How do you approach me (or any professors) for a research project/job?

It is very common that the students reach out to professors for a project to work on, or a position to learn something/gain experience/enrich your resumes.

I strongly strongly recommend students at least try to work on a project with your professor during your time in school. Paid or unpaind? Doesn’t matter! The intimate mentorship and up-to-date research work…you don’t usually get it anywhere else. I’m sure you can learn something from it.

Couple key “reminders” on how to approach a faculty member for the opportunity:

  • Be prepared! Do your homework!
    Minimally research on what the professor does! What s/he publishes! Read a few of his/her work. I’m sure you can find articles about the work on google scholar.

  • Be persistent!
    I find it a rare quality nowadays.
    Professors are often busy, if we don’t reply you, could be that your mail just slipped out the whole big pile of work. It doesn’t mean we don’t like you , don’t speculate. Just be persistent! If really want to learn or to get involved, show me you deserve my time!

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