Research supervisors are the people who guide you through the research process and play an essential role in your journey from novice to expert. Consider the following four aspects in choosing a supervisor for your research project.

1. QUALIFICATIONS

The first is the person’s qualifications, including their level of expertise, experience, and longevity in a specific field. You may want to choose an expert in your research area. It is easier to advise a mentee when the mentor or supervisor masters the subject. For example, if you are working on “The effect of long-term use of NSAIDs on kidney function,” you may consider choosing a Nephrologist as your supervisor. It would be best if you select a supervisor who has demonstrated knowledge and mastery in a field through valuable contributions, like writing a journal article, book chapters, or reviews.

2. REPUTATION

The second factor is whether they have a good reputation among their peers, colleagues, and collaborators. Generally,  supervisors should be well known in their field and respected by those with whom they work. You will find it easier to access facilities, equipment, or persons necessary to your research if your supervisor has a wide network of collaborators. You may also consider a supervisor who is known to follow research ethics diligently. With a supervisor who has a vast network, you may have the opportunity to have access to that network. This will be a bonus to you for your research, and possibly, your career.

3. AVAILABILITY

The third factor is whether they are available to take on new students. For example, some supervisors do not wish to supervise any new students, while others are only available to supervise one or two. Also, some of them may have competing priorities and be unable to effectively allocate enough time to take on that journey with you. This is a crucial factor, especially for students who are new to research. Your supervisor may be able to transfer useful skills to you as you work frequently. Regular meetings with your supervisor ensure proper scrutiny of your work at every step. It also saves you the trouble of going too far ahead with many errors. One way or the other, you’ll have to correct those errors.

And that can be very tedious.

4. PERSONALITY

It is vital to find someone who relates well with your personality, or vice versa, to make working with them much more enjoyable. The theory of the four temperaments first developed by the Greek philosopher Galen, and perfected over time,  suggests four principal temperaments; Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic. Understanding your supervisor’s personality (and by extension, character), will go a long way to ease the association between you and your supervisor. Are they ‘loud’? Do they prefer physical or online meetings? Or both? Do they work through emails or require physical copies while correcting your work? At what time do they schedule work sessions? Early in the morning or late at night? Some supervisors prefer the ‘traditional’ ways while others prefer using modern communication mediums like emails. Still, some are flexible. So this is important as one of the things you should consider before choosing a supervisor.

You can also ask your supervisor how they would prefer for you to work with him/her.

As we delve into research, we should not forget that a cordial relationship between you and your supervisor goes a long way to ensure an excellent outcome. Good luck to you as you begin your quest for knowledge.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

By