Undergraduate research has been shown to lead to student retention in their majors and in related careers, increased student performance in classes, increased sense of belonging and professional identity, and increased skills and aptitudes like independence, confidence, communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. Many of these gains are achieved through conducting research in chosen fields of interest, but conducting research in other fields can also lead to these gains — don’t feel restricted to a specific major.
Academic Benefits
Seeing the bigger picture
Research can improve academic success because it makes coursework more relevant. When students conduct research, they will see theories put in practice and will gain understanding about how foundational concepts build up to a knowledge base that can be expanded through new discoveries.
Fulfilling graduation requirements
Conducting undergraduate research might fulfill a requirement for graduation from your major or department. Speak with your academic advisor to discuss graduation requirements.
Career Benefits
Gaining transferable skills
Even if you know you don’t want to pursue a career in research, undergraduate research can be an important component of your undergraduate education. Through undergraduate research, students gain skills that are transferable to the workplace. Students report gains in confidence, trouble-shooting skills, communication skills, independence, ability to persist through challenges, collaboration skills, creative thinking, and the ability to apply classroom concepts to finding solutions to real-life challenges.
Connecting with and impressing potential employers
The connections you make with research mentors can lead to sustained mentoring relationships. These relationships can open doors for your future career — this can be in the form of expanded networking relationships, stronger letters of recommendation, or connections to new opportunities. Also, many employers highly value undergraduate research when considering job applications — it will give you a competitive edge.
Personal Benefits
Learn more about your options
Until you are working in a field, it is difficult to know about the full breadth of opportunities. Undergraduate research places you right in the center of the professional enterprise. You will learn more about options that you didn’t even know were possibilities and meet new people who can help you explore these options.
Clarifying your pathway
Sometimes when students conduct undergraduate research, they confirm their choices of majors and future careers. Other times, they gain skills, but also learn more about what types of careers they don’t want to pursue. Either way, undergraduate research can help you clarify your interests and the best path for your future.
Creating connections and building community
Research is a group effort. Undergraduate research will help you create new connections and expand your professional networks by connecting you with other undergraduate researchers, graduate student or postdoc mentors, and faculty. Also, a research group is its own community within the larger University of Illinois campus — it can be an excellent mechanism for forming mentoring and peer relationships that can support you beyond the research project.
Perspectives from Students, Faculty, and Employers
Student Perspective
“I am doing research to get hands on, practical experience in my major, which helps materialize what I am learning. I like how research has expanded my knowledge in a way that I could not get in a typical class. I can also say I am on the right path towards my career, as having positive research experiences has confirmed what I want in a career.” — Kevin Rattin, Crop Sciences student
Student Perspective
“I have been involved in research in the HDFS department for the entirety of my undergraduate career, and I can say without a doubt that it has been the greatest experience! I am doing research that intersects my interests of both families and the law, which I didn’t even realize you could do research on! Being involved with research has been truly life-changing, so to anybody who is on the fence, I would heavily encourage you to try it!” — Julianne Enas, Human Development and Family Studies student
Faculty Perspective
“Undergraduate research is a great way to push your knowledge and curiosity beyond the classroom. It’s a gateway to discovering new knowledge firsthand, which is a very different experience than learning about something from a textbook. Research challenges you to dive deeper, think critically, plan creatively, and pursue answers to the questions that excite you. It’s where curiosity meets real-world impact.” — Tony Yannarell, Associate Professor of Microbial Ecology, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Employer Perspective
“Getting involved in research and internships is crucial for students’ personal and professional development. They gain practical experience, develop skills, explore career options, build connections, enhance their resume, and grow personally. These gains and experiences are highly valued by employers and students who participate have improved job prospects and long-term career success.” — Kaci Rice, Syngenta
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