Undergraduate Research Guide

Identify your areas of interest within your field of study. Consider what topics engage you the most and where you would like to deepen your knowledge.

Reach out to faculty members who specialize in your area of interest. Attend their office hours, ask about their research, and express your desire to get involved.

Conduct a literature review to familiarize yourself with current research trends and methodologies used in your field of interest.

Look for research opportunities posted on university noticeboards, department websites, or by talking to academic advisors and senior students.

Create or update your resume or CV to reflect relevant coursework, skills, and any prior research experience.

Apply to research positions or programs by submitting your resume/CV along with a cover letter or application form, as required.

Prepare for and attend interviews or meetings with project leads, showcasing your skills and expressing your motivation for joining their research.

Once accepted, engage actively in the research process, taking initiative and contributing meaningfully to the project.

Regularly seek feedback from your supervisor or team members to improve your research skills and output.

Participate in disseminating the research findings through presentations, reports, or publications.

Networking is key in academia. Engage with peers and faculty beyond the classroom to discover unadvertised research opportunities.

Research participation is as much about developing new skills as it is about contributing to a given field of knowledge.

Some research positions may require completion of ethics training or certifications—be prepared to complete these if necessary.

If formal research positions are scarce, consider volunteering in research labs to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment.