Undergraduate Research Skills
Coaching for undergraduate researchers
Undergraduate research is one of the most effective ways to gain the "" outlined by the . These competencies include career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology.
The Office of Engaged Learning offers Undergraduate Research coaching and information sessions the help students reinforce their skills. We host sessions approximately once a month (on two different days) during the academic year. We also collaborate with other departments, such as SMU Libraries and the Hegi Career Center.
Why attend?
Students who participate in our coaching sessions learn how to:
- Find research opportunities
- Build a competitive grad school application
- Create effective posters and presentations
- Publish their work
- Communicate their research to employers
- Strengthen résumés and scholarship applications
Who should attend?
- Students exploring research for the first time
- Current research assistants
- Students considering graduate school
- Engaged Learning Fellows and other scholars
- Anyone interested in professional communication and research skills
Request an undergraduate research workshop
Our staff can present these topics in workshop format (or pop in for brief presentations) during class time. Please email engagedlearning@smu.edu to schedule a session.
Video Modules
Can't make a workshop? Watch short, on-demand videos covering research careers, graduate school preparation, presentations, publication, and professional communication.
Lab Hopping
Lab Hopping is an annual event for students to visit open labs and research groups. Faculty, staff, and students in various departments will be on hand to show their research and answer questions.