How do you change labs without offending anybody??

[jeniffer lopez]

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Hey guys,
I just wanted to know whether you could tell me how to tell your faculty advisor that you want to work in a different project with some other professor. I do not want him to think that I don't appreciate his help (I have been with him for about a year and a half) but the other project is more appealing to me. I need to leave in good terms so that he can eventually write a good letter of rec for me.
😕

 

[canadagirl]

Personally, I just told the first prof that I wanted to try something new, so that I could learn better what I was interested in. I told him that I really appreciated his support, the opportunities he gave me, etc, which is very true. He didn't mind; we're still on good terms, he writes me references. 🙂 I think profs understand that undergrads often need to have a wide variety of experiences to be able to better make decisions in the future!

 

[Neuronix]

Yeah that's a tough thing to have to do unless there is a glaring reason for it. You gotta be honest with them, let them know you're leaving because you want to get a broader range of experience, and that you've had a wonderful time in their lab and have appreciated their mentorship.

The thing I want to add is that it may be impossible to leave without ticking your PI off. Undoubtedly, he or she has invested money and time training you, and often they do invest in undergraduates hoping for a payoff later as they gain skills. Now the investment on you will go to another PI. I would definately keep that in mind as you weigh the decision to leave.

This isn't to say I don't understand your point of view. I certainly do. Good luck!