Getting Started in Research

 1. Reflect

Consider your interests and career goals 

• What subjects or classes do you find most interesting?
• Are there specific skills you would like to develop? (e.g. Community engagement, data analysis, lab techniques, scientific writing)
• What are your career goals?
  • Explore Career Options

Assess your availability 

• Courses
• Exams (Including MCAT, LSAT, etc.)
• Employment
• Commute (particularly if research interests are on a different campus)
• Student Organizations

Note: Depending on the lab or project, research can require anywhere between 2-10 hours per week. Also, most lab positions are volunteer or offer credit.

2. Search for Opportunities

Now that you have identified your interests and availability, begin exploring research opportunities that align with your goals. 

Learn about Faculty and Ongoing Projects

• Review department websites and faculty profiles
• Review through Faculty & Researcher Profiles on Scholarship@Miami
• View open research positions
• Search recent publications of UM Newsletters
• Read through RCIF Abstract Books of the past
• Learn about research programs offered
• Attend symposiums and conferences
• Look through our website for research programs you can apply to.
  • (Typcially applications open at the end of fall, or early spring semester)

 3. Prepare

At this point, you should have a list of faculty members you'd like to reach out to, or opportunities that interest you. Before you reach out or apply, make sure your documents are up to date, and practice your professional skills, like interviewing.

Gather and Update your Documents

• Update your Resume/CV
  • Highlight relevant coursework, skills, volunteer work and extracurricular involement. 
  • Include previous research, independent projects, or technical skills you may have.
• Draft a brief introduction.
  • Briefly talk about your interests and career goals.
• Gather supporting information
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Relevant coursework or projects you have done. 

Prepare Yourself

The Toppel Center is a great resource. They can offer you:

• Career coaching
• Gain job-related skills
• Free professional headshots
• ...and much more.

 4. Connect with Research Resources

Reach out to those who specialize in research

• Consult a research librarian

• Mentors for Undergraduate Scholarship Enrichment (MUSE) Scholars
  • Book a virtual 30-minute appointment to get one-on-one guidance

• UConnect
  • Student organization that host networking events
  • Offer mentoring and much more!

• Contact our office
  • Call us at (305) 284-5058
  • Email us at ugrinfo@miami.edu
  • Visit us in person, Ferre Buildling, 3rd Floor

Contact UM Faculty, Staff, and Students

• Speak with your professors
• Reach out to grad students

5. Contact and Apply

Connect with Faculty and Researchers

• Send a Cold Email
  • After 7-10 days if you haven't heard back, don't be afraid to send a follow up email.
  • Read our Tips for Sending Cold Emails
• Attend office hours
• Schedule a time to have conversation

Apply to Research Opportunities and Programs

View open research positions on our website. Read the flyers carefully, then apply for one that applies to your interests, skills, and availability. 

Final Thoughts

As a final word of encouragement, we want to remind you that having a lack of research experience isn't a dealbreaker. In fact, many mentors are looking for someone who has drive and enthusiasm. 

Be bold in sharing your interest, reliability and willingness to learn!