[header] How to become a research assistant [title] Choose a field or industry to focus on. [step] There are a number of fields that require research assistants, so you'll need to narrow it down to the areas that you are interested in and qualified for. This is usually fairly straightforward, as it should relate directly to what you are attending or attended school to study. 
[substeps] Stem fields almost always need research assistants. Stem stands for science, technology, engineering and math.