3. Investigate opportunities for gaining research experience. Some departments of psychology post openings for research assistant positions in a faculty member’s lab. In other departments these positions can only be learned about by having conversations with faculty members about opportunities to assist them. Keep in mind that even research experience outside of your area of interest can be valuable in helping you decide if a research career in psychology is right for you. If opportunities within your department are limited, consider contacting faculty members at neighboring institutions to ask about volunteering in their research labs.