STEP 4: Contacting and Meeting With Potential Faculty Mentors
- Email the faculty member; write your e-mail letter in formal format. Or, you may stop by his/her office during posted office hours. Avoid showing up unexpectedly.
- Introduce yourself and let the faculty member know that you are interested in his/her research. If you plan to talk to several potential mentors indicate that you will be discussing research possibilities with several faculty members at UCF to find the right match for your interests.
- Attach your resume to your email letter or bring it if you choose to visit the faculty member’s office. Contact UCF Career Services for information about letters of introduction and resumes.
- Ask for an appointment to discuss research opportunities in more detail. Remember to refresh your memory about the faculty member’s research program prior to the meeting. Prepare a list of questions to ask. For example, you may want information about:
- The faculty member’s research areas:
- Research that has been conducted and some findings. Current research and its goals. Importance of the studies (e.g. bigger picture or scope).
- Possible funding for the research.
- Ideas/topics that are of special interest to you or that you are unclear about.
- Possible opportunities for undergraduates.
- Past undergraduate research projects.
- Expectations for undergraduate students.
- How you can better prepare for the research (e.g. classes, literature: books, research articles, etc.).
- Be prepared for questions that the faculty member might ask you, such as:
- Why do you want to do research?
- Why are you interested in their research?
- What are your future educational or vocational goals? How does this research fit into these goals?
- How much time do you have to devote to the research project?
- What research-relevant courses have you taken?
- When contacting and meeting with faculty always be prepared and professional.
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