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Stefanie Ebeling is Student Affairs Officer for the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP).

Career Center (CC): What is the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program?

Stefanie Ebeling (SE): The purpose of the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program is to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The program offers students the opportunity to work closely with faculty and top researchers on the cutting-edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned.

CC: What benefits are there to being an undergraduate researcher?

SE: As an apprentice, you have the opportunity to learn advanced research skills, hone your problem-solving talents, explore fields of personal interest, and find out what it's like to be an academic at a major research institution. Working with faculty on their research projects, students can also expect to build a solid relationship with a faculty mentor who could serve as a strong reference later down the line.

CC: How do you apply to URAP?

Complete information is available on the web regarding the Spring semester's projects, the application process, and URAP info sessions. You can also stop by our office in 301 Campbell Hall or call 643-5376.

SE: About one month before the beginning of each semester, new projects are listed on the website. We recommend that you read through the project descriptions carefully and be sure to look for opportunities outside your major. Many professors' research projects are multidisciplinary, so you may be able to find a project matching your skills and interests in unexpected places.
As a student, you may apply to up to three projects. Once you decide on your choices, go back to the URAP website and enter your application online. (Applications open a week before classes start). You will be asked for contact and academic data, as well as a statement of interest for each project. Once you've completed the online application process, you have to submit a hard copy of your application along with a transcript (we accept unofficial BearFacts transcripts) to the URAP office in 301 Campbell Hall. The deadline to apply online AND submit the hard copy of the application is always the first day of the second week of classes.

You may participate in only one project per semester even if you are selected for more than one. As an apprentice, you can earn 1 unit of academic credit for each 3 hours per week of research work (limited to 4 units per term) by enrolling in UGIS 192.

CC: Do you have any tips for preparing a statement of interest?

SE: A good statement of interest should be about 400 words long. Write from the heart, and edit later. Give the reasons you've picked that specific research project - why are you interested in this particular project? Perhaps you touched slightly on the project topic in a class and want to gain more knowledge on the topic. Perhaps you want to explore certain research methods. Mention skills you would bring to the position from your previous experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Remember that your skills and interests might come out of your personal as well as your academic life. Make sure to show the faculty mentor that you are aware of what will be expected from you as an apprentice.

CC: Do you have any final comments on how URAP participation might assist students with career planning or the job search?

SE: Participating in a URAP apprenticeship allows you to learn and refine your research skills, to further explore your interests, and to get to know faculty outside the lecture hall and crowded office hours. Of course, being part of the research community as an undergraduate can also greatly increase your chances of being admitted into a graduate program. But aside from being able to add this experience to your resume, it will help you to grow, both personally and as a developing scholar. Undergraduate research opens doors you may not yet know you will knock on in the future.