Question about finding an advisor

[Hamperton]

I feel kind of clueless. I will be starting in the Fall for a MS in Mechanical Engineering. Are we "expected" to have an advisor before school starts? I asked the department advisor, and he said we need an advisor by the the end of the first year, but I'm not sure what a normal timeline is.

I'd prefer to wait until school starts so I can speak with potential advisors in person, but maybe it's expected to find an advisor earlier.

This year I have a TA position. If next year I want an RA position, that would probably be with my advisor? Is it weird to work in a lab other than your advisor's?

I feel really unprepared, and I don't know what to expect. Thanks for the help.

[MathCat]

This depends a lot on the department and the field. I don't think we can answer this for you - ask the department advisor these specific questions. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification.

[rising_star]

Does your department have a graduate handbook? It should. And you should consult it to see what the expectations are for having an advisor, how RA positions are assigned, etc.