How do I get research experience post-graduation?

February 1, 2010 12:41 PM

How do I get research experience post-graduation?

I am a psychology student who will be graduating in May. I had originally planned on pursuing an MSW, but after an internship at DSS, I realized this was not what I wanted. After some thinking, I decided that maybe I would actually like to continue with psychology. Unfortunately, it was late in the game to get involved with a full research project; most professors wanted a full year commitment.

I did an independent study last semester that involved analyzing data another student had previously collected (we're working on preparing to submit it for publication now). This semester I'm working on a research project doing data entry. I'm not really sure what my personal research interests are at this point, but right now I'm thinking I want to apply to clinical psych programs that have a strong research focus, as opposed to treatment. However, I know these are very competitive, and I'm worried that what I've done so far won't be enough.

So, how can I get research experience after graduation? I've heard people suggest working as a volunteer in a lab, but I'm unsure of how to go about finding these positions. To make things more complicated, I'll probably be moving back home post graduation, which is several states away from my college, and therefore won't have those contacts available to me.

posted by bluloo to Education (4 answers total)

I work full time as a research assistant in my university's psychiatry department. I got that job thanks in part to a close connection from my undergrad research to the prof who was hiring. These positions do pop up from time to time, but mostly at big institutions connected to schools of medicine or a hospital. You want to look on the job board of the biggest university closest to you, and maybe also private medical/research foundations associated with the school. It will be competitive, but with your experience so far, you will have a shot.
posted by slow graffiti at 12:53 PM on February 1, 2010

Could you look into recruiting people for clinical trials or perhaps being a study manager? Im in the UK and the NHS employs people to recruit patients into trials and studies. Maybe the equivalent exists in your hospitals.
posted by Sarosmith at 1:04 PM on February 1, 2010

Best answer: Speaking as a professor in psychology here (in Australia, but originally from the US so I know the system in both places)... there's a big difference if you want to get paid for it, or if you just want to contribute time in exchange for learning about how a lab works, whether research is for you, etc. If you want to get paid, I'll second the suggestion of looking at job boards. You should also aggressively pursue whatever connections you have: before you move, ask people in your current department if they know anybody -- academia is a small world, there is a good chance they will be able to point out people to ask or (maybe) even put in a good word for you.

Your chances are much greater if you don't care about the paycheck and just want experience, because paid jobs are few and far between, and also generally not opening around now (in the northern hemisphere, at least). If you don't care about money, in addition to the aforementioned connections, I would suggest you just email any of the professors in your new location that you'd be interested in working for. Say straight-out that you're looking for research experience and would be willing to contribute whatever they need in their lab for X hours a week for Y weeks. Make sure your email is professional, well-spelled, courteous, and succinct. Attach a resume/CV. Some won't write back, but (unless you want to work for so few weeks that it's not worth their time to train you) I'm sure more than a few will... we're usually on the lookout for free labour (and good ones enjoy the chance to mentor somebody, too). Don't email people you aren't excited about working with, because you will actually have to work there if they take you up on the offer, but I'd be surprised if something like this doesn't work out.
posted by forza at 1:40 PM on February 1, 2010 [1 favorite]

Another data point - I'm currently a grad student in cognitive science, and right now the postings for post-undergrad type research assistant positions (typically 1-year, occasionally 2-year commitments) are starting to pile up on the listservs I'm a member of. I imagine there are similar resources for clinical research. The professors you did your independent project and research with are probably getting these emails too, or know which listservs to join to get them directly. If they are not already fowarding these to their students generally, make sure they know you're looking for these positions!
posted by heyforfour at 8:48 AM on February 2, 2010