Emma Jonson How do I approach a prospective PhD supervisor?
Here are some things to keep in mind when emailing potential PhD supervisors to increase your odds of getting a response.
- Keep it short. Professors are short of time and receive a ton of emails each day.
- Make a Connection.
- Have a Clear CTA.
- Introduce yourself.
- Have a Clear Subject Line.
- Thank them for their time.
- Follow up.
What should I ask a prospective PhD student?
Ask them about their expectations out of their coming 3-5 years as a grad student!…5 Answers
- Why do you want to pursue research in this specific area?
- What made you apply to this lab/university, as a continuation of the previous question?
- What would you like to be doing post Ph.
How do you ask a professor to be your supervisor?
How do you ask a professor to be your supervisor?
- Keep it short. Professors are short of time and receive a ton of emails each day.
- Make a Connection. If you have a connection to the professor, make sure to mention it.
- Have a Clear CTA.
- Introduce yourself.
- Have a Clear Subject Line.
- Thank them for their time.
- Follow up.
What questions should a PhD student ask?
Ask current grad students:
- How intense are classes/exams? (hrs/week?)
- Do you feel there is a collaborative environment with other students?
- Is there a “central” study area? Or do students mostly work in their offices?
- How many classes are typical per semester/term?
- What kind of electives do students take?
How do you send an email to a teacher asking for something?
Your email should:
- have an informative subject line.
- be concise.
- be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name.
- not use Mrs. or Ms.
- NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons.
- if applying for an opening: address any qualifications the professor is looking for.
- if asking for a research opportunity:
What to write in an email to a PhD supervisor?
The 1st paragraph should give a concise summary of your self including your native country and your name. It must tell you about your achievements, experience, and qualifications relevant to the open position. By addressing the professor’s research area, you can also show that you also want to work on one of his research projects in his lab.
What to ask a potential ph.d.advisor?
Throughout visit day, get to know more than one potential advisor; committing to a PhD program that has several aligned professors is a highly underrated safeguard (see: Bus Factor).
Who is the best supervisor for a PhD?
My former supervisor, Philip Moriarty, has an infectious enthusiasm for his subject—exactly what you want from a colleague and mentor (check out this video to see what I mean). Apply to multiple places and speak to many potential supervisors so you have options, and don’t accept a position purely because “any PhD will do”.
What to write for subject when contacting potential supervisor?
If your potential supervisor accepts students for different programs, you can specify the degree you are seeking (Master’s) in the subject line. The rest of the information (your background, interests, etc.) should be in the email body.