Students

Develop marketable skills

Undergraduate research teaches college students the process of developing creative ideas, formulating methods to execute research, and presenting the outcome to the intended community. The skills learned through undergraduate research enable college students to develop and adapt to new ideas and pursue them in a systematic way.

The ability to communicate, both in written and verbal form, enhances the overall effectiveness of the individual and helps make her/him successful in the workplace. Effective communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills are now essential in nearly all fields of practice. The job market is continuously evolving as employers try to be efficient and do more with less. Technology’s rapid advancement has changed the workplace landscape, resulting in a demand for more efficient, knowledgeable, and perceptive personnel. Undergraduate research directly translates to the workplace and enables college students with skills to be ahead of the curve.

Create new knowledge

When you participate in undergraduate research, you have the opportunity to broaden our understanding of the world. Universities are designed to be a place for the dissemination of knowledge, as well as a place to inspire new ideas, investigate problems and solutions, and create new expressions of humanity. Undergraduates can be an important part of teams working toward these aspirations. Because of their fresh and unbiased look at new ideas, undergraduate students often strengthen the team and can positively influence the direction of research and/or creativity.

Join a community

The exposure of many students to the university setting is often limited to attending classes and, occasionally, meeting with an advisor. Undergraduates involved in research and/or creative inquiry interact more closely and frequently with faculty mentors and other researchers on campus. The improved sense of belonging and accomplishment enriches the educational experience of the student and provides opportunities to explore potential career paths.

Research is conducted differently across disciplines. As an undergraduate researcher, you may find yourself in the library, the field, the laboratory, or even the art or music studio.

Most faculty members are willing to take any enthused, hardworking and dedicated student.

Some expect that you have completed certain courses or surpassed a certain GPA.

Some faculty members have grants that can be used to pay student researchers. You can also work with a faculty member to apply for a UNCG Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award to fund your work.

If you don’t get paid, you might be able to earn academic credit for your work by enrolling in an independent study.

Stellar GPAs and GRE scores are important, but today the importance of a student’s own undergraduate research project is a significant contributing factor to acceptance into, and success in, graduate school.

There are many skills you are likely to improve as you work on a research project: thinking independently, writing, working with others, synthesizing information, creating new knowledge and organizational skills. All of these are valued by employers. Employers look for students who took advantage of a variety of learning opportunities and who demonstrated they were successful at them.

Our invitation-only Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is tailored for new students who are eager to explore the world of research and become scholars in their fields. As a Research Fellow, you’ll be part of a dynamic community that fosters academic excellence and intellectual growth. Embrace the chance to embark on a journey of discovery, networking, and personal development to unlock a world of possibilities and shape a successful future in your chosen field of study.