What To Say To This Professor?

<p>I got an email back from a professor for a research position. He is willing to have a position for me. However, I told him that I could devote 10-15 hours/week over the summer. But he is saying that I wouldnt learn anything over a 10-12 week period. He is saying that at least 1 or 2 semesters is necessary. I agree with this. But if I want to do research over the summer, isnt this like for everybody?</p>

<p>He told me to be realistic and i dont know what to reply. What should i say. I still want to do research under him but he is saying i would be bored and not learn much. Help me please.</p>

<p>Most people who do research over the summer do it full time (40-50 hours/wk). He's right. Doing research for just one summer with only 10-15 hours/wk is quite meaningless.</p>

<p>so what should i say? do it full time?</p>

<p>Full-time over the summers and part time during the school year is the usual arrangement.</p>

<p>wait, even though im not doing research at my "home" school?</p>

<p>Oh. Most students do their research at their home school. I hadn't realized this.</p>

<p>Well. Either he'll take you full-time for the summer, or he won't. The rest is out of your hands.</p>

<p>Is it not as good to do research at another school (UCI) over the summer? Should I still do research if the professor allows me to do it full time over the summer at UCI?</p>

<p>I don't think it's a big deal, except that you won't be able to continue during the semester. It's just harder to get. If he lets you, he'll let you. At this stage -- honestly, I start looking for lab jobs the October before the summer I want to do the work -- take what you can get.</p>

<p>If I want to work with professors in Berkeley starting 2007 Fall Semester, should I be looking/emailing them now?</p>

<p>Goodness, yes. Certainly while you're still on campus and would have a chance to interview/visit.</p>

<p>Of course, you don't have much experience yet. What you do over the summer will help you with landing a job, so if you wanted to do that and then spend next fall looking for a job that would start in the winter/spring, that might make the search easier. The disadvantage is that you'd get less time.</p>