Contacting professors for research opportunities/volunteer work.

AI Thread Summary
Offering to assist in research at a local physics or astrophysics department can be a viable option for graduating seniors not pursuing graduate school immediately. Professors may be open to the idea if they believe the individual is qualified, even with limited prior experience. It's advisable to reach out via email, expressing interest and including a CV to highlight qualifications and relevant projects. Timing the outreach for the summer, when availability aligns, could be beneficial. Additionally, offering to volunteer or work for minimal compensation may increase the chances of acceptance, as some professors may appreciate the extra help without the burden of funding.
Lavabug
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I would like some advice on how to go about offering myself for any kind of research experience at a local physics/astroph. department(in the US). I am a graduating senior who isn't going to grad school this year, so formal REU's aren't an option (not to mention they always conflicted with my exams as I attend university abroad).

Would profs entertain such an idea if they thought I was qualified? (note: I am a US resident and will probably be working anywhere else just to cover expenses for a while, so this may be a part time thing unless I could get on some kind of funding).

I have little prior experience (currently doing a project in a related field) but a hell of a lot of drive and work ethic. Would emailing a short question to a prof along with a CV be a good idea or should I hold off on the CV until they express an interest? Should I wait contacting them until the summer when I'll actually be available?
 
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Anyone?
 
Lavabug said:
Anyone?

just offer yourself whatever the price,somebody might be willing to accept a free hand.Maybe my answer is not the best one...
 
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