research for a field outside of science. Even though there aren't structured summer programs, there are still professors at most universities that are doing research in economics or political science. Just spend some time looking</p>

<p>How should I go about researching that? Looking about random professors at schools I'm interested in or ones that are at the top of their field, trying to find out if they have done anything, e-mail them asking if I can help(talking about previous things they have done), etc...</p>

<p>Oh, and why would they pick a random H.S. student over a grad student or undergrad?</p>

<p>^ depends on whether you're asking to get paid or not, maybe?</p>