To Connect with Research and Creative Opportunities, Go Straight to the SOURCE
Are you hoping to get involved in research or creative endeavor, but not sure where to start? Want to get a glimpse into the groundbreaking work of Northeastern’s field-leading faculty–and learn how you can get involved in it too?
More than 100 faculty members from across the disciplines will preview their current and upcoming projects — and share opportunities for undergraduates to be a part of them — at Northeastern’s first Showcase of Opportunities for Research and Creative Endeavor (SOURCE), happening Wednesday, September 25 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Curry Student Center.
Here’s a guide to help you make the most of SOURCE and to build on the excitement and the opportunities with additional workshops and resources from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
Click on each image to enlarge.
1. Mark your calendar and get ready.
Don’t just show up–show up prepared. What are you interested in? What do you care about? Look over your resume and ask yourself, “What would make me a valuable contributor to a research or creative project?”
This doesn’t have to be prior research experience. There are lots of ways to demonstrate dedication, perseverance, creativity, reliability, initiative, and other qualities that are very important for making projects successful. What do the things you’ve done say about you?
2. Walk the walk, talk the talk.
Go into SOURCE with a plan. A great way to prepare to talk with faculty at SOURCE is to attend the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships’ “Cultivating a Faculty Mentor” workshop the day before (September 24).
At this workshop, Faculty Fellows will get you ready to introduce yourself clearly and concisely, listen attentively, and follow up politely and effectively with your new faculty contacts after SOURCE is over.
3. Opportunity is everywhere, but you’ve got the map.
Use the linked map and list of presenters to locate opportunities of particular interest to you.
Remember to think broadly about your skills and the kinds of problems and questions you might like to work on. Many Northeastern faculty members integrate interdisciplinary approaches in their work and you might be able to apply knowledge from one discipline innovatively in another area.
4. Find academic and financial support if you need it.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships offers the Project-Based Exploration for the Advancement of Knowledge (PEAK) Experiences Awards, a progressively structured sequence of opportunities designed to support learners as they continue climbing to new heights of achievement in undergraduate research and creative endeavor throughout their Northeastern journeys. Check out the PEAK Experience Awards Overview and detailed award descriptions to see which PEAK Experience Award might be right for you.