I'm thinking I would like to switch labs within my department (as a grad student). How to approach this?

Question

I am in a lab that I feel I cannot grow sufficiently in and am considering changing labs. The background is I chose to join this lab because it was aligned with the work I wanted to do, but I didn't really look into it any further since this was my first experience joining a lab.

After being in the lab for some time I've found out that communication between the labs 8 members is very limited and there aren't any group projects, assistant professor, etc. The professor is a nice person but is usually busy with other things so doesn't really give students much direction or input and leaves the students to figure pretty much everything out on their own. I'm aware this may sound great for some people, but I'm the type of person that requires more direction and to be pushed a bit more or else I tend to procrastinate. This coupled with the lab atmosphere just being very cold and not good for brainstorming with members etc has made me feel that I wont be able to grow much in this environment.

There is a similar lab in the university with more members an assistant professor, group projects and a professor that engages more with his students. I'm thinking I would like to join this lab but think my professor could take it badly since the other lab is in the same uni, and is a friend of his he will probably feel like I've slighted him, or am making an indirect comment on his skills. Which isn't really the case, I just want to be in an environment that allows me to learn as much as possible.

How should I approach this?

Answer 1

As you are someone who tends to need structure and, perhaps I could even say hand-holding, and since your target advisor has a set-up that is more amenable to that style... you might be able to get some assistance from the target advisor in making the change.

You could also ask the director or dean of graduate studies in your department for assistance.

Alternatively, you could take a deep breath and let your current advisor know about the change. Use I-messages such as "I'm the type of person that needs to be pushed a bit more or else I tend to procrastinate." Make sure to thank the professor for the opportunity s/he provided you.

Answer 2

I strongly disagree with the few comments and answers that go after "I'm the type of person that requires more direction and to be pushed a bit more" as if it's a character flaw or that you should just buckle down and be an "adult".

I think it's commendable that you can take what seems to be an objective view of the situation and instead of saying "this lab sucks", see it as a poor fit for you.

Kudos to you! Having an inspiring advisor can be life-changing!

You know what you want and what you need. If you can find a path to getting it, go for it!

• The professor is a nice person but is usually busy with other things so doesn't really give students much direction or input and leaves the students to figure pretty much everything out on their own.
• I'm aware this may sound great for some people, but I'm the type of person that requires more direction and to be pushed a bit more or else I tend to procrastinate.
• This coupled with the lab atmosphere just being very cold and not good for brainstorming with members etc has made me feel that I wont be able to grow much in this environment.

No doubt you are correct in your assessment. Trust your instincts.

Interaction with others, brainstorming, bouncing ideas off of each other and even general camaraderie is exactly what makes for a great research and learning graduate experience. If you can find your way towards such an environment just do it.

Don't worry about the "nice person but is usually busy with other things" they will continue to get more students and ignore them. Just don't let it be you.