Prince:Applying for a Research Position

Undergraduates
Undergraduates have the distinct opportunity to participate in meaningful research at BYU, and it can be wonderful or painful depending on how good a fit you are for the research position.

How to go about securing a research position:

 * 1) Learn about some professors and their research
 * 2) * Ask some students in the lab what they work on.
 * 3) * Read the professor's web site.
 * 4) * Read/skim some papers from the lab.
 * 5) * Does the lab have good funding (if you are very interested in paid positions)?
 * 6) * Does this topic area interest me?
 * 7) * Are these the kinds of skills I'd like to develop?
 * 8) * Perhaps talk directly with the professor about their research.
 * 9) Make your case to the professor (in writing and in person) that you would like to join the lab
 * 10) * What skills do I have or am I developing? [If you have substantial skills, you can probably get a paid position from the beginning]  How will these benefit the lab?  Do I have a unique skill or perspective?
 * 11) * How much do I know about this professor's research? Why do I want to work for them?
 * 12) * Am I willing to volunteer for a time until I gain some skills?
 * 13) * How motivated am I?
 * 14) * How will this research help me achieve my long-term goals?
 * 15) * Can I do research for class credit?
 * 16) * Is there a project I'm already interested in? Can I get funding for it? (ORCA, Undergraduate Research Awards)
 * 17) * Do I have a resume prepared?