Now, when you hear “undergraduate research,” you might be picturing lab coats and test tubes, but that’s just a tiny piece of the pie. Undergraduate research is a whole lot more than that, folks! It’s a party for all majors, and it can seriously boost your skills, making you a superstar in the eyes of future employers.

BMCC BARS symposium for undergraduate research

Colleges offer all sorts of undergraduate research experiences, but you know what? It’s really up to you to make the most of it.

Brian Thomas from Stanford University says that undergraduate research helps students grow as thinkers and doers – and ain’t that the truth? You’ll face challenges in your career that won’t have clear-cut answers, and that’s what research is all about – tackling those fascinating questions that keep you up at night.

So, what exactly is undergraduate research? The Council on Undergraduate Research defines it as an “inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” It can take all sorts of shapes and sizes, from history majors digging into dusty archives to biology students peering through microscopes.

Sarah R. Bolton from the College of Wooster in Ohio says it all starts with finding your passion and figuring out where the gaps are for new discoveries. You might work under a professor or fly solo with guidance from a faculty mentor. And guess what? You can do it any time during college – early birds might even find it helps them choose the right major or set career goals.

But the benefits don’t stop there, folks! Undergraduate research can teach you all sorts of handy skills, like communication, problem-solving, and project management. And let’s not forget about the connections you’ll make with your professors – they’ll be right there with you, guiding you through the process and helping you shape your future.

Even though undergraduate research is your chance to break free from the syllabus and answer keys, it can be a challenge for first-timers. But hey, that’s where the real growth happens, right?

Students engaging with the local community to do their research with CEEP

Plus, research isn’t just for the STEM crowd, so don’t let that misconception hold you back. It’s for everyone, regardless of whether you’re aiming for a Ph.D. or not. So, if you’re thinking about diving into the world of undergraduate research, here are some questions to ask when you’re looking for the perfect college:

  1. How many students get to do undergraduate research?
  2. Are there any GPA requirements or restrictions?
  3. How do students get chosen for research programs?
  4. Can you present your research findings?
  5. When’s the best time to do undergraduate research, and is it open to underclassmen?
  6. Are there funded research opportunities available?

Don’t forget to check out the faculty’s research and any cool research centers or interdisciplinary institutes at the college. Trust me, you never know where you’ll find your intellectual home!

So, go on and dive into undergraduate research, folks – it’s your chance to shine!

Connect with Citizen Entrepreneur Explorer Program (CEEP) or BARS for more BMCC information about undergrad research.