Is supervisor personality as important as the research topic when choosing a laboratory?
Yes. A supervisor’s compatibility with you can be as important as the research topic, although the relative priority depends on your goals and field. In addition to whether the topic interests you, consider the supervisor’s advising style, expected frequency of communication and consultation, the laboratory atmosphere, and its facilities and research structure. Information sessions, laboratory visits, and conversations with current students can help you judge whether you could continue your research there.
Key points
- Check whether the research topic matches your interests and intended direction.
- Consider whether the supervisor’s advising style and accessibility suit you.
- Learn about the laboratory atmosphere, facilities, and research structure from more than one source.
- Use information sessions, laboratory visits, and conversations with current students where available.
Things to check
- Laboratory practices and opportunities to visit or speak with current students vary by university, faculty, program, and academic year, so check the official information for details.