Working at your POI's lab

[purplemonster]

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What do you guys think about working at a lab that you will be applying to for grad school -- especially if the prof already knows that you are interested in applying?
I have heard stories that speak to both pros and cons of this and wanted to know if anyone has a personal perspective on this. Although I think it might be good personally to get a feel for the lab before applying, I am also afraid that it might come off as pushy or clingy (when the prof knows that you will be applying to his/her lab)? And also, I don't know whether that would be a wise choice given that if I do get accepted I will be at this lab for 5+ years anyways.


Also, if you know for a fact that the professor's lab manager or research assistant is also applying to the lab for grad school, would you be inclined to apply? In my previous lab, most of the grad students were also RAs in the lab during their undergrad years. However, I am unsure if this is the case for most labs too. If this is the case I want to rule this school out from my toptop choice (of course I will still apply, but will not get my hopes up too high!) 🙁

I am currently experiencing both situations in two different schools. Of course, each situation will be different, but I would like to know what others think!

 

[phillips101]

What do you guys think about working at a lab that you will be applying to for grad school -- especially if the prof already knows that you are interested in applying?
I have heard stories that speak to both pros and cons of this and wanted to know if anyone has a personal perspective on this. Although I think it might be good personally to get a feel for the lab before applying, I am also afraid that it might come off as pushy or clingy (when the prof knows that you will be applying to his/her lab)? And also, I don't know whether that would be a wise choice given that if I do get accepted I will be at this lab for 5+ years anyways.


Also, if you know for a fact that the professor's lab manager or research assistant is also applying to the lab for grad school, would you be inclined to apply? In my previous lab, most of the grad students were also RAs in the lab during their undergrad years. However, I am unsure if this is the case for most labs too. If this is the case I want to rule this school out from my toptop choice (of course I will still apply, but will not get my hopes up too high!) 🙁

I am currently experiencing both situations in two different schools. Of course, each situation will be different, but I would like to know what others think!

This is just my opinion, and I'm applying this cycle, so take it with a grain of salt.
If I were you, I would volunteer/work at whatever lab interests you. Yes, that sounds cliche and I'm sure you've heard it before. However, your interests may change by the time you apply. You may find that lab horrible for other reasons (politics, personnel, etc.). Why commit to a lab when it's not necessary? That's what grad school is for! Also, I think that it really depends on the PI whether or not he/she takes students from his/her own lab. Some may do this to save themselves some time in training the student but others may oppose this because they want someone with fresh perspectives/ideas.

I think you're really over committing yourself unnecessarily. You'll be under pressure to perform at your utmost best for the next several years in order to impress this PI enough hoping he/she will take you as a grad student. Also, do you REALLY want to be stuck at the same lab for the next decade?! In my opinion, if you have the experience, writing skills, and personality, you won't need to use "the backdoor" to get into grad school. From my experience, yes-working at a PI's lab increases your chances of working with them as a grad student or GA, but to me, that's like applying early decision to college when you're a high school freshman. At 2 different labs I've worked at, I've been offered (either directly or indirectly) a chance to stay and work while I get my degree, but I've declined at both. Do I partially regret my decision? Yes, at times. Would I still decline it if I had the chance? Yes- because working in various fields/labs, meeting different people is what helps you become well-rounded and mature as a scientist, in my humble opinion anyway.