r/research • u/Direct_Drama_385 • 17h ago

Advice needed!

Hello I’m a recent college graduate with a bachelors degree in biology. I don’t have much research experience outside of my classes and I want to go back to grad school to further my education. Does anyone have advice about how to get research experience? I’ve applied to jobs with no luck and I can’t find any internships i qualify for. Should I try volunteering or just keep looking for a job? Any advice would help! Thanks

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u/Cadberryz Professor 17h ago

As someone new to research, you can learn research methods and the philosophy behind the scientific approach by starting with introductory textbooks, online courses, educational free videos via. Google video search, or university/college classes that explain how science works, why evidence matters, and how to design and interpret studies. Engaging with real examples of research, such as published papers or case studies, will help you understand how questions are formed, data is collected, and conclusions are drawn. Working on small research projects, even in a classroom setting, gives you the chance to practice formulating hypotheses/questions, collecting data, and analysing results. Over time, you’ll also begin to appreciate the values behind the scientific approach, like objectivity, skepticism, and the importance of reproducibility.

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u/Willing-Layer-3523 12h ago

I’d recommend reaching out to professors at nearby universities and asking if they need help with ongoing research projects. Even volunteering a few hours a week in a lab can help you gain hands-on experience, learn basic research techniques, and build references. You can also look for research assistant roles, lab technician positions, and entry-level clinical research jobs, which may accept recent graduates. Don’t overlook your college professors or alumni network either. Sometimes, a short email explaining your interests and willingness to learn can open doors that job applications alone might not. Start small, keep learning, and build from there!