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Finding the right thesis advisor is critical to your completion of your graduate degree. When you first arrive at Rensselaer, some of you may know exactly the area in which you would like to do research. However, many new graduate students do not. Therefore, it is essential for all graduate students to get to know the faculty.

• Colloquia: When members of the Math Sciences faculty give colloquia this provides a good way for graduate students to learn about the faculty members' research. There is also a spring course that meets weekly, which is geared towards graduate students who are seeking research areas. At each meeting a faculty members presents and discusses his or her current research.
  
  
• Take courses from professors in your research area: If you have an idea of which area you would like to do research, take classes from professors who are also interested in that area or ask them about a reading course.
  
  
• Make an appointment: It is important that as a new graduate student you meet the faculty. Unless you have a professor in a class or are their TA, you may not have the occasion to get to know your professors. Set up an appointment to meet them to just talk.
  
  
• Attend Office Hours: One of the best and most convenient methods of getting to know the professors is by attending their office hours. This is a time that the professor has reserved to spend time with the students. Take advantage of their availability and attention.
  
  
• Working Styles: Another crucial aspect to selecting the right advisor is finding someone whose personality and "working style" complement yours. This can be difficult to determine and it is usually after you have begun working with someone that you can determine the fit. You may be able to get an impression of their working style through the courses you have taken with them. How professors answer your questions can give you some indication of how their thought process works and of what their work ethic is. Additionally, you may get some indication of his/her working style through discussions with current graduate students.
  
  
• Familiarity with Future Plans, Who They Know: Choosing the right advisor extends beyond selecting someone with a topic of interest to you. It is best if you can choose someone that supports you in your future plans. That is, whatever your goals are, does this person have the right contacts to help you get started in this particular direction? Has this person had other students go in the direction you wish to go? You should discuss your plans with your prospective advisor.
  
  
• Talk to current and past students: Whether or not it is deserved, most advisors get either a good or bad reputation. It can prove useful for you to talk to current and former students of your prospective advisor to learn their opinions and impressions about what to expect.