Code to PhD

Demystifying CS Research Experiences

Finding and excelling in research opportunities before pursuing a PhD can be daunting. Here’s a guide on identifying opportunities, connecting with professors, and making the most of undergraduate research.

Finding Research Opportunities Inside and Outside Your Institution

Where to Look: Start with resources your school may already have, such as undergraduate research ambassador programs or participating in department-run initiatives. Your advisors or academic networks are also great sources.

For International Students: Most U.S.-based summer REUs are geared toward citizens, but some programs may allow exceptions. For instance, international students might get spots in programs but face limitations such as unpaid positions. Institutes like ICT and ISI at USC have intern-friendly programs worth exploring. It’s also helpful to look for curated lists of opportunities.

How to Reach Out to Professors (and PhD Students)

Breaking the Ice with Professors: Office hours are a great starting point if you’ve enjoyed a professor’s course. Show your engagement with their subject, and communicate your interest in research. Even if they don’t have opportunities for you, they might direct you to someone who does.

New professors can be particularly approachable—they’re often eager for collaboration and may have more time to mentor. PhD students can also be excellent points of contact since they generally have more time and bandwidth to meet with students.

Crafting a Successful Cold Email

Cold emails to professors can work if done thoughtfully:

Don’t use generic templates. Personalize your email by referencing the professor’s current research or publications.
Show genuine interest. Highlight how your experiences relate to their work. Flatter their recent research by demonstrating that you’ve read and thought about it.
Keep it concise and actionable. Briefly introduce yourself, explain your interest, and say what action you’re looking for (e.g., a meeting, lab visit, or advice).
Include your CV. Some professors might list specific requirements for inquiries on their website—check carefully.

Tip: Avoid pretending to be enthusiastic about something you aren’t genuinely interested in. Authenticity matters.

Remember to revise any AI-generated drafts for professionalism—it’s better to use AI as an editor than rely on it completely.

Attending Lab Meetings

Getting a foot in the door can start with attending a research lab’s meetings. This allows you to observe project timelines, advising styles, and lab dynamics without committing right away.

Don’t worry about understanding everything initially—it’s normal to need time before you contribute meaningfully. Take note of unfamiliar concepts and research them outside meetings. Ask thoughtful questions without taking up too much meeting time.

Advice for Undergraduate Research

What Makes Research Different from Coursework: Research is inherently messy—you won’t have structured feedback or clear-cut answers like you do in classes. Be ready for trial-and-error methods and flexibility throughout. Often, you’ll rethink or scrap initial ideas, but this is all part of exploring directions and finding success.

Unlike class assignments, the feedback cadence will depend more on your advisor’s availability, and you may need to rely on peers or labmates for additional support.

Keys to Effective Research

Prioritize Quality Over Speed: Focus on doing thorough work, even if it takes longer.
Get Involved in Writing Papers: Writing papers is a crucial skill—it takes 3–4 papers to hone it! Explore tools like LaTeX or workflows that experienced researchers use. Start small by using LaTeX for your CV.
Explore New Research Areas: Use your undergraduate years to branch out. You’ll work best on something you genuinely enjoy, so this is the perfect time to try different fields.
Leverage Papers to Learn: Read broadly in areas of interest and ask professors for paper recommendations. This is an easy “foot in the door” moment.
Be Realistic About Your Time: Scope your project and prioritize finishing something meaningful within your available time—especially if you’re nearing graduation.
It’s Okay to Not Know Everything: Research is a learning process. Set expectations with your advisor, communicate directly about what you need, and don’t let inexperience discourage you.

Standing Out as an Undergraduate Researcher

What professors value:

Reliability: Show up on time, meet commitments, and communicate clearly.
Curiosity & Initiative: Ask thoughtful questions and maintain careful notes.
Organized Workflows: Keep clean, detailed records of your tasks and deliverables.
People Skills: Detailed communication, effective collaboration, and honesty about your capacity often matter more than technical expertise early on.

Even small contributions can yield valuable outcomes for both you and your team when you approach research diligently.

The Big Picture: Navigating Challenges and Growth

If something doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to try again or change directions—it’s all part of the process. Frustration is natural, but discussing challenges with professors or other researchers can help you move forward.

Remember: your undergraduate research experience doesn’t fully reflect what PhD research will look like. If things feel overwhelming or unsatisfying, use these moments to learn what kind of research and mentorship style works best for you.

Research is messy, exciting, and an amazing learning experience. Take the time to explore fields that interest you, reach out to professors with genuine curiosity, and embrace the ups and downs—you’ll be well-prepared for the next step in your academic journey!

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