How Do I Get Started Doing Undergraduate Research?

Posted by Angela Valenti On 11:03:00 AM

Great question! We currently have about 15% of our undergraduates involved in research within the School during any given semester, and we'd love to see that number increase! Here are some tips on getting started.

1. Figure out with whom you'd like to work
Check out the faculty biographies on the School
homepage. Don't worry if you don't understand everything in the bio--it's very specific to the area of research. Just use it to get a general idea of what the professor does and whether you'd be interested.
2. Draft an email to the professor to request a brief appointment to discuss their work and the possibility of working with them. The email should be succinct but also convey the following information:
  • your class (FR, SO, etc.)
  • what HTS courses you've taken
  • why you are interested in research, in general (I want to make my resume look better is not a good reason--even if it's true :D )
  • why you are interested in this research/professor in particular
  • Some professors like for you to include a resume as an attachment. This is probably more pertinent for students farther along in their academic careers.

Tips for making a good first impression
  • Be professional--do NOT start the email with, "Hey" or use first names
  • Err on the side of being too formal
  • Proofread--and have someone else proofread for you (Dr. D’Unger is always happy to do this)
  • You may have to email several professors to find someone who has time for you and with whom you are interested in working. Be patient and persistent!

3. After you get a position
Congratulations! Now we need to make sure there is a record of your work. You can sign up for academic credits in HTS 2699 or 4699, depending on your class (FR/SO or JR/SR).  See Dr. D’Unger to do this, and ask you faculty mentor to email me confirming that he/she is willing to supervise you.

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School of History and Sociology
Georgia Institute of Technology
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221 Bobby Dodd Way
Atlanta, GA 30332-0225
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