How to tell my research lab that I'm leaving?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I've been at my research lab for a year now, and am working in it throughout this summer. At the end of the summer, I will be transferring universities. I really enjoy working with my mentor, and I know she'll be extremely shocked and upset to hear that I'm leaving. She has all these independent projects planned out for me and she'll often mention her future experiments involving me and I feel bad that she spent so much time training me only to have me leave partway through. </p>

<p>Changing schools was a very difficult and personal decision for me, and leaving this lab will make it all the harder. The lab was easily the highlight of my time at this school. I had the opportunity to be involved in some truly cutting-edge research. However, I do not enjoy my academic or social experience here, and I need a more tight-knit school as well as a change of scenery. </p>

<p>I don't know when the most appropriate time is to break the news to my mentor and PI. Two weeks before the end of summer seems too abrupt, but any time earlier might change the dynamic and make things awkward for us. I also am unsure of the best way to phrase the reasons why I'm leaving. I don't want to tell them that I don't like my current school, as that doesn't seem professional. I'll also definitely need letters of recommendation, so I'd like to leave on the best terms possible. </p>

<p>So basically, when should I tell them? What should I say? (I'll need to rehearse... I'm so nervous already!) </p>

<p>Sigh... I really hate good-byes.</p>

2

<p>

Sooner is better than later.</p>

3

<p>“Changing schools was a very difficult and personal decision for me, and leaving this lab will make it all the harder. The lab was easily the highlight of my time at this school. I had the opportunity to be involved in some truly cutting-edge research. However, I do not enjoy my academic or social experience here, and I need a more tight-knit school as well as a change of scenery.”</p>

<p>That just about covers it.</p>

<p>But sooner, rather than later, is the way to go. Your PI needs to find someone to take over your projects, and may prefer that there is a bit of an overlap between you and the new person so that you can help train that person.</p>

4

<p>I don’t feel emotionally prepared to tell them right now; plus, I want to confirm 100% my enrollment with the other school first.
What about a one month notice? Would that suffice in your opinions?</p>