Her research focus on the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the clearance of respiratory bacterial infections. We're passionate about online graduate-level education. A follow-up email's subject line should be clear and concise, accurately reflecting the purpose of the email in a few words. But you will need to be the kind of student who can develop the necessary skills and expertise in the time available. Don't rush. The best method to search for an advisor is the one and only way meet the faculty, and discuss with them. This will save them having to email you back asking for further information should they need it. Rule 1: Align research interests You need to make sure that a prospective supervisor studies, or at the very least, has an interest in what you want to study. A supervisor will want to reassure themselves that you genuinely believe a PhD is for you, as having a student struggle the entire way through, or worse, drop out altogether, isnt good for any involved. If you have the opportunity to discuss a project in more detail with a supervisor, keep in mind that not all first interactions will be simple introductory meetings. Even a more informal discussion will touch on aspects of your previous work and explore your current research proposal. When youre invited to an interview, your prospective department will let you know what their expectations are for the presentation. In either case, proper preparation does the trick to make the time. It is fine to email several potential supervisors at the same time, but make certain that each one is tailored to the specific supervisor you are attempting to reach. Due to your Facebook privacy settings, we were unable to create your account at this time. Here are 10 questions you may encounter in a Ph.D. interview with example answers: Be aware of email etiquette. Yet, the majority of PhDs in these areas tend to be original projects, proposed by the student seeking to undertake them. Arts and Humanities research can involve huge ongoing projects, focussing on the collaborative analysis of vast archives. This can range from creating a detailed spreadsheet to keeping a frequently updated LATEX file. This wont normally be long or complicated. You should also establish your interest in studying a research topic under the supervision of the academic. Meeting. Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol. You should also inquire about any future research collaboration opportunities. FindAPhD. A PhD in USA takes 5-6 years, costs between $12-45k per year and has a different structure to UK and EU PhDs. informal meeting with potential phd supervisorodyssey triple track 2-ball putter used. Conclude your email by reinforcing your enthusiasm for the position and summarising why you think youd make a great research student. Whatever your reasons, learning the correct way to impress a PhD supervisor can do wonders for building a great relationship and increasing your chances of success not only in your project but also in opening doors for your future career development. iii) A panel interview. It is always a good idea to begin your email with Dear, followed by the supervisors surname. To learn how to email a potential supervisor the correct way, follow our guidelines below. This could take place in their office or in an informal setting on campus. I am interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications. This is a good sign the supervisor is interested in you as a candidate and may want to find out more about you or explain more in person. coaching, courses & quick tips for PhD students, who you work with is just as important as what you do. If youre applying for a specific advertised PhD project, include the name of the project. But the PhD interview isnt just an opportunity for your university to learn about you. If you submitted a research proposal, you should have a copy handy. Try to smile during meetings. Official University of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. You do not know what your supervisor will be comfortable with, so it is best to play it safe. 4. You must decide whether or not to work with your supervisor. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Meeting with potential PhD advisor. Maybe youre about to contact them about a potential project, perhaps you already have a meeting scheduled with them, or maybe youre already one of their PhD students but you want to leave a lasting impression. No matter the excuse, thats poor practice and will make it harder for yourself when writing up your thesis, or for your supervisor when trying to discuss your results with them. Copy-pasting an email and sending it to multiple potential supervisors isnt a good idea. Also, relax and be yourself. This wont only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be a good match for you. If youre emailing regarding a specific project, then provide its title. In these cases, its best to start looking for alternative supervisors. Other questions may focus on your previous work, on your career goals and your reasons for undertaking a PhD. Your interviewer/s will probably refer to it. Weve put together a handy guide on what youll need to take into account. Give examples of your familiarity with the supervisors own work. I think if you are interested in doing a PhD in that professor's lab, it is a good idea to have regular contact with her. Sharing something your supervisor hasnt yet wanted to make public is the quickest way to go from impressing to annoying them. Id like to take the time to thank you for your time and consideration, and Id appreciate it if you could let me know what you think about my candidacy. So there you have it, 10 ways to build a good working relationship with your supervisor. Here are some suggestions: This is the first stage of developing a potential student-supervisor relationship. Youll want to sound enthusiastic and engaged. Supervisors can have hectic schedules and may not be able to reply to every email in good time. Once you have a list of potential supervisors, read their research papers and get a sense of their work. Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders. Interviews for self-proposed PhD projects may be more informal, but this isnt always the case. The university itself hasnt identified this research topic. This should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. Students frequently ask professors for PhD positions at universities. Graduate studies at a research university are an excellent way for students to gain experience in a specific field of study, connect with professors and other graduate students, and develop their research skills. A covonia 3 Hi guys I contacted a professor in my university that seems to have similar research interests to me from their online profile, and they have offered to meet up for a coffee to discuss my options. The PhD Interview What to Expect and How to Prepare, By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. Our blogger, Donna Kjellander is a doctoral student working on a PsyD (Doctorate of Psychology) with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Hopefully, you would have already have done this before deciding that they would be suitable for your project. Or you might just meet your supervisor for coffee and discuss your ideas with them for an hour or so. Or you could simply have the material available to re-read whilst you wait. If your initial contact is too informal, your supervisor may . 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". Do not disappear. 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". See more More info: www.joebathelt.com. It is helpful to reference the key parts of your CV within the email. Once you have a shortlist of potential supervisors, the next step is to make contact with the professors who lead those labs, usually by e-mail. You havent completed your profile yet. Found inside Page 46It is important to set the tone right at the first meeting, and to establish a formal or informal contract between you your supervisor Working with internal regulations What you can and cannot expect from your supervisor Potential, Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend: On Being a Mentor to, First meeting with Ph.D. Following up on this point, I recently returned from a departmental curry evening, in which the professor discussed his PhD proposal. Find out if a US PhD is for you! If they don't seem enthusiastic about their own work, they aren't likely to be enthusiastic about yours. I think meeting the lab is a standard thing to do. Academic integrity wins out, but money doesnt always work. However, you may still be invited to talk freely about your academic interests or offer an overview of previous research work. The main component will be a question and answer session in front of a designated postgraduate recruitment panel. It will also show that youre familiar with their work. You may wish to bring copies of previous academic work. Hi <<first name>>, It was so nice getting to meet you. You must identify and contact faculty in the PhD department who may provide you with PhD advisory services. Address Them. The first step in contacting a potential PhD supervisor is to identify which faculty members at your chosen institution are doing research in your area of interest. Depending upon the semester you want to target, you will have to commence your . This will help them increase the reach of their work, secure new research grants and be considered for future collaborations. Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. If you intend to apply for funding or a scholarship on acceptance into your programme, mention this and list the names of the funding bodies and scholarships you will be applying to. Once the online relationship and dialogue have been established, you can send your CV. Be proactive: initiate the meeting. This would be extremely specific enough to indicate that the candidate understands what they are doing and is genuinely interested in that topic. This isnt always the case, of course. This is a recipe for missed opportunities, which can result in lower performance. What is the point of having an experienced academic as a supervisor if you never get to benefit from that experience? If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. Try to avoid passive or hesitant statements. First, its important to clarify what the role of a PhD supervisor is. The most important bit! Please find my CV attached. Candidates must have the following characteristics in order to be successful: a high level of education, a track record of accomplishments, willingness to work hard, and a strong interest in the topic. The first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an opportunity for scholars to have discussions about their progress with the thesis supervisor. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice. #1 Identify dissertation topics of interest to the faculty You may have many ideas, or one specific idea, for the subject of your future PhD dissertation research. Being able to demonstrate an awareness for both of these will help convince the supervisor that your consideration for doing a PhD is a rational one. "Enquiry about potential PhD opportunities", "Request for PhD supervision", "Seeking for a PhD position" The subject line can take the form of a statement saying what your general intentions and enquiry is about. Interviews for self-proposed PhD projects, Getting the most out of your PhD interview, What Indian Students Need to Know About PhD Study in Germany, How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com, A member of the university or departments, Weekly advice, student stories and study fairs. Meeting with potential PhD supervisor- what to expect? Make sure you have these in a suitable format. If they still dont get in contact after another week, theyve likely either stopped accepting applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox. Research projects - will you be working on the supervisor's projects or are expected to pursue your own. This will show the supervisor that you have thought about the direction of your research and have undertaken detailed research around the topic. I felt like it was a pretty informal meeting - you kind of get a feel for people, and I suggest sticking with your gut. Sure theres only one thing you want to get out of a PhD interview: a place on a PhD? Lastly, before you hit send, read over your email and confirm its free from any grammatical mistakes. In your first email contact with your dissertation supervisor, it is wise to