Research experience?

[HopefulFutureSLP2016]

I know that research experience looks good on grad school applications, but how exactly can I get experience? Would volunteering to be a participant in a study look good or do you actually have to volunteer to assist the researchers with their study? Sorry, this may be a dumb question but I'm looking for ways to boost my resume/applications!

[jmk]

If you are looking to participate in studies, I would contact the Psych or kinesiology programs at your school. 

At my school (which is not a research oriented school, btw) some professors take on undergraduate research assistants if the professor is still actively performing research. The positions are usually not heavily advertised- I would look and see if any professors are doing research, then email them and set up an advising appointment to talk with them about their research. You may have to do other things such as submit a resume, schedule an additional interview with the professor after you have talked with them about their research, or complete a short course about research ethics through your university (Mine has a one time 2 hour online course requirement). Usually professors will ask what your research background is, what skills you bring as a researcher, and your future research goals. 

Personally, at this stage of the game, I would not make much of an effort to get involved unless it was for purely personal gain. Most students, at least in my program, go on to work with the professor for multiple semesters, and usually end up doing an independent project or undergrad thesis from their experience. 

I personally chose not to get involved with research after exploring the option and realizing that my interests were more clinical. 

If you are looking for a "quick" resume booster, why not volunteer in a pediatric clinic, or as a literacy tutor? 

 

 

Edited December 1, 2015 by jmk