Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Researchers At The Ohio State University
A great entry-level position for undergraduates interested in special education is a research assistant, a role Carly started with, noting "my very first publication was from an undergraduate research assistant position". This experience, even if unpaid and on a topic unrelated to current work, provided invaluable skills and insight into research processes, highlighting the broad applicability of such roles.
Research Experience, Higher Education, Entry-Level Jobs, Volunteer Opportunities, Publication Process
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Carly Blustein Gilson
Associate Professor of Special Education
The Ohio State University
University of Florida, 2010
Boston College, M.Ed. in Secondary English Education (g. 2011); Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in Special Education (g. 2017)
Creative Writing, Journalism
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Undergraduate research assistant positions are available at most universities, even if unpaid. These provide valuable experience in research processes, teamwork, and writing, potentially leading to publications.
2. Many universities have various research opportunities beyond what is formally advertised; students should proactively reach out to professors whose work interests them.
3. Research experience is valuable even if the topic isn't directly related to one's later career path; it teaches transferable skills.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The way I started as an undergraduate was as a research assistant. Almost every university, and likely every department, has some type of research assistant available.
Sometimes those positions are unpaid. Mine was, but it's a great way to start. It might just involve reaching out to your professor to see what research projects they're working on.
Sometimes they might not advertise these opportunities, especially if they're not paid. But being involved, even as a volunteer, is really helpful. You can see how the research process works and learn about being on a team and how writing is done.
My very first publication came from an undergraduate research assistant position I had in college. Even though the topic isn't related to what I'm doing now, I still gained valuable experience from it and am grateful for that.
Now, whenever possible, I try to extend that opportunity to undergraduates in my classes. If your professor isn't advertising a position, definitely reach out and see if there's anything available. If you really like a class, see if you can take it a step further and do some research with them.
That's a great way to get involved and open your eyes to the research process to see what you think. When people hear "research," they often think of scientists in lab coats. That's not the type of research I do, but there are certainly people doing that.
There are so many different types of opportunities on any college campus. Be sure to explore whatever interests you and see if you can get that experience.