Obtaining Research Experience....?

[nbdyspcl]

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I'm in the middle of a potential career change. I'm a premed, but I fancy the idea of being able to do research in the future.

However, I graduate this year and have zero research experience. I know I'll kick myself in the future if I don't at least try out some research before I start applying to MD schools soon.

So my question is, how can I obtain research experience this late in my studies? I obviously cannot apply for summer research internships anymore, and I've read up on PREP programs only to realize that they're partial to underrepresented students (which I am not). Because my school is not research based, I've been trying to get lab or research jobs at other institutions or companies as well, and so far there's been no luck. I'm getting the impression that the university nearby will not allow me to apply either, since I'm not a student there.

I talked with my advisor about research experience, as well (in case you wanted to point that out), and she pretty much said I only needed a summer internship to get into a PhD grad school. I'm looking more into a dual degree though...
I also asked about any programs that our university offers for some experience, but i haven't heard from her since february (despite multiple attempts).
It's summertime, and my science professors take off during the summer. Should I just try and email them for help right now anyway? However, the last time I sent them an email around this time, I didn't recieve a reply until August...

I'm hitting a brick wall here, and it's pretty frustrating. I'm starting to think that the only way you can do science is if you've got connections that can pull a few strings. Any help would be great.

 

[red doctober]

I'm in the middle of a potential career change. I'm a premed, but I fancy the idea of being able to do research in the future.

However, I graduate this year and have zero research experience. I know I'll kick myself in the future if I don't at least try out some research before I start applying to MD schools soon.

So my question is, how can I obtain research experience this late in my studies? I obviously cannot apply for summer research internships anymore, and I've read up on PREP programs only to realize that they're partial to underrepresented students (which I am not). Because my school is not research based, I've been trying to get lab or research jobs at other institutions or companies as well, and so far there's been no luck. I'm getting the impression that the university nearby will not allow me to apply either, since I'm not a student there.

I talked with my advisor about research experience, as well (in case you wanted to point that out), and she pretty much said I only needed a summer internship to get into a PhD grad school. I'm looking more into a dual degree though...
I also asked about any programs that our university offers for some experience, but i haven't heard from her since february (despite multiple attempts).
It's summertime, and my science professors take off during the summer. Should I just try and email them for help right now anyway? However, the last time I sent them an email around this time, I didn't recieve a reply until August...

I'm hitting a brick wall here, and it's pretty frustrating. I'm starting to think that the only way you can do science is if you've got connections that can pull a few strings. Any help would be great.

You're very unlikely to get a paid position with no experience at all and the likelihood of leaving soon for greener pastures. PIs are not in the business of giving handouts in this sense. They really don't want to take in an inexperienced person and spend a whole bunch of time, money, and effort on training the person just to have him or her walk out of the door a year or two later. It's unfortunate that you realized a possible interest in research after undergrad where undergrad summer research opportunities are widely available.

You do have some options if you really want to do this though. First, some labs might take you in as a "volunteer" where you'll have the similar duties as an undergrad would have. They won't be compensating you, but you won't have the responsibilities and expectations of a paid technician. There are plenty of masters programs out there that focus on completing a research thesis and wouldn't necessarily require previous experience to get in to. There are other post-bacc research programs out there if you just look hard enough (do some of your own investigating.)

If you get into medical school, you will have the opportunity to perform research, whether it being required by the school, taking a year off to do a scholarly project, or just performing a small project after M1. Some MD/PhD programs accept 1st and 2nd year med students into their program.

If your goal is an MD/PhD, you're going to need to demonstrate a stronger desire to do research than just "fancying the idea." Most MD/PhD applicants have at least one year of research experience with multiple years of experience being the norm. If you're hoping to apply this cycle, MD/PhD is pretty much out of the question. If you really want to get into med school soon, I'd suggest applying only to MD/DO and trying out research while there.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

If I understand things correctly, you're going to be a senior starting in August, correct?

The best you can do right now is a thesis. Cold call professors and ask them if you can do an honors thesis in their lab (I assume that since you're considering med school you qualify for the honors program at your university). Keep in mind that the professors who you've had for classes are likely to be the mere tip of the research iceberg at your school. The vast majority of PIs do not teach undergrad (many don't teach at all) and are best located through the graduate school's faculty website. And these are probably the best PIs to do work with, since they're very focused on research and will be in the lab most of the time. Many undergrad professors don't do research (from the sound of it none of yours do since they're leaving the university for the summer), and the ones that do tend to be extremely busy such that you'll rarely ever see them in the lab (not good for future LORs).

Also keep in mind you can always work as a lab tech after you finish undergrad. You don't need any prior research experience either, although it definitely helps get you hired. This is what a lot of people do when they need to buff up their research background or get more LORs.

Also, your adviser doesn't sound very knowledgeable if she thinks that a single summer research experience will get you into a PhD program. It could happen, but it's very unlikely. I would actually think that it would be easier to get into an MD/PhD program with a summer of research than a PhD program since at least MD/PhD programs look at other things besides research. PhD programs, on the other hand, rarely ever have a place on their applications for any activities other than research. Furthermore, a high MCAT can really help you get into an MD/PhD program, but a high GRE score does little to boost your chances of getting into a PhD program. That said, MD/PhD programs are obviously much harder to get into and you're right to be wanting a lot more than just a summer of research experience.

