<p>When I start at the UW this fall, I'd really like to land a job helping with research; more specifically, I want to help with Electrical or Materials Engineering research. I'm extremely interested in the research going on, and think it would help me a lot on my upper admission application for engineering in a few years time.</p>
<p>I don't think I qualify for work-study, which is a pain, but does anyone have any insight in to how UW works applying for these research positions?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>There are a ton of undergraduate research positions at UW! I know some freshman who landed research gigs before school even started. Visit the undergraduate research webpage and spend some time learning about the various opportunities.</p>
<p>Can you apply for a research even as a freshman? (even without prior experience or being a direct admit into your majOr?</p>
<p>hunbunsgirl02, You can apply for research even as a freshman without prior experience or being a direct admit to your major. I went to an information session on undergraduate research and learned a lot about the process. You basically need to take the initiative to seek out research opportunities, contact the lead professor/researcher, and show genuine interest in the field. You can also participate in research outside of your primary field of study/major, one of the most important things in applying for research opportunity is showing a passion for the topic however. Some research positions have prereqs(classes), but the professor will waive them if a person goes above and beyond to show that they are passionate. I know that I am using “passionate” a lot, but it truly goes a long way.</p>
<p>You could also contact one of the student research administrative people and they would be happy to sit down with you and discuss options.</p>
<p>There’s not really a program to apply to for research, you just find some faculty who are working in your area of interest and ask if they have space for you. You’ll most likely be doing very menial stuff for a year or two, but if you watch others closely, and ask questions about both specific ideas and the principles behind them, you’ll be able to get some good research done while you’re in undergrad.</p>
<p>Undergrad assistants are almost never paid, you’re usually only working ~10 hours/week, if that, and it’s more of an internship. Unlike the way internships are going in other fields, however, in research, you actually WILL learn a ton, be involved and make good connections and networking opportunities.</p>