How to start research for graduate students

From my experience, there are several ways to look for research experience:

  • The approach I use, ask professors directly. 
  • Check department website for research opportunity.
  • Some school have programs helping students to do research. Join those programs if possible.
I will use myself as an example to expand a little bit on the first approach.
  1. Find something that interest you. You don't have to understand it super well, because the chances are you couldn't. But do some research on this topic is important.
  2. Learn professors' field of study and interests. Once you get in the master program, it's time to start looking for research opportunities. You can ask classmates/professors to collect some information. 
  3. Talk to the professors you want to work with. The key is to spread the words and let others know you want to do research. Even if some professors don't need a student at the moment, they may refer you to other professors, or remember you next semester when they want somebody to join the team.
  4. Decide the topic to work on once you find your mentor. It is important to match the interest, but also be flexible. It is beneficial to learn something new. 
  5. Work on the project. High chances are you will start from some reading, this may take a long time. Take notes on what you learn along the way, you will find them helpful in the future. If you luckily find something new you can do, congratulations!
Doing research is not easy. It is important to have confidence in yourself, and communicate with your mentor frequently.

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