When should i worry about finding research group

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the timing of reaching out to professors for potential research group opportunities as a new PhD student in theoretical condensed matter physics. Participants explore whether to initiate contact before or after completing core coursework in the program.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests waiting until after the first year's core coursework before contacting professors, citing potential time constraints due to coursework and teaching responsibilities.
  • Another participant agrees, emphasizing that significant work for a research group may not be feasible during the first semester.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that if the individual has already been accepted into a PhD program, it may be beneficial to introduce themselves to faculty via email to express interest in their projects.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of starting to look for a research group at the beginning of their second semester, indicating a possible timeline for others to consider.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriate timing for contacting professors, with some advocating for waiting and others suggesting early outreach if already accepted into a program. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding whether the original poster has been accepted into a PhD program, which may influence the advice given. Additionally, the discussion does not address specific institutional practices or expectations that could affect the timing of outreach.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective PhD students in theoretical condensed matter physics or related fields considering when to engage with faculty for research opportunities.

bjnartowt
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I am graduating from master's program, and am about to go into a PhD program in fall 2011, hoping to go into theoretical condensed matter physics. Should I be e-mailing professors I want to possibly work with now, or should I wait until after my first year's "core-coursework"?
 
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You should wait until you get there.
 
No. No need to worry about that yet.

You will probably be bogged down with coursework and teaching during your first semester. You probably won't have time to do any significant work for a group. Though it is a good idea to go to the CM seminars and possibly a group meeting or two.

Personally, I started looking at the beginning of my second semester and started working with a group at the end of my second semester.
 
bjnartowt said:
I am graduating from master's program, and am about to go into a PhD program in fall 2011, hoping to go into theoretical condensed matter physics. Should I be e-mailing professors I want to possibly work with now, or should I wait until after my first year's "core-coursework"?

It's not clear if you are going somewhere else for the PhD or not- and if you have been accepted into a program or not.

If you have been accepted into a program, I don't see anything wrong with sending an email introducing yourself to selected faculty now, indicating your desire to meet and discuss their projects.
 

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