Once a faculty member responds positively to your email and shows interest, the next step is to set up a meeting. This could be virtually or in person, depending on what makes the most sense for both of you.
Prior to the Meeting:
Do Background Research
Take the time to read through a few of the faculty member’s papers or look through their lab website. Try to get a good understanding of their projects and research focus. This helps you come across as prepared, knowledgeable, and ambitious.
Prepare a List of Talking Points
Think ahead about what you want to ask or talk about. For example:
What specific projects they’re working on right now
What kind of roles you can take on in their research
How your interests or background might align with their work
What qualities they’re looking for in a student researcher
Be Clear About YOUR Goals
Be ready to talk about your own research interests and goals. This is the time to share what you hope to learn and gain by working with them.
REMEMBER:
The point of this meeting is to figure out whether your research interests and theirs align well. This meeting will help you find out if this could be a good fit for you both.
