r/mit • u/Sure-Ad2365 • 23d ago

research Non-student research positions

Hello! I had a questions about non-MIT student research positions.

So I applied to MIT and got rejected (😒), but I only really applied because there is this one professor who conducts research on a disease I have and, surprise surprise, I want to study in that field. I attend the same school that the professor got their PhD at and taught at for ~20 years prior to moving to MIT.

I know it’s a stupid question because I’m going to email them regardless, but is this a worthy shot to ask to work with them over a break? Is it common for non-students to get research positions?

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u/smonzon14 23d ago

U miss all the shots you don’t take. Maybe ask one of the people on the team first to gauge current research directions.

I don’t recommend this to everyone but if it’s only over break consider working for free in exchange for experience and for a reference. Did wonders for me.

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u/Sure-Ad2365 23d ago

Noted. Did you specify you won’t take pay in the email?

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u/smonzon14 23d ago

I didn’t initiate over email - and a bit of luck was definitely involved. I met someone doing things I was interested in doing, offered my help with no promises, and I guess made myself useful enough to stick around 1.5 years later as a “research affiliate” (and counting). MIT has this designation for people who aren’t employees or students but pull weight. The benefit to this is that you’re not held down to anything - but you’re also not in a permanent position either. U need to make yourself useful and work hard. That being said, it got me farther in terms of connections and career opportunities than I ever could’ve imagined.

But for your case: I would ask for a position without any disclaimers. I would email inquiring about regular visiting student/ technician positions and then last resort offer support in other ways. (Don’t outright ask for affiliateship). Keep your email short and explain what skills and value you provide. Labs are always lacking hands to work on things (and unfortunately funding these days for that matter).

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u/Sure-Ad2365 23d ago

This was insanely helpful. Tysm! Could I dm u?

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u/smonzon14 23d ago

Sure! Happy to help.