fresh undergrad asking for a RA post from professors

[nike]

Hi all. I am newbie here, and nice to meet you all.

Firstly I am an oversea student from Hong Kong. Are you guys all studying/working in America? I need some expert advices from you guys as I am new to research stuffs and PhD things like that....and I think you guys could probably help me out.

back to topic, I will be pursuing my Master in Comp Lit. in Hong Kong next academic year, and I desperately want a Research Assistant post along with my Master study as I believe it would help me gain some experience in that area and somehow facilitate my PhD application 2 years later. I didn't have any research experience before. The question is what are you guys suggestions on how to ask for a RA post from professors? Should I just direct email them and ask them if they are looking for a RA? Are professors willing to recruit me if I am just a fresh undergraduate student with formerly no research background? I appreciate any advice : )

[Dontuse]

Although this depends greatly on the professor her or himself I would go with directly emailing your target.

But, in doing so, be completely clear & honest. Inform the professor that you are brand new, wet behind the ears to the field. Frankly, some labs like & encourage first-timers to join in their research efforts. Others? Not so much. You won't find out unless you ask.

Also be open. Let whoever you correspond with know that you are aware of your shortcomings (& understand the difficulties this may impose). If you end up asking to join the lab of a professor who has a distinct preference of students with major backgrounds in his/her scientific work be sure to ask if she/he knows of other professors who are looking for help.

[nike]

Thanks for your suggestion Dontuse : )

[sonofcioran]

You seem to write English quite well for an Asian language speaker (no offense to Asians, that just a tough transition). Have you considered e-mailing the professors in English and Chinese? Also, if you're bilingual, mention that to them.

Hell, you even got the slang like newbie right. Color me impressed.

[nike]

You seem to write English quite well for an Asian language speaker (no offense to Asians, that just a tough transition). Have you considered e-mailing the professors in English and Chinese? Also, if you're bilingual, mention that to them.

Hell, you even got the slang like newbie right. Color me impressed.

I am flattered : )

actually my English is not that good, at least not fluent in speaking and listening, but I love its language, it motivates me to move on

I am not sure (and it really concerns me) if it is a strong point as having Chinese language when applying PhD is US. Most university's websites I've seen that the second languages they require are mostly western ones like Greek, Spanish, German, French whatever....... : (