I attend a community college which doesn’t offer any of the majors im interested in (sociology and psychology). Once i transfer to a university i plan to major in psychology but I’ve really been getting into sociology this semester and i want to get a more in depth sense of the field in terms of research and all that. although, this is the first sociology class i have ever taken so i have to admit, i don’t know much about it.
In terms of a “Job” im looking for anything. Such as a volunteer, lab assistant, intern, whatever i can get my hands on. Going to a community college is not giving me enough opportunities to find a job working in this field like many universities offer positions working with professors.
Today the professor told the class he was looking for an assistant and asked if anybody had a work study. I’m not sure if he was joking though. Im afraid to ask him for this type of job because 1) i dont talk in class, and 2) i dont have any experience in sociology. There are 30 students in this class but he does teach multiple classes a week. Advice please? im not looking for a paid job just something to get experience in the field.
Take the initiative! Opportunities and jobs will not go to you until you go to them.
You could email the professor asking about whether he has any opportunities for students interested in sociology like you. Make sure to express that you are very eager to learn and committed to the workload- maybe mention why sociology has interested you and why you would like to learn more/gain more experience. The email should be formal, and at the end of the email you could also mention that if he doesn’t have any opportunities, is there anyone else on campus that would have available opportunities. Also remember to inquire about whether he has time outside of class to meet/interview with you about the opportunity.
A resume wouldn’t hurt either.
And don’t worry about not having any experience in sociology! Most students who start out in labs/research don’t know much about the field aside from the basic things you might learn in high school, and professors will know that.
You can also google plenty of online resources and advice pages for students looking to get involved with research and the field.
I have tried google but i cant find any online resources that would benefit me, unless i am attending a university. Would it be best to email him or go to his office hours?
Go in person. You will feel awkward, that’s normal. And yes, sociology is really cool and most people don’t know that going into it. If you can communicate your appreciation of the new worldview it’s given you, you’ll have a great chance at the job. (Sociology PhD who had similar experience in first semester of CC)
If you have work study, go ahead and ask.
I checked off work study on my fafsa but i have never done a work study. Does that mean i have it?
You would have been notified in your financial aid letter if you did. Your college may not have given it to you.
Any ideas on what i should say to the professor? I want to be prepared and sound professional when i’m asking him. Should i say something like “I was wondering if you knew of any student opportunities” ?
Did you figure out if you have work study? He had no money for the position he mentioned, he is looking for someone funded via work study. You could still ask if he know of other non-work study positions, though.
Given this, I would think whether or not you have work study is irrelevant for obtaining that position.