Getting started with research can be tricky. This is especially true if you’re managing research with a full on courseload, social life, and everything else life throws at you.

Here’s are some quick tips in case you’re looking to get a head start.

1. Set up a regular meeting with your PI

Weekly meetings are best so you can address problems quickly, but still have enough time to get work done!

Show up to meetings a bit early– it’s professional but can also give you the chance to make small talk with your PI so you can get to know each other better!

2. Make sure you know what your goals are

Be clear about what you hope to get from this experience (a completed project, publication opportunity, etc)

Do some background research to understand what the lab is working on.

Ask your PI or others in the lab for clarification if you aren’t sure what the project goal is (or what your goal for the week should be!)

3. Always get some amount of work done each week

Chipping away at work little by little saves you from stress of overwhelming amount of work if procrastinated!

Even if you get stuck, at least you have something to address at the next meeting!

4. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your PI

PIs know more than you (and don’t expect you to know more than them!) and would rather you ask for help than get stuck!

PIs are busy– if they don’t respond right away, they aren’t ignoring you or judging you!

Don’t be afraid to bump those unanswered emails a few days later– they’ll appreciate you staying on top of things!

5. Be transparent about what you do and don’t know

Your PI wants you to be successful, and you can’t be successful if you don’t know how to do your work (this is closely related to Tip #2).

There may be other materials that your PI can give you (background readings, general advice, etc.).

Advocate for yourself!

6. Come with focused questions and insights

Closely related to Tips #4 and #5, come to your weekly meetings or update conversations with your PI with relevant questions

Doing your own research, whether it is on technologies being used in the studies, other studies you are comparing to, or broader questions on the impact of the research can help you understand what more you need to learn

7. Be Honest

Let your PI know when something goes wrong– it’s always easier to fix a mistake right after it happens.

Make sure your lab knows if you’re no longer interested in working with them at the end of the year– if you’ve learned all you can or are ready for something new, they’ll understand!