How can I tell whether a professor’s supervision style suits me?
Look beyond the research topic and check whether the supervisor’s meeting frequency and format, feedback speed, expected level of independence, expectations about research time and results, communication style, and lab atmosphere fit your needs. Ask for concrete examples during a lab visit or meeting with the professor, and, if possible, speak with current students or graduates before deciding based on several sources.
Key points
- Consider how much guidance you need and how much independence you want.
- Ask specifically about meetings, feedback, communication, research time, and expectations for results.
- During a lab visit or conversations with students or graduates, ask about everyday supervision and how problems are handled.
Things to check
- Supervision practices and lab operations vary by university, faculty, field, and professor. Check current official information and confirm details in a meeting or other recent explanation.