PREP - Module 4.5

If they respond that they are open to meeting, make sure you prepare for this meeting. Read up some more papers they have published and prepare a list of questions to keep the conversation going. You should also be prepared to answer questions. The worst thing you can do is to show up unprepared and unprofessional (e.g., not dressed presentably, showing up late to the meeting), and with the attitude that this meeting is merely a formality. This meeting is likely the most important step in joining a research lab. Professors want to know that you’re dependable, interested, curious, and will be a productive member of the lab.

After the meeting, make sure you write up a follow up thank you email and to ask them to keep you in the loop for future opportunities (if you remain interested). If you are no longer interested in doing research with them, it’s still polite to follow up and say thank you, and that you are no longer interested in pursuing an opportunity to work in their lab at this time. The initial meeting likely begins an ongoing conversation with this professor. Each professor has their own process for admitting students into their lab. Some might have a formal interview process that you’ll go through. Make sure you approach these steps with professionalism, as if you were going through a job interview process.

Another common option of getting into a lab is to build rapport with a professor you’re taking a class with. If a class topic really interests you, follow up with that professor, maybe by asking a question about it at the end of class, or make an appointment or drop by their office hours to talk more about that topic. Sometimes, a professor will introduce you to one of their colleagues who’s doing research related to a topic you’re interested in. By the way, it comes as no surprise, but professors talk to each other. Even if you’re taking the first path, where you email a professor after finding them on the university website, if you’re an unknown student to that professor (you have never taken a class with them before), they might ask their colleagues whether this student has taken their class and learn about your performance in the class. This is why it is generally a good idea to be an engaged student in all your classes—show up on time, pay attention, ask questions, and volunteer to answer questions.