3 Steps to Getting Started

At most universities, undergraduate students typically seek out faculty mentors, not the other way around. In order to get started, please read through the steps below!

The 3 Steps to Getting Started can be applied to searching for internships and research projects at a university. 

Step 1 - Define a Possible Research Area or Topic of Interest

• Consider getting involved in research in your field of study. Think about classes that may have sparked your interest. Although most students conduct research related to their major, some students branch outside of their major. It is important to find a research topic that is interesting to you!
• Talk to faculty and visit college or department research pages and directories.
• Attend research forums that are held across campus. Search a university's  Undergraduate Research forums to find events and awards offered. Other places around campus to visit include the different Colleges research websites.
• Browse past undergraduate student theses projects for ideas.  This will all depend on the university you are searching.

NOTE: Ohio State University creates the video but you will reach out to the WCC Library Liaison for help finding a research topic in your field of study and interest.

Credit:  Getting Started with Research: How to Find a Research Interest Area - YouTube, Undergraduate Research, Ohio State University 

Step 2 - Identify Potential Faculty Mentors

• Visit the Research Postings page to find potential opportunities.
• Visit college and department directories to identify faculty.
• Meet with your advisor and faculty members to discuss your interests.
• Discover formal Research Programs.
• Browse ongoing Faculty-Led Projects.
• Look at past events, the knowledge bank, and our Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awardees to identify potential faculty.

NOTE: This information will vary based on the university you are planning on attending/transferring to in the near future. 

Credit:  Getting Started with Research: How to Identify a Faculty Mentor - YouTube, Undergraduate Research, Ohio State University 

Step 3 - Contact Potential Faculty Mentors

• Students typically reach out to faculty via email (although utilizing office hours of a faculty member you’re taking a course with is also a great way to interact). Remember first impressions are key, express a genuine interest and proofread, proofread, proofread. Customize each email for the faculty member you’re sending a message to and be sure to include the following:
  • Address the faculty member and introduce yourself.
  • Explain your interest in their research and why you want to work with them.
  • Organize a time to meet.
  • Add a respectful closing.
• Schedule a meeting with the faculty mentor to meet via Zoom or in-person when allowed. Prepare yourself for this meeting by doing the following:
  • Read the faculty member’s publications.
  • Be prepared to discuss experiences and skills.
  • Treat the meeting like an interview.
• Do not get discouraged. Send a follow-up or ask if faculty have any other recommendations in terms of who to contact next.
• Watch this video of advice on How to Contact Faculty(opens in new window) from a current faculty mentor.

Credit:  Getting Started with Research: How to Contact a Potential Faculty Mentor - YouTube, Undergraduate Research, Ohio State University 

NOTE: This information will vary based on the university you are planning on attending/transferring to in the near future. 

Great advise to contacting an expert:

the “etiquette” for contacting an expert in your field can be mystifying, and sometimes downright intimidating. Click the link to read more. 

Where to find Internships?