Find Faculty Mentors

Begin by brainstorming some research areas of interest. Areas may stem from general questions, curiosities, observations, interesting course topics, or different branches of study within your field that you would like to learn more about.

• Resources to help identify research interests.

In exploring areas of interest, you likely identified professors to initially contact as you learned about their research areas. If not, visit the resource linked in Step 1 for help. With names in mind, take some notes on each professor and their research to prepare for outreach. Remember, all professors make excellent mentors, even if their research interests look different from yours because they have the tools to guide and support your research. It also is okay to contact professors you may not know personally. The topic of research is a great way to start a conversation and make a connection. Once you made a list, (aim to have at least two to start), you are ready to email them.

• Prepare to email professors and contact them with sample emails.

Once professors reply and have scheduled a meeting, spend time preparing for the conversation. You’ll want to consider your goals for the meeting, read about the professor’s research, practice communicating your research interests, brainstorm questions to ask, and reflect on your academic and professional goals. That way, you can make the most of your time together and leave a positive impression.

• Prepare for the meeting with sample reflection prompts and questions.

Arrive to the meeting with your notes and list of questions to achieve your meeting goals. You will also want to have something to take notes with. Before you leave, aim to have clear next steps to help you continue making progress on your research journey and be sure to thank the professor for their time and feedback. Based on the conversation, consider asking the professor about maintaining contact to continue the conversation and developing a partnership.

• Conversation tips and how to maintain contact.

Once you have developed a connection, consider asking the professor to mentor you in a research experience. Like all mentoring connections, this is a partnership, and you want to demonstrate to professors that you are committed to your research ideas, learning more, and can maintain communication. This demonstrates your professionalism and signals to the professor that you are research ready! To make the decision, reflect on the professor’s research and ask yourself if they seem like someone you hope to keep working with and learning from.

• Tips for selecting faculty mentors and asking to work with them in a research setting.

Sometimes professors have other commitments that may prevent them from being able to mentor you in a research experience at the time you ask. Don’t panic or get discouraged! Instead, ask the professor if they know anyone else you can talk to and if they would be willing to help make a connection or introduction.

• How to expand your network.