By: Stephanie Cognigni, Experiential Programming and Outreach Coordinator
Finding research experience at McMaster
Many students are interested in research, but opportunities—especially paid or formal positions—can be limited. The good news is that there are multiple ways to get started, and building connections is often key.
Start here: Understand your options
There isn’t just one path to research experience. Some students:
- Reach out directly to professors
- Get involved through courses or summer programs
- Build connections through TAs or peers
- Volunteer or start with smaller roles
Tip: Be flexible. Your first opportunity may not be your “ideal” role—but it can help you build experience and connections.
1. Explore and prepare
Before reaching out, take time to:
- Identify professors or researchers whose work interests you
- Read about their current projects or publications
- Learn how your interests connect to their research
Get your application materials ready
- Update your resume and (if needed) cover letter
- Highlight relevant coursework, skills, or experiences
- Get feedback from a Career Counsellor
- Book via: OSCARplus → Student Success Centre → Appointments → Career Counselling and Job Search Coaching
2. Build connections
Talk to your professors
- Share your interest in their research area
- Ask about how students typically get involved
- Attend office hours to introduce yourself
Learn from your TAs
- Ask about their path into research
- Get advice on applications and outreach
- Learn which professors are actively hiring or supervising
Connect with upper-year students
- Ask about their experiences
- Learn what different roles are actually like
- Get tips on what helped them succeed
3. Take action
Reach out to professors
When contacting a professor:
- Keep your message short and professional
- Mention specific aspects of their research that interest you
- Briefly introduce your background and goals
- Ask for a short meeting or conversation (rather than a position right away)
Tip: Not all emails will get a response—this is normal. Reach out to multiple people and stay persistent.
Where can you find research opportunities?
- Faculty or department websites
- Professor or lab pages
- OSCARplus
- Summer research programs
- Recommendations from professors, TAs, or peers
Stay connected and build relationships
- Participate in class discussions
- Attend office hours regularly
- Go to workshops, seminars, and guest lectures
- Be active on LinkedIn and follow your field of interest
- Follow up with people you’ve spoken to
Gaining experience (even if it’s not a formal research role)
If you don’t secure a research position right away, you can still build relevant experience:
- Volunteer in labs or related settings
- Get involved in course-based research projects
- Join academic or interest-based clubs
- Take on roles that build transferable skills (communication, analysis, teamwork)
Final thoughts
Finding research experience takes time, initiative, and persistence. Reflect on:
- What you want to learn
- Why research experience matters to you
- What skills you want to build
What’s next: Identify one professor, lab or research area this week and take action—read about their work or reach out.
The LIVELab is a 106-seat research-based performance theatre and testing centre. The LIVELab is committed to developing a world-class facility for the scientific study of music, sound, and movement and their importance in human development and human health. The mission of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) in the Faculty of Science will be to promote excellence in undergraduate student, and faculty-led, collaborative research and scholarship in all disciplines. The McMaster Research Shop works with public, non-profit, and community organizations in Hamilton to provide plain-language answers to research questions. Research Shop Staff hire Team Leads and recruit volunteers, matching them with projects that interest them. There are research positions through the McMaster Work Program for students who demonstrate financial need. Use the filter feature to explore, “Job Search Tips” on Tips and Resources. There are so many ways for you to gain experience and get involved at McMaster. Use this tool to explore and filter your options based on your goals and interests. There are opportunities for undergraduate students in any level or Faculty, ranging from courses for credit to experience-building programs, community engagement and more. Plus, explore options to take your learning outside your discipline, or area of study.LIVELab
Faculty of Science: Office of Undergraduate Research
Research Shop
Mosaic
Student Success Centre tips and resources
Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource (EXPLORE)