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How can I get research positions at advanced labs in college with 0 research experience?

I am looking to major in materials science for the next four years and one of the major things I lack on my resume is research. I want to do more but I just have not had the opportunities. I want to utilize college to gain this experience but I am afraid that not having past experience will hurt my chances of landing a research position.

science spring25 major research chemistry
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Robert’s Answer

Be a standout in class and get to know your teachers, especially in lab (if you take any classes with labs) and in subfields in which you hope to do research. Being seen as impressive and hard-working in the eyes of a TA and/or professor is a huge step in the door. They aren't going to take in someone lacking all prerequisite knowledge for what they do, but they will eagerly train a great student who they think will stick with them for a few years! If you are pursuing a materials science degree you will likely be at a big school; if so, getting to know TAs who work in the lab you hope to work in is a good idea. Research opportunities are easier to come by at a smaller school, and after you have more coursework under your belt. Don't take a "no" as a first-year student or sophomore as a "never," it may just be a "not yet" and if they think you are great, they will tell you so.
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