How do I ask for PhD supervision?

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.

Is a PhD scary?

The PhD experience is scary because: You are potentially wasting 6–7 years of your life for what the rest of the world will see as ‘up in the cloud’ projects. Of course, this does not need to be the case, but it can happen if you let it. You are doing novel research no-one else has done.

Can a PhD student get on with her supervisor?

However, as with any other situation in life, there is a possibility that you might not get on with your supervisor. We’ve covered a few of the main potential conflicts below and suggested how you can go about solving them. Often the root of disagreement and difficulties between a supervisor and a PhD student is a lack of communication.

What’s the role of supervision in a PhD?

Supervision as community Kiley (2009) argues that in terms of supporting doctoral students it is useful to think of them as performing a rite of passage throughout their research education rather than focusing on the final crossing of a symbolic boundary represented by the completed thesis and the viva.

Why are there so many problems with PhD students?

Often the root of disagreement and difficulties between a supervisor and a PhD student is a lack of communication. Ideally, you should discuss and agree on expectations in this area with your supervisor at the beginning of your PhD.

What kind of skills do PhD students develop?

One of the main skills PhD students develop is self-reliance – being able to work without constant supervision, a skill which employers value so it might not be the end of the world if you have less frequent contacts with your supervisor or if you find that you need less and less advice.