Finding a research position as an undergraduate student with no previous lab experience may seem like a daunting and sigh-inducing task. But don’t despair! There are many opportunities on campus for undergraduates to learn about research and gain experience in various fields.
Firstly, you need to have a general idea of which topics you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you have a long standing feud with a particular subject, it is probably in your best interests to avoid pursuing research in that subject. If you know exactly what area of research you want to participate in, that’s great! However it is also wise to be flexible with your choices since new perspectives on different topics can be interesting once you learn more about the research.
For those of you who want to learn more about research before jumping in, the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) is coming up on March 29th, 30th and 31st. The presenters at MURC are UBC undergraduate students, so it’s a great way learn about the research your peers are doing and what led them to their respective fields. You can sign up to attend on the MURC page of the student services site. Even without signing up to attend, you can still drop by to look at research posters on any day of the conference from 9:00am to 6:00pm on the 2nd floor foyer of Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.
Once you have a general idea of the area of research you would like to pursue it’s time to actually look for a position!
Flickr: Erik Schepers
Summer work learn positions through UBC CareersOnline have been posted recently so make sure to apply as soon as possible. I can’t say for all labs but in my experiences from seeing both sides of the hiring process, it is usually the first batch of applicants who get their resume and cover letters read. Since there is usually an overwhelming amount of students applying, they have to implement a cut-off number of applications to read over. That being said, make sure your cover letter shows how you can apply your skill sets to the specific position you are applying for!
Another good way to look for research opportunities is to email professors whose work you are interested in or talk to your own professors. Just make sure that you do some research of your own and know what areas of research they are currently focused on and they have done in the past.
Although applications are closed now, make sure to keep your eyes open for the Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) and Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) from National Sciences and Engineering Research (NSERC) next year! Funding from these programs will make you a more attractive candidate for principal investigators who are looking for students. These applications are typically due around January or February, but you will want plenty of time to work on your application.
For more detailed information, visit the undergraduate research website to learn about research opportunities available to you as an undergrad!
