Question about doing research with a professor in college...

imported_Tomato

Diamond Member
Sep 11, 2002
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Is it possible to obtain a research position with a professor at a college you aren't currently enrolled in? I've been working for 2 years, but would like to do some research (very low pay/free) with a professor, for both experience and reference when I apply to grad school. The problem is, I'm not currently enrolled in school (working full time)... has anyone done anything like this, or know of anyone who has?
 

ryzmah

Senior member
Feb 17, 2003
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I wasn't out of school, but I did research at a university I wasn't attending - funded through NSF. Doesn't hurt to ask a professor - make sure to note that you are trying to build experience for grad school.
 

imported_Tomato

Diamond Member
Sep 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: ryzmah
I wasn't out of school, but I did research at a university I wasn't attending - funded through NSF. Doesn't hurt to ask a professor - make sure to note that you are trying to build experience for grad school.

Very true, thanks for the info ryzmah. I wonder if there's any sort of independent U.S. government agency that would fund work I'm interested in doing. I'm in the process of researching professors at different colleges around here, and hopefully something will work out. The problem is, I'd still be working full-time (9-6), so the research I'd do would have to be 6pm+ or on the weekends.
 

Whisper

Diamond Member
Feb 25, 2000
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I'm sure there's at least one or two professors that would be willing to take on someone wanting to do some research...especially if you plan on working cheap/for free. Hell, there's a research assistant in my psych lab that graduated two or three years ago, and has basically been doing the same thing you're looking forward to.

Dunno about 6pm+, but weekend workers are almost always wanted.
 

AgentEL

Golden Member
Jun 25, 2001
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6 pm +? That's pretty tough schedule for a professor to work with. If you're really serious about getting a reference or research assistantship, maybe you should consider dropping your full-time job. That is, if you can find a research job first.

Research positions can be found on any university's job search page. It may not be with a specific professor, but there are research groups that hire people like normal companies. This isn't exactly the same case with you, but I did some research with a group at UC Berkeley while I wasn't enrolled. However, I was a recent graduate.
 

Yax

Platinum Member
Feb 11, 2003
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Edit again:

Intro:
Uh hem. Here at Savaho University, we are in the process of starting a new research project.

Purpose:
We will be studying the SOCIAL male to female interactions that occur between 6pm and midnight. Also on weekends.

Required:
Non student females who own or can gain access to kneepads and private rooms. You must not be camera shy and or embarrassed to be seen without clothing.

All qualified applicants please apply asap.

;)
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
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The only problem might be that those positions would probably be reserved for students currently enrolled at the program.

Maybe if you found a place desperate for help or maybe a professor doing some sort of privately funded research.

 

yllus

Elite Member & Lifer
Aug 20, 2000
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What's the area of research you're after? The demand will play a considerable part in what happens.

I've heard of it happening in a few instances up here, but I believe it's always been with those available during regular 9-5 hours. It'll be exceptionally difficult to find someone that will work with a non-student after hours.
 

imported_Tomato

Diamond Member
Sep 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: yllus
What's the area of research you're after? The demand will play a considerable part in what happens.

I've heard of it happening in a few instances up here, but I believe it's always been with those available during regular 9-5 hours. It'll be exceptionally difficult to find someone that will work with a non-student after hours.

yllus, I'm interested in Social Work. Still researching profs and their ongoing projects at USC, UCLA, etc.
 

rgwalt

Diamond Member
Apr 22, 2000
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Yes, you can be hired to do research if you aren't currently enrolled, or at least most all colleges allow will allow it. It depends mainly on how the prof has his grants written. Sometimes, certain types of funding require certain classifications of people to do the work. For instance, a prof might be allowed to fund 3 grad students, 1 undergrad, and a post-doc. Or, there may be no stipulations or there could be some discretionary funding. Your best bet is to start talking to profs that you might want to work for and see what they have available.

R
 

white

Senior member
Nov 2, 2000
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my brother in law did it. he started volunteering in a university research lab and also applied for graduate admission that year and got in. it'll be easier if you know who has money and associate profs aren't tenured yet so they're trying to get results. currently money is tight so it'll be easier if you volunteer. some engineering graduate student researchers aren't supported even though they generally are due to low funding. before you approach or email a professor, make sure you know what that prof is researching.
 

dquan97

Lifer
Jul 9, 2002
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Originally posted by: MacBaine
Originally posted by: dquan97
Originally posted by: DuffmanOhYeah
yes. I assume you are familiar with a casting couch?

:Q

I think she wanted Social Work research, not "socially-working it"

I wouldn't be too sure about that

In that case, I'd like to do some "research" as well :D
 

DuffmanOhYeah

Golden Member
May 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: dquan97
Originally posted by: MacBaine
Originally posted by: dquan97
Originally posted by: DuffmanOhYeah
yes. I assume you are familiar with a casting couch?

:Q

I think she wanted Social Work research, not "socially-working it"

I wouldn't be too sure about that

In that case, I'd like to do some "research" as well :D

Whatever, it was my idea. I got dibs.


So Dezign....sup..........sesquipedalian ;)