general question to current students about finding an advisor

[satzer]

Hi,

I'm at a department where there are only a handful of people in the field I am interested in. I approached one faculty member and had a little chat with him. Right now I'm trying to cultivate him informally while discussing potential research ideas. I am hoping that I could get him as my main advisor in the future. He is pretty well established and teaches the classes I am interested in infrequently so chances are that I will not be taking any classes with him at all. Would that be a problem? Is it unusual to have an primary advisor with whom you did not have any classes?

Thanks!

[Andronicus]

Does the professor participate in any brownbags? These are a good opportunity to informally discuss research and build rapport with faculty. I previously took a class and TA'd for my advisor, but it's not absolutely necessary. Certainly take his class if you get the chance though.

[notafraid]

I tend to like to choose my advisors (undergrad so far) based on if I enjoyed his class, and our personalities match.

[mgou]

I do not think that is a problem. I did not take a course with my undergraduate advisor until 3 quarters later (yes almost a year later).
I tend to choose my advisors based on research interests and how well I get along with the person. In my opinion,
you have to think about whether or not you can work with this person. Also some advisors are more helpful than others.