Jiarui Yang: My work as a Research Assistant

Hi, everyone! My name is Jiarui Yang, I'm studying Urban Planning BA (Hons) on the XJTLU 2+2 programme.

Read my blog in English

My Research Assistant role and responsibilities

During the two months of summer break in 2023, I participated in a transportation planning research project led by my academic advisor. My main responsibilities included assisting my tutor with basic data collection, organisation, writing, as well as engaging in data analysis and drawing of diagrams. On average, I met with my advisor once every two weeks either online or in-person, and participated in the preparation of documents shared by the research team.

How I got my job as a Research Assistant

I actively sought relevant positions and submitted my resume to my tutor. Later, after a semester of study, my tutor gradually recognised my abilities and learned some  further information about me from my schoolmates. Believing in my capability to excel in the role, my tutor invited me to join the project team as the summer approached.

How my role has helped my future study and career opportunities

As a voluntary research assistant, I gained a wealth of theoretical knowledge from my teacher. The project's collaboration with the local government provided me with insights into the perspectives of local officials on urban issues, contributing to my understanding of real-world urban planning. Throughout this process, I developed new perspectives on potential career paths, aiding in the formulation of preliminary goals for my professional development. I'm sincerely grateful to my tutor for generously sharing these experiences with me. Lastly, the research experience enhanced my comprehension of the working conditions of researchers, reinforcing my confidence and  ambitions regarding postgraduate study and future academic pursuits.

My advice for XJTLU 2+2 students looking for university research experience

I believe that students aspiring to enhance their academic and professional qualities should actively seek opportunities for experiential learning while maintaining excellent academic performance. Engage in open communication with professors and peers in the same field and seize opportunities to meet with mentors, whenever you can. Prepare questions, communicate politely, and be well-prepared. Lastly, actively seek research opportunities in society, such as participating in online seminars hosted by various journals and research conferences in your discipline.

Read my blog in Chinese

大家好，我叫杨佳睿，是利物浦大学城市规划专业的学生，我通过西交利物浦大学2+2 项目，在2022年来到利物浦学习。

请介绍一下作为研究助理的工作内容？

在2023年暑假的两个月里，我积极参与了由学术导师主持的交通规划研究项目。我的主要职责包括协助老师进行基本的资料搜集、整理和撰写工作，同时参与数据分析和图纸绘制。我平均每两周与指导老师在线或离线会面一次，并参与编写研究团队的共享文件。

你是如何获得的这份工作？

最开始是我积极寻求相关的岗位，向老师投递了自己的简历；后来，经过一学期的学习，老师逐渐认可了我的能力，并从学姐那里了解了一些关于我的基本情况，认为我有能力干好工作。于是，在暑假即将开始的时候，老师邀请我加入了项目组。

你从这份工作中收获了什么？这是否帮助了你未来的学习计划？

作为一名义务研究助理，我从老师那里学到了很多专业的理论知识。由于我们研究的项目与当地政府有一些合作，我也有机会了解一些当地官员对于本土城市问题的看法，这对于我真实了解城市规划工作有所帮助。在这个过程中，我逐渐萌发了对工作岗位的一些新想法，这些观点帮助我为自己的职业发展制定了初步的目标。因此，我十分感谢我的老师愿意分享这些经验给我。最后，相关的研究经历让我对科研工作者的工作状态有了更深刻的了解，也加深了我对研究生学习方向以及未来是否继续深造的信心和思考。

对于想要在大学找到科研实习的同学，你有什么建议？

我觉得一个有志于提升学术专业素养的同学应该在保持良好学习成绩的同时，积极主动地去寻找锻炼的机会。一方面，与同专业的老师和同学多交流，保持开放的头脑；另一方面，要善于把握与导师见面的机会，在每一次的办公时间准备好自己想要询问的问题，礼貌并且充分准备地与老师沟通。最后，可以积极寻求一些社会上的研究机会，比如参与各个期刊的线上研讨会、自己专业提供的学科研究大会等等。要相信，你的伯乐总会不期而遇。