Issues to Consider

Choosing a project requires that you spend time thinking carefully about your own interests and the many opportunities available to you at MSU. Certainly, a great deal of variability exists between faculty members and research projects. As you consider opportunities, think carefully about some of these issues:

The Project

You want a research project to hold your interest; otherwise, you may find it difficult to dedicate the time and energy necessary for the project.

Why is this project of interest to you? What do you find appealing about it?
What kind of training or preparation is needed? What skills do you have and what will you need to learn? Who provides the training?
How will this project help you achieve your academic and career goals? What skills and knowledge will you gain that will benefit you in the future?
Will you get paid for the position or is it on a volunteer basis? Note: Sometimes volunteering one’s time and showing dedication may lead to future opportunities.
Will there be opportunities to present or publish about your project?

The Faculty Member

The faculty-student mentoring relationship is a critical element in many undergraduate research projects. Faculty mentors introduce students to research methodologies, provide guidance and assistance on projects, and help cultivate students as scholars.

What will your role in the project be? What tasks will do on a day to day basis? Are there opportunities for increased responsibility as you gain additional experience and skill?
What is the faculty member’s working style? Communication style?
What are the faculty member’s expectations of you? What are your expectations of the faculty mentor? Are both reasonable and fair?
How will you be evaluated on those expectations?
Has the faculty mentor worked with students in the past? If yes, what kinds of projects did those students undertaken? What was the quality of the student’s experience?
Can you see yourself working well with them in a close mentoring relationship?