Communicating in Academic Settings

Making connections within your academic networks is crucial to initiating and developing research projects. Communicating with faculty, librarians, or other mentors in your field probably feels different than talking to family, friends, or others you have close relationships with. There are strategies to practice that will help you improve your comfort level reaching out to potential mentors for opportunities and support. Mentorship relationships are key to honing research skills, receiving assistance and feedback, and networking within your field. Learn more about the many mentoring opportunities for UW students here Links to an external site..

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Communication strategies

Potential mentors expect that undergraduate students will reach out for research opportunities. They know that students will need both encouragement and feedback along the way! 

Potential mentors expect that undergraduate students will reach out for research opportunities. They know that students will need both encouragement and feedback along the way! 

The Research Opportunities at UW Links to an external site. page from the Office of Undergraduate Research outlines steps for pursuing research. Attending an information session or scheduling an appointment Links to an external site. with an Undergraduate Research Office adviser will support you in effectively pursuing a research opportunity. 

UW student and former Undergraduate Research Leader Carson Butcher shares this advice in frequently asked questions about undergraduate research Links to an external site.: “Generally, it is important to introduce yourself, briefly explain why you are interested in the professor’s research (it further helps to reference a few things you learned from skimming some of their research papers if it is a STEM lab!), and state your goals/how research with the group you identified would help you reach these goals.”

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Remember that as you reach out to these connections, you will likely start to take on new opportunities and have a busier schedule. It might seem tricky to say no to a professor or a team leader, but you are empowered to communicate your personal needs and boundaries, and researchers understand that you are a UW undergraduate student first and foremost.