 

[nbdyspcl]

You're very unlikely to get a paid position with no experience at all and the likelihood of leaving soon for greener pastures. PIs are not in the business of giving handouts in this sense. They really don't want to take in an inexperienced person and spend a whole bunch of time, money, and effort on training the person just to have him or her walk out of the door a year or two later. It's unfortunate that you realized a possible interest in research after undergrad where undergrad summer research opportunities are widely available.

You do have some options if you really want to do this though. First, some labs might take you in as a "volunteer" where you'll have the similar duties as an undergrad would have. They won't be compensating you, but you won't have the responsibilities and expectations of a paid technician. There are plenty of masters programs out there that focus on completing a research thesis and wouldn't necessarily require previous experience to get in to. There are other post-bacc research programs out there if you just look hard enough (do some of your own investigating.)

If you get into medical school, you will have the opportunity to perform research, whether it being required by the school, taking a year off to do a scholarly project, or just performing a small project after M1. Some MD/PhD programs accept 1st and 2nd year med students into their program.

If your goal is an MD/PhD, you're going to need to demonstrate a stronger desire to do research than just "fancying the idea." Most MD/PhD applicants have at least one year of research experience with multiple years of experience being the norm. If you're hoping to apply this cycle, MD/PhD is pretty much out of the question. If you really want to get into med school soon, I'd suggest applying only to MD/DO and trying out research while there.

Thank you. I am aware of the amount of research experience needed to apply now. I've decided that I don't want to start applying for MD just yet, not until I am sure that a PhD is out of the question. I really don't want to go to medical school only to later drop it just because I figured out during my time there that research may be more to my liking.

My goal has always been to be able to help patients to the best of my abilities. I think I will try volunteering in labs. Thanks again! 🙂

 

[nbdyspcl]

If I understand things correctly, you're going to be a senior starting in August, correct?

The best you can do right now is a thesis. Cold call professors and ask them if you can do an honors thesis in their lab (I assume that since you're considering med school you qualify for the honors program at your university). Keep in mind that the professors who you've had for classes are likely to be the mere tip of the research iceberg at your school. The vast majority of PIs do not teach undergrad (many don't teach at all) and are best located through the graduate school's faculty website. And these are probably the best PIs to do work with, since they're very focused on research and will be in the lab most of the time. Many undergrad professors don't do research (from the sound of it none of yours do since they're leaving the university for the summer), and the ones that do tend to be extremely busy such that you'll rarely ever see them in the lab (not good for future LORs).

Also keep in mind you can always work as a lab tech after you finish undergrad. You don't need any prior research experience either, although it definitely helps get you hired. This is what a lot of people do when they need to buff up their research background or get more LORs.

Also, your adviser doesn't sound very knowledgeable if she thinks that a single summer research experience will get you into a PhD program. It could happen, but it's very unlikely. I would actually think that it would be easier to get into an MD/PhD program with a summer of research than a PhD program since at least MD/PhD programs look at other things besides research. PhD programs, on the other hand, rarely ever have a place on their applications for any activities other than research. Furthermore, a high MCAT can really help you get into an MD/PhD program, but a high GRE score does little to boost your chances of getting into a PhD program. That said, MD/PhD programs are obviously much harder to get into and you're right to be wanting a lot more than just a summer of research experience.

Yes, this coming year will be my last year.

I've arranged for a student-directed research project with my chemistry professor and will probably take on another one in the spring with a bio prof. So I guess that's a start?

I agree that my advisor was wrong in telling me I only needed a summer's worth of research experience. Considering that she is a biology professor, she may have been outdated in telling me that, and I'm a little upset about the fact that I've been delayed in my plans. 🙁

Thanks for the info. I've been scouring the web about research as a career and trying to reach outside my circle for more information, so it's extremely helpful!

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Yes, this coming year will be my last year.

I've arranged for a student-directed research project with my chemistry professor and will probably take on another one in the spring with a bio prof. So I guess that's a start?

I agree that my advisor was wrong in telling me I only needed a summer's worth of research experience. Considering that she is a biology professor, she may have been outdated in telling me that, and I'm a little upset about the fact that I've been delayed in my plans. 🙁

Thanks for the info. I've been scouring the web about research as a career and trying to reach outside my circle for more information, so it's extremely helpful!

I would stick with one professor if I were you. You're more likely to get something significant done that way than if you switched labs. If you were thinking of working in two labs simultaneously...don't. Remember, you want great LORs out of any research experiences you get, and that's best done by putting in crazy hours at a lab. When you come in early, stay late, and work hard your effort gets noticed and PIs respect that kind of work ethic. It's much better to concentrate your time and effort in one lab and get a great LOR than to split your time and energy between two labs and get two mediocre LORs. Not to mention that the faster you progress on a project the better your chances of getting something significant out of it by the time you're forced to quit.

Remember, you can always lab tech if you need more research experience after college.

 

[nbdyspcl]

I would stick with one professor if I were you. You're more likely to get something significant done that way than if you switched labs. If you were thinking of working in two labs simultaneously...don't. Remember, you want great LORs out of any research experiences you get, and that's best done by putting in crazy hours at a lab. When you come in early, stay late, and work hard your effort gets noticed and PIs respect that kind of work ethic. It's much better to concentrate your time and effort in one lab and get a great LOR than to split your time and energy between two labs and get two mediocre LORs. Not to mention that the faster you progress on a project the better your chances of getting something significant out of it by the time you're forced to quit.

Remember, you can always lab tech if you need more research experience after college.

Great point. Thank you so much.