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One of the best things you can do to improve your career opportunities in Psychology is to get involved in research. This is pretty easy if you are a college student because you have relatively easy access to research labs, and faculty and undergraduate student research on campus go hand-in-hand. If you are not currently taking college classes, do not get discouraged because research opportunities are not only for undergraduates, and researchers may prefer having a non-student work in their lab. Let me add that your research experience does not have to be in the exact area of psychology as that which you hope to be involved in graduate school, professional school or in a job. The key is gaining experience and showing very clearly that you are motivated to be involved in Psychology.
As far as where to look for ongoing research you might think that you can only do this at a large university, where there is an active graduate program. However, it is likely the case that most full-time faculty members, even at four-year colleges with only undergraduates, are conducting some kind of research. It may even be the case that community college faculty are active researchers. Finally, be aware that research is conducted at off-campus sites--research institutes, businesses and hospitals. You just have to do a little searching to find out where research is taking place.
There are at least five advantages for obtaining research experience. First, you will have the chance to be part of exciting discoveries and to learn new ideas outside of a classroom. When you work with a researcher you are really involved with the “nuts and bolts” of research. You’re not just reading about the research, you are actually conducting in-depth inquiry and exploration. Second, your experience in the lab will put you a step ahead of others in terms of career and academic preparedness. Third, working directly with a researcher will help build a professional network for your field of interest. Fourth, your research may lead to having your name on a conference presentation or journal publication. This kind of recognition is rare for a research assistant and will really boost your standing. Finally, working with a researcher will almost always lead to a letter of recommendation from your mentor. These letters are extremely important, regardless of your ultimate career plans.
To get involved with research is usually pretty simple:
1) Check out the type of investigations a researcher is conducting. Of course, with the Internet finding this out is easy. If a particular researcher is conducting research you think is interesting you are set to move forward.
2) Contact (email is fine) the researcher you want to work with to see if they are planning to work with new lab assistants. If they are, set up a time to meet in person.
3) Meet with them. When you actually get together with a potential mentor, keep two things in mind: (a) you might consider getting “dressed-up” just a bit—first impressions go along way and (b) be ready to talk—don’t go to the meeting unprepared. Read up on what the researcher has been studying and be prepared with questions. Let the researcher see that not only are you interested in their research, but that you are able to have an adult-to-adult conversation.
4) Discuss possible ways you can work with this researcher. These include volunteering and being a paid research assistant. If you are a student you might get course credit as part of an Independent Studies course or even do an Honors project (typically only seniors). The key is that there are usually several ways you can work with a researcher.
I will add that as a researcher I have really enjoyed working with students and non-students in my lab. I’m proud to say that most of these individuals have gone on to successful careers, many after attending graduate school or professional school. Like them, I feel you too can benefit from getting involved in research.
Please note that the comments of Dr. Golding and the others who post on this blog express their own opinion and not that of the University of Kentucky.
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Check out our website for more information on careers in psychology.
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