Research Projects - (Jul/24/2007 )

Hi there,

At the uni. I'm at there is a chance to work in various research labs for the summer hols. and I would absolutely love the chance to be able to do so! However my marks are not not as great as i wish they were...I am in my 2nd yr and have always gotten marks within the B's (I even failed one paper last semester which was really guttering as thought I had at least passed)...anyway the thing is obviously heaps of people will be applying who would have got straight A+'s (cos even 3rd/4th yrs can apply) so obviously my chances of getting the chance to work in one are next to nothing...but question is that that no doubt the supervisors will look at student's marks but for those of you who have groups/supervisors would you guys ever accept a student who has marks such as mine ...I don't wanna even apply and make a fool of myself if I have no chance...(also the thing is since it's during the hols. it's paid work which really doesn't interest me, I would just like the chance to see what it's like being in an actual lab (sounds cliche I know) and use my holidays wisely)...

soo any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks
biology_06er

i'm not truly familiar with ABCD notations... but i think my boss would consider the enthusiasm of the students rather A or B...
The earlier you start to do trainings, the better it is. As it will give you some refernces and skills you may not be teahced at uni.

I think some countries are different, but labs I've worked in are the same as Freds; enthusiasm, personality and willingness to learn count for a lot. At the end of your degree your experience would count for more than good marks (most employers want someone who knows the practical as well as the theory). So go ahead and bug labs, and show them how interested you are until one agrees to take you!

well i have to send my academic record/cv to her--how will they see enthusiam from marks such a "b-,b,b+" and one d+ not a single A in sight ...she will probably think i don't study (which i do!!! i don't do anything but-except watch tv and eat and sleep hah)...they will probably take one look at my marks and cv (haven't got much to write actually on that either) and be like uhhhh why did she even bother applying!!??....goldie im from new zealand so the mark system is probably similar in australia (looking at ur profile-ure from there?)...so not really sure---guess i wil send the above-i have nothing to lose except receive a rejection letter

Hey,
Yeah, I saw after I sent the post you were in NZ, so I imagine it would be quite similar. I would suggest that you call the lab you're interested in going to, and tell them that you want to go. Then, read as many as your papers as you can, so they can see how enthusiastic you are. So then, in the cover letter you send, specifically mention your interest in projects they're doing. Employers get heaps of CV's, but it's the people who make a greater effort to get into their lab who make it. It's also better if you can somehow meet them face to face. If not, phone is the next best, and email as a last resort.
Good luck!
Goldie

similar to my case...recently, i'm working on a project (paid) during the summer and looking for other research labs to get more practice and experience...i don't care if the work is paid or not..

I think if you can make the time at all, don't send a letter asking for a job - send a letter or phone to ask for a brief interview. come and ask for the job in person. I did this with my first lab job as an undergrad; I showed up and said " I don't know anything, but I'm here to work hard and to learn and I hope you can give me the opportunity "

If you don't ask, you don't get....

Even if you think you don't have a chance of getting one, apply anyway, the worst that can happen is you don't get one.....

I only just scraped in to my honours year at uni, with one of the academics having to make a case for me to be accepted (my mark was too low by 0.5%), but I graduated with a 1st class honours so don't worry, researchers and supervisors know that excellent undergrad marks doesn't neccessarily mean you will be suited to research in a lab.....

I also agree with the other posters to go and speak with lab supervisors in person- tell them the same thing you wrote in your post, if you came to our lab, my supervisor would most definitely give you a chance

yay! lauralee your post has given me hope ...the thing is i heard from her yest and she me if i could email her marks/cv and i havent quite finished my cv so was planing to send it tonight and if cos where i live its friday evening at the moment she might check in the weekend or most likely monday...and as i was looking her up on the web i saw her office isn't even on campus (its like at the hospital which is really close anyways)...but before you guys mentioned going to talk to her in person i was considering to write 1-2 sentance about marks etc in my email and why i should be considered...do you guys think that would work as well?....even tho it might not be as ideal as going in person...i don't miiiiiiiind going to see her in person its just that i know ill get flustered and go really red

I would definitely put a few sentences in your email about why you think you should be considered....
Talk yourself up a bit (but don't go too overboard!!)

I would say stuff like: I'm really excited to get the opportunity to experience life in a working lab, and get an insight into what a career in science is all about. blah blah blah
Don't sound apologetic for your marks being not the best... I wouldn't even bring them up at all (other than telling her what they are like she asked, of course)

What field are you hoping to get in to??? I think that if you are planning or even considering going on to do a PhD you should DEFINITELY mention this. I'm not sure of the situation in NZ but here in Aus in my field (microbiology) supervisors will fall over backwards for possible PhD students in their lab...

But hey don't forget that academics/supervisors/researchers are just normal people, so no need to be nervous!!! That said, I do know what its like to go and talk to them when you are an undergrad, I now work in one of the departments I studied in took some time to get used to having converations on a first name basis with my lecturers in the lunch room


Please let me know how you go!!! good luck