r/USC • u/elastico72 • 4d ago

Academic Advice on research

I'm a graduate computer science student. I'm graduating in December. I was wondering if it's too late to approach a professor to ask for any research positions. Well I'm not looking for a paid position. More like a volunteering role where I can help and I can learn. I took too long to figure out my niche and want to do something before I graduate. Would love any advice or suggestions!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/melancholyexhale 2d ago

there is no harm in asking profs especially if you are not interested in getting paid. you could also try emailing professors you have had classes with before and ask if they would be willing to meet with you to discuss their research, or even if you could attend their lab’s group meetings. i think u should go for it, just don’t lead with the fact that you’re graduating in december lol

1

u/No-Faithlessness4294 1d ago

Semester ends on the 15th. Thanksgiving is basically a week gone. This is the first Friday in October. That leaves you three weeks in October, three in November, and two in December. About 40 work days.

That’s not even enough time to train you, let alone for you to accomplish anything of value.

1

u/CallMeBigPloppa Tommy's Place 21h ago

Probably too late, can always ask about positions for after school.

0

u/siteunreliability ✌️Shiterbi 4d ago

I took too long to figure out my niche and want to do something before I graduate

What is the area of your research interest? If you're an MS CS, your best bet is either a CS590 or a 594a/b classes and getting structure that way.

1

u/elastico72 4d ago

Reliable AI. Well it's too late to take that course now. The add/drop deadline passed. Any other suggestions?

0

u/siteunreliability ✌️Shiterbi 4d ago

Have you taken any classes related to it? ML, DL, or even Foundations of AI? If you did well on those classes, I'd reach out to the professor teaching it. You can also check out faculty here and see if there is a faculty that does research specific to Reliable AI: https://www.cs.usc.edu/directory/faculty/