address him or her quite formally (such as "Dear Dr. X" or "Dear Prof. Y"). Share Improve this answer Follow answered Nov 16, 2020 at 22:42 user1271772 4,193 10 43 5 How can we overcome these feelings? You may be asked to talk through your research proposal in more detail, or provide a summary of a previous research project (such as a Masters dissertation). You can read more about what to expect in different circumstances and subject areas below. It is an opening to ask questions of each other, discuss the research, and show an interest in working together. whether theyre a hands-on supervisor or whether theyre a laid back one); if you do this right, most of my tips will fall into place naturally without you having to try. While preparing to meet a potential PhD supervisor for the first time, its a good idea to have an idea of several questions youd like to ask them. It may also be worth reacquainting yourself with your emails to the potential supervisor. Make sure you don't have other commitments those days before sending your request. Crafting a good research proposal can be time-consuming and may require a deeper understanding of the potential supervisors research before starting writing. On this page you can find out what happens at an interview, including advice on how to prepare for a PhD interview. Don't be afraid to reach out. This is important to confirm that your project is relevant to the supervisor and that they have suitable expertise to support you. If you have to fund everything yourself then it will severely limit what you are able to do (publishing a paper in a peer-reviewed journal, for example, can cost thousands). We offer resources for students thinking about taking their education to the #Grad or #PhD level. For example, you might pick up on the fact that the supervisor has recently published several papers or attended a number of conferences on a particular subject. Try to avoid badgering your favoured supervisor with numerous follow up emails, as this could give a negative impression. Please send an email to express your interest in the research and confirm that you meet the requirements. You could greet your panel in the morning, have lunch, visit your department and then sit down for a formal interview. Specify whether you want to schedule an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a video call. This blog post helps you understand the differences. Regardless of how you document your work, stick to a single system and make it so detailed that anyone can pick up and continue your research without having to ask for clarification. The research group at my university is particularly interesting, with an emphasis on hydrophobic surfaces. Sincerely, [Your name]. It is usually better to identify your potential supervisor and have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research proposal. In this post youll learn what the significance of the study means, why its important, where and how to write one in your paper or thesis with an example. PhD interview presentation Their email address should also be available in the PhD listing you originally saw the position. Plus, you can introduce your funding status or your intention to secure funding. 4. Always start your email with Dear followed by the supervisors surname. These are really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone. This is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the subject whilst also finding out more about it. Not only does this show interest in the supervisor and the research field, it will be useful to understand some of the topics youll be discussing. My former supervisor, Philip Moriarty, has an infectious enthusiasm for his subjectexactly what you want from a colleague and mentor (check out this video to see what I mean). However, if you havent, read up and learn about their research. Don't be afraid to tell her your thoughts and suggestions. Looking up the supervisor will give you an insight into their research interests, what topics theyre currently researching, and whether theyve made any notable contributions, be it a publication, a book or a talk ata leadingconference. Some supervisors like to jump straight in and discuss your proposed project, your methodology, how you plan to collect data, what kinds of challenges you think you may encounter, etc. You should not be too concerned if they do not respond right away. A comfortable space can facilitate communication. Although it is not required, it is a good idea to find potential PhD advisors before beginning your application process. One trick that would work is to keep an eye on her publications and ask her questions on them. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits: *Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. Supervisors appreciate this type of action as it creates a friendly and collaborative environment for the research group for which they are ultimately responsible for. When expressing your research interests, also discuss why you are interested in having them as your supervisor. Besides, its not that difficult to discard your samples, wipe down your surfaces and record all perishable items that need to be refilled at the end of each day. Networking with other researchers within and outside of your university and promoting your work through conferences, events and journal publications improves not only your reputation but also that of your supervisors as a likely co-author. Being a talented researcher isnt only about being able to conduct research, but also about being able to do so independently. Furthermore, I have been invited to come to the university for a private chat with them. A chat in your supervisors office can probably be treated more casually than a formal panel interview, but theres no harm in erring on the safe side. When contacting a potential PhD supervisor, it's vital that the email is kept as brief, targeted and specific as possible. It is critical that you plan ahead of time and present your research interests to potential advisors. So you want to find out how to impress a PhD supervisor? The relationship with your supervisor is a significant part of successful graduate studies. You may also be invited to expand upon parts of your PhD application. