I can't seem to get any research experience

[TooMuchPressure]

I've emailed about 40-50 professors in different fields and either they don't respond or they tell me they don't have any space. I even had one guy tell me that he only accepts the best 3 students in his class out of 300. Now I'll be honest, I don't have much to offer that other students can't, I'm just a regular student looking for some research experience. Also, I frankly don't care what research I'm doing. I can wash lab material all day. People keep telling me find research you enjoy when I can't even find research I don't enjoy. What do I do?

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[rilte4]

What do your emails to them say?

 

[g2603]

Maybe you could reach out to some institutions and ask about research opportunities or internships/volunteering? I was able to do some volunteering as a research assistant at a marine station--not that I am interested at all in marine biology. Also, I was able to find a research institute online that offers internships to students who pass the required courses with an average grade (though space is limited). Coincidentally, this research institute was affiliated with my school and even offers quarterly grants to their interns. You can always try online or find out if there are any places that offer research opportunities through your school.

 

[Ismet]

What do your emails to them say?

Second this question. If your email is more than a couple lines, a portion of the lack of response is likely due to the professor not even reading the email.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

I use as a template which just says i'm a senior interested in their research give them a brief description of what they do so they know i somewhat understand what they are researching and ask if there is a position. I GOT THE TEMPLATE OFF OF SDN TOO.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

When I say brief description i literally mean 1 sentence. I tell them my major, year, why im interested, all in all its like 2-4 sentences max.

 

[rilte4]

I use as a template which just says i'm a senior interested in their research give them a brief description of what they do so they know i somewhat understand what they are researching and ask if there is a position. I GOT THE TEMPLATE OFF OF SDN TOO.

It's because you're a senior. Most PIs won't give you the time of day, let alone put in the time to train you, unless they know you will be around for another two years (at least).

 

[TooMuchPressure]

It's because you're a senior. Most PIs won't give you the time of day, let alone put in the time to train you, unless they know you will be around for another two years (at least).

What's the solution to this?

 

[691622]

I had the same issue at my undergraduate institution as well. Going in person might be a better option. Since you're a senior, just like me, you can ask about summer research gigs. If your undergraduate school doesn't let you, try other schools or back home where you live once you graduate.

 

[BurghMed]

Agree with the above. No point in wasting time on a senior who isn't going to stick with them for the long haul. It might be helpful to be upfront about your intentions (say, interested in working for one summer, for example, as amatar suggests), or that you'll do it for absolutely no pay at all, if you're able.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

I'm running out of professors to ask lol.

 

[Ismet]

I'm running out of professors to ask lol.

No harm in politely asking again. I had to remind a letter writer 3 times to write and submit my letter. People forget.

 

[order66.exe]

I've emailed about 40-50 professors in different fields and either they don't respond or they tell me they don't have any space. I even had one guy tell me that he only accepts the best 3 students in his class out of 300. Now I'll be honest, I don't have much to offer that other students can't, I'm just a regular student looking for some research experience. Also, I frankly don't care what research I'm doing. I can wash lab material all day. People keep telling me find research you enjoy when I can't even find research I don't enjoy. What do I do?

Have you tried humanities or psych professors? What about clinical research? The finite amount of bench positions are often eaten up by premeds and future grad students.

 

[yeasureyoubetcha]

Take a look at some of their publications. If you're at a massive Uni I could see it being tough. I'd try to catch them during their office hours after reading up a little on what they do. It might come off more sincere than an email, and you're standing right in front of them so they cant really ignore that the way an email can be ignored. They may even be able to point you in a direction of someone who has an opening. Department admins are pretty good about this too.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

It's probably because you're a senior.

My PI told me straight that he doesn't want someone who isn't going to commit to the lab for a few years.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

No harm in politely asking again. I had to remind a letter writer 3 times to write and submit my letter. People forget.

Take a look at some of their publications. If you're at a massive Uni I could see it being tough. I'd try to catch them during their office hours after reading up a little on what they do. It might come off more sincere than an email, and you're standing right in front of them so they cant really ignore that the way an email can be ignored. They may even be able to point you in a direction of someone who has an opening. Department admins are pretty good about this too.

I went to the department of undergrad research they told me to find a professor.

 

[Glandzburg]

It's definitely the fact that you are a senior. It usually takes an entire semester just to get you up to speed with the methods and theory, and then you're almost gone. PI's see this as a waste of time. I agree with the suggestion to look for full-time summer research internships.

 

[Lawpy]

I've emailed about 40-50 professors in different fields and either they don't respond or they tell me they don't have any space. I even had one guy tell me that he only accepts the best 3 students in his class out of 300. Now I'll be honest, I don't have much to offer that other students can't, I'm just a regular student looking for some research experience. Also, I frankly don't care what research I'm doing. I can wash lab material all day. People keep telling me find research you enjoy when I can't even find research I don't enjoy. What do I do?

I use as a template which just says i'm a senior interested in their research give them a brief description of what they do so they know i somewhat understand what they are researching and ask if there is a position. I GOT THE TEMPLATE OFF OF SDN TOO.

If you plan to stick around, just tell them you will remain in their lab for a year or two after graduation. Otherwise, look somewhere else.

 

[Ismet]

I went to the department of undergrad research they told me to find a professor.

I mean asking the professors you already asked. I've lost track of how many dozens of emails to faculty went unanswered until I sent a follow-up reminder. They get a ton of email every day, and I guarantee you're not the only one asking for a research position.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

It's definitely the fact that you are a senior. It usually takes an entire semester just to get you up to speed with the methods and theory, and then you're almost gone. PI's see this as a waste of time. I agree with the suggestion to look for full-time summer research internships.

How do I get involved in a full-time summer research internship?

 

[Terry Toma]

Have you tried looking outside of hard sciences? I've done some work with kinesiology professors. There is even an architecture prof at my school who researches the impact of design decisions on health. If you can get off the beaten path, you might find a good opportunity.

Also, bringing money to the table, or at least showing an interest in attempting to do so, can really help. My most effective research pickup line was "I am interested in learning about the process of applying for NIH funding, and I would be very interested in completing an application as part of my work with you." My school also offers undergrad research grants occasionally. Check to see if your school has something similar.

 

[trini818]

Everyone is right about the senior thing. Come to LA, if you are not here already. I will teach you. 🙂 Also, there are the summer programs that you need to apply for that may take you. My institution has one. I have mentored 5 summer students from this program. Just keep looking...

 

[Enginerd2016]

I'd say that it's because you haven't asked them in person. It is SO easy to ignore an email. It is harder to ignore someone that asks you to your face. My 2 cents.

 

[TooMuchPressure]

Everyone is right about the senior thing. Come to LA, if you are not here already. I will teach you. 🙂 Also, there are the summer programs that you need to apply for that may take you. My institution has one. I have mentored 5 summer students from this program. Just keep looking...

How much is a plane ticket from the east coast?

 

[Ismet]

How much is a plane ticket from the east coast?

Google is your friend

 

[TooMuchPressure]

See you in 7 hours pal

 

[trini818]

I really enjoy teaching and my PI is a thoracic surgeon, so it is a win/win situation. I would definitely take any soul in who really wanted to learn. 😀 You will find a lab. Just be persistent.