Students who participate in undergraduate research gain many skills that they might not otherwise acquire from classroom instruction:
- Writing, data collection, and analysis
- Teamwork, problem solving, time management, and effective communication
Undergraduate researchers gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field not only by actively participating in it, but through mentoring relationships with faculty and graduate students.
Undergraduate research helps students clarify career goals by identifying passions and a better perspective on what it means to be a professional the field.
As a result, student researchers are more likely to be satisfied with their undergraduate education and continue on to graduate or professional school. Research experience strengthens applications for graduate and professional schools, business, or industrial positions by expanding technical skills and professional knowledge, improving resumes/CVs, and providing opportunities for strong letters of recommendation.
Finally, it can be a lot of fun. You generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and undergraduate researchers generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and they might even get paid for doing it.