How to find MSc supervisors

[Amy]

Do graduate supervisors often post that they are looking for MSc or PhD students, or does such information typically get around by word of mouth? I know you can always pick a school, pick a program, and contact the researcher directly, but I feel like I might be missing out on potentially intriguing projects by going this route.

 

I've seen the occasional ad for an MSc student on some biomed job search websites (the kinds that post mainly Postdoc and Scientist positions) - is this common practice, or is better just to read profiles of every scientist in every department of interest and/or ask around to other grad students you already know?

[a41]

Do graduate supervisors often post that they are looking for MSc or PhD students, or does such information typically get around by word of mouth? I know you can always pick a school, pick a program, and contact the researcher directly, but I feel like I might be missing out on potentially intriguing projects by going this route.

 

I've seen the occasional ad for an MSc student on some biomed job search websites (the kinds that post mainly Postdoc and Scientist positions) - is this common practice, or is better just to read profiles of every scientist in every department of interest and/or ask around to other grad students you already know?

 

I'm not a grad student, but I almost went down that route. I spent my summers as an undergrad in labs so I've also talked to a lot of grad students.

 

Choosing a supervisor is not something you want to do passively. You need to actively search for a supervisor and project that is for you. Your entire degree depends on this. The project needs to be something that you can work on for the next 1.5-3 years (it will probably become your life for that time). You also need to get along well with your supervisor. If you don't like your project and you don't like your supervisor than the entire time will be hell.

 

If someone is posting an ad looking for students, they are probably really desperate - which could be a good or bad thing.

[blinknoodle]

I'm not a grad student, but I almost went down that route. I spent my summers as an undergrad in labs so I've also talked to a lot of grad students.

 

Choosing a supervisor is not something you want to do passively. You need to actively search for a supervisor and project that is for you. Your entire degree depends on this. The project needs to be something that you can work on for the next 1.5-3 years (it will probably become your life for that time). You also need to get along well with your supervisor. If you don't like your project and you don't like your supervisor than the entire time will be hell.

 

If someone is posting an ad looking for students, they are probably really desperate - which could be a good or bad thing.

 

Absolutely. Consider all faculty as interested in having a grad student. Even if they have a full lab, if you are a great student, they will still likely chat with you.

[Amy]

Of course, doing research is crucial, but before you can set up that appointment with the prof and tour the lab and chat with the other students, you have to find a prof whose research sounds interesting. So is it best just to explore through a department of interest and/or people you know who are in grad school already? I just worry that going this route would make me narrow in on a school or a department prematurely.

[a41]

Of course, doing research is crucial, but before you can set up that appointment with the prof and tour the lab and chat with the other students, you have to find a prof whose research sounds interesting. So is it best just to explore through a department of interest and/or people you know who are in grad school already? I just worry that going this route would make me narrow in on a school or a department prematurely.

 

I'm pretty sure that actively searching for a supervisor will give you more options than waiting for supervisors to find you.