Why become a Volunteer Research Assistant?

 

Here are five actual letters I received from former students (with identifying information removed) illustrating the benefits of working as a research assistant, and the cost of not doing so.

First, four letters from students who benefitted by working as a research assistant:

Hi Dr. Ryan,
 
I was just about to reply to your previous email and let you know that you can take me off the (undergraduate research assistant email) list.
 
Right now I am working as a graduate assistant in the office of Professional Secondary Education at xxxxxxxxxxxxx  University.  I am pursuing my masters degree in Clinical Psychology here, and I am taking courses in Multicultural Psychology, Statistics, and Adult Psychopathology.
 
I wanted to thank you again for your letter of recommendation for acceptance into graduate school, and for allowing me to participate in your research group.  The experiences that I encountered while designing and conducting research studies have proven invaluable not only in applying for a higher degree, but in allowing me to experience my field in a more broad and tangible way.  I have been encouraging all of my undergraduate psychology major friends to participate in some sort of research because of all of the benefits associated with it.
 
I plan on participating in some more research groups here at xxxxxxxxxxxxx once things get more settled; hopefully by next semester.
 
Once again, thank you.  I cannot express how much working as a researcher, and presenting that research at both the LVPA and EPA conferences has benefited me as both a student, and a person passionate about the science of psychology.  I look forward to following the work of your group, and if you want, I can keep you up to date on the research that I will be carrying out here at xxxxxxxxxxxx. Take care.

Hi Dr. Ryan,
 
This is Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (well its Xxxxxx now) from xxxx-xxxx.  I was just thinking about Kutztown and thought I'd say hi.  I hope your research is going well, and the undergrads are still helping you out.  Currently I'm in my fourth year in the Ph.D. program at Xxxxxxx  University.  My current research diverged a bit from the cognitive side of the brain; I'm studying the 'functional role of adult neurogenesis on social behaviors' and its implications with neuropsychiatric disorders, which is keeping me pretty busy.  Well, I hope that all is well at Kutztown, and please say Hi to some of the other professors for me.

Cheers,
Xxxxxxxx

Dr. Ryan,
   Hi, I hope you remember me from undergraduate studies. I just wanted to thank you so much for your recommendation letter again as well as letting you know how helpful it was being a research assistant. It really gave me that experience needed for graduate school. I just wanted to let you know that I was accepted into the masters program at Xxxxxxxxxx University. I've been really busy the first month here, and that's why I haven't had a chance to e-mail you sooner. Thank you again for all your excellent instruction in the classes I've had with you, especially experimental- it really has made a difference.

Hello,

I just wanted to thank you again.  I had you for a professor twice, well three times if you count the independent study.  You are definitely one of the best professors/teachers I've ever had.  The independent study was the best choice I ever made.  In graduate school that is all I do.  Every class I have to search those articles and write papers.  I saw so many people struggling trying to figure out how to do them and I am so glad I had the practice.  That is something I strongly recommend you continue doing, especially for those students who wish to go further.  I meant to write you on a few different occasions but I am so busy it has taken awhile.  You prepared me well for graduate school and I am doing very well.  Thanks again!

Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx

Second, a letter from a student who regretted not having done so.

 

I replied to this student that I would be happy to fill out recommendation forms for her, and that I would say whatever I could honestly say in them to try to help her out. But I also had to advise her that if the graduate program really wanted applicants who had conducted, or helped conduct, research, then my letters would be of limited value. I asked her if I could use her letter to try to encourage other students to take advantage of opportunities to help conduct research in order to improve their chances when they apply for graduate school, and she kindly consented. (Note the sections of the letter that I underlined for emphasis)

 

 

Hello Dr. Ryan,

 

It's one of your former psychology students, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx.  I hope you remember me.  I graduated in XXX XXXX, and am now really busy applying to graduate psychology programs throughout the state of Xxxxxxx.  At KU, I was a participant in most research studies  (for extra credit points in your classes,) but never got rolling on my own independent research.  Due to my lack of sufficient research experience, I need really good recommendations for the schools to which I am applying.  I had three or four classes with you during my studies at Kutztown, and spent a great deal of time visiting your office trying to find research opportunities and going over review questions.  If there is any way you could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated.  I know to send you stamped and addressed envelopes with the recommendation forms attached.  When you get a spare minute, please email me back and let me know how you feel.  Thank you for your time and consideration,

 

Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx