What to Discuss with Your New Research Advisor​

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Building a rapport with your research advisor can seem intimidating, especially if you've never developed a professional relationship before. Worry not! Below we've included some examples of appropriate information you may want to share with your advisor about yourself and questions you may want to ask them.  

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Information you can share with your new research advisor:

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• Your short term and long term goals as a research assistant

• Your skillset and which skills you would like to bolster through your research project

• Any accommodations you may need for disabilities or chronic illnesses

 

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Questions you can ask your new research advisor: 

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• What is your mentorship style?

• How many hours per week do you expect me to work?

• How often should I plan to have research meetings?

• How does my research project fit into the current "hot topics" in the field? 

• What skills do you expect me to develop while working on this project?

• What tools/techniques will I be using while working on this project?

• Are there opportunities for me to receive compensation or class credit for my research?

• What opportunities might I have to present and/or publish my work?