Is Participating in Research as an Undergrad Worth It?

  • Thread starter Thread starter preceptor1919
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Research
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of participating in research as an undergraduate student, particularly in the context of limited programming knowledge and time management challenges. Participants explore the benefits of research experience, especially in relation to skill development and resume enhancement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that participating in research can provide valuable real-world experience and enhance programming skills, particularly in team settings.
  • Others note that research opportunities may vary between colleges and universities, with universities potentially offering more resources for larger projects.
  • A participant shares their personal experience with a research project involving liquid crystal structures, highlighting the practical application of skills.
  • There is a viewpoint that engaging in research is beneficial for undergraduates, as it allows for the application of classroom knowledge and can significantly improve a resume.
  • Concerns are raised about time management for freshmen considering research commitments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that engaging in research can be beneficial, but there are differing opinions on the impact of institutional resources and the challenges of time management for undergraduates.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with research environments, and there is uncertainty regarding the specific nature of the research projects available at different institutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students considering research opportunities, particularly those in computer science and related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

preceptor1919
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
Our instructor in program design asked our class if any of us wants to participate in his research. I am thinking of applying but I am wondering if it's worth it considering that even after this sem,my only knowledge will only about basic java. Any thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It would be a good experience. In the real world, you often use basic Java concepts in bigger team based projects where you have to read and understand other people's code before you implement your own.

He might even use tools like maven for build, SVN for code mgmt and eclipse or Netbeans for development and debug and so your skill level will dramatically increase.

Also it's good for your resume.
 
Thanks forthe input. I was already leaning towards applying but I was wondering if it was really worth it given that it will take some of time and as a freshman I still haven't learned how to manage my time properly.Follow up question: Is there a difference if a research is done in a university? Because we are in a college and I think that he will do his research on his own.
 
The only difference I know of is a university has more resources and can do bigger scale research. Colleges often have limited budgets and profs will do smaller projects with one or undergrad helpers.

At my college, I helped a prof with a study of LCD crystal structure. He wanted to study the helical structure of a Liguria crystal when sandwiched between two plates of glass while an electric current was applied along with a heat source. I designed a small holder for the crystal where heating wire could be wrapped and the goal was to have it evenly heated.
 
Wow that sounds interesting

I think my instructor's research will be about machine learning or automatic speech recognition,basing from his past works
 
jedishrfu said:
...helical structure of a Liguria crystal...
That would be liquid crystal... I don't know where my iPad got Liguria from? Liguria is a coastal region in Italy...
 
This is not my field (Aerospace here), however I would argue that it is ALWAYS a good thing to get into research during undergrad if you have the opportunity. It gives you a chance to actually apply things, learn more beyond what is in the classroom, and it is one of the best resume builders you can get during college. And you also can get paid.
 

Similar threads

Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other Recommended work for an undergrad (internships, research, etc.)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Other Looking for advice about my career....
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Programs REU Opportunities for International Students in Theoretical Physics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions What are my chances of getting into a competitive physics PhD program?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Admissions Admission into Princeton Grad School
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Schools Which College Should I Choose for a Career in Fusion System Design?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools Is UIUC worth it when having to pay-out of-state tuition?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Other Could/Should I still go for a PhD?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K