<p>I'm a freshman electrical engineering major at (a large university in NC) wondering if it is a good idea to start research. I went down to the office and talked to one of the coordinators, who sent me this e-mail today...</p>
<hr>
<p>(Buck50),
I talked with (a professor at my school whos research interests include Nanoelectronics and Photonics including III - V Materials and Devices, Nanotechnology, Silicon Devices and Fabrication) about the possibility of you working with
his lab in doing undergraduate research. He felt that he would be able
to work with you and help you develop an independent project that would
get you started. You will need to contact him to arrange a time to
discuss your interests and the opportunity that he is offering. He told
me that he usually has Thursdays from 1-3 pm available to meet and every
other Friday afternoon. He is included on this email so that both of
you will be receiving the same information and to make it easier to
contact (aforementioned professor). His phone is (555-5555). Please let me know how the
meeting goes!</p>
<h2>Have a great weekend!</h2>
<p>So my question to all of you is should I take it? Too much too ealy? I've never really done research before but it seems like it would be interesting and a good resume builder (if so, to what extent?). What are the advantages and disadvantages of UG research? Will research experience give me a leg up when applying for co-ops, grad school (for a terminal Masters), internships, jobs, etc? Comments, opinions, and suggestions are appreciated!</p>
<p>If he feels your up to it, do it. The more undergraduate research experience the better. Usually its 2nd year over here that most students look for undergraduate research.</p>
<p>In high school, I took Pre-Cal, Statistics I and II, Physics I and II, and Chemistry I (but I don't remember much of it). I am currently in Calc I.</p>
<p>However, the school that I attended was challenging (a 2-year residential school, kinda like college) and I am pretty good at managing my time. </p>
<p>Any more thoughts? Any input is very helpful.</p>
<p>Research experience is definitely a wonderful thing but I think theory is also very important,especially mathematics. At first,you may think it is not practical but later you'll find how powerful it is.</p>
<p>A solid math background can help you greatly in the long run. Why not spend more time on math?</p>
<p>Pounce on it. Its usually not easy to find these positions (especially at my school). This will help you tremendously if you apply to graduate school.</p>
<p>Also, if you have ANY interest in graduate school, I strong suggest sticking with it throughout your UG career. I know a few kids who turned their 4 years of UG work into a quick Masters or the basis of their PhD.</p>
<p>I think that I will try it out for a little while to see if I can handle it as well as school work, campus organizations, etc. I am scheduling to meet with the professor around Thursday. I am fairly sure that I can maintain a balance, but we shall see.</p>
<p>Also, do you guys have any suggestions for me when approaching him? By this I mean researching him, knowing exactly why I wan to do research, etc.? Any other little things that I should keep in mind, mention, or find out from him when we meet? Any comments or suggestions are once again very appreciated.</p>
<p>Just make sure that it doesn't eat into the time you need for studies. Engineering majors are usually pretty demanding and many freshman students have some trouble adjusting from high-school.</p>
<p>From comments here, undergrad research seems a great opportunity. What is a typical time commitment for UG research work? I'm guessing 5-10 hours per week. I've heard that academic credit is normally available. How many hours per week of research work is typically required for a credit?</p>
<p>It's typically like the "expected" workload of any other class. 1 credit per 3 hours a week. If you're on one of the schools that uses units (typical class is 9 units), then 9 units of research = 9 hours of work a week.</p>
<p>I would definitely take it. It's a fantastic opportunity even if you don't get to do anything.</p>
<p>I took on a research job this past summer even though I'm in high school. I didn't have as much to do as the grad students around me (that's an understatement), but I learned a lot and it looks great on a resume.</p>