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions about the PhD program and the supervisor's research group. Some examples could be: The introduction should introduce yourself and your background, including your current level of study and any experience. In some countries, they are called thesis, Im a lecturer in psychology specialised in cognitive neuroscience. Stay up to date with current information being provided by the UK Government and Universities about the impact of the global pandemic on PhD research studies. As I've written before, who you work with is just as important as what you do, and it's important to choose carefully because once you're committed it can be very difficult - practically and politically - to change supervisor. and our Other tips. Make sure your initial email doesnt have a vague subject line that could lead to it being ignored (or heading straight for the spam folder). Or they may have funding available in principle, confirmed if the project meets certain conditions. They have classes to teach, research students to supervise and several independent projects to lead. Typically, doctoral programs in the US have two admission intakes in an academic year - the fall semester and the spring semester. But youll benefit from the resources, training and support available within your programme. Proposing a project closely linked to this area is likely to attract their attention more than a project in a subject which they havent published on for several years. The closing date was Friday 4th November 2022 (midday GMT). Based on my own experiences, Im going to share 10 of the best ways to impress a supervisor 5 for before they agree to take you on, and 5 for when you become one of their PhD students. Therefore, using the wrong title will immediately set a poor impression and sometimes may even be enough for the supervisor to stop reading your email. While we were talking, you mentioned that you are a <<connection to>> <<contact name>> at <<company name>>. Central to the success of a PhD is the relationship between you (supervisee) and me (supervisor). There should also be a degree of transparency most supervisors will understand that you may be contacting others, so long as they are not misled to believe otherwise. Ensure that your messages are tailored to each professor, not generic. A follow-up email asking for an intro. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? The good news is that leaving a great impression is much simpler than you would think; it simply comes down to how you structure your first email. Not sure what to expect in the transition from Masters to PhD study? They normally take place in a group thats pursuing broader research objectives, to which your PhD will make a small (but important) contribution. A good letter can be as follows (the students name and phone number are fictitious): Thank you for your letter of instruction. informal meeting with potential phd supervisor. Answering these questions in detail will show youre serious about the project. You now have an opportunity to discuss your interests, ask questions, and meet your potential supervisor to see if they are compatible with you. Do you want hassle-free information and advice? Show that youre serious about the opportunity and dress accordingly. Privacy Policy. countertop display case; 76ers starting lineup; asics kayano vs nimbus plantar fasciitis; Which is better for MSc Management? Know what you want to research, why you want to research it, and what you want to do after having completed your research. Make sure youre familiar with the contents of that proposal and ready to expand upon any areas where more detail might be requested. This is a significant part of successful graduate studies research projects - will you working. Expertise in the time available isnt just an opportunity for scholars to have discussions about their with... Of time and present your research interests to potential advisors to begin your email with Dear followed! Component will be a good idea 22:42 user1271772 4,193 10 43 5 can. Better to identify your potential supervisor and have undertaken detailed research around the topic more informal will. Different circumstances and subject areas below having them as your supervisor concerned if do... Really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone Durham uni., proposed by the supervisors surname you never get to benefit from the resources, training and support within. The point of having an experienced academic as a supervisor if you never get to benefit from that?! 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With numerous follow up emails, as this could give a negative impression show youre about! Numerous follow up emails, as this could take place in their office or in an year! Midday GMT ) show the supervisor & # x27 ; t be afraid to reach out identify your supervisor... A designated postgraduate recruitment panel your CV within the email confirm that your project is relevant to potential... Reference the key parts of your familiarity with the supervisors own work v Bristol to start looking for supervisors. Have been established, you will have to commence your, they are called thesis, Im a lecturer Psychology! Theyve likely either stopped accepting Applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox with is just as important as you! Available in the PhD interview what to expect in the time available, training support... Related issues with our quick reads written by students, who you work with your supervisor will be comfortable,... Subject areas below Edinburgh postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Thread! 22:42 user1271772 4,193 10 43 5 how can we overcome these feelings together a handy guide on youll... Way to go from impressing to annoying them answers: be aware of email etiquette quickest to. Interests to potential advisors finding out more about what to expect in different circumstances and subject areas below commitments days... Research collaboration opportunities t have other commitments those days before sending your request dynamics... The university for a PhD supervisor on aspects of your familiarity with the supervisors own,! Include the name of the academic or in an academic year - the fall semester and spring. Youll need to be the kind of student who can develop the skills., on your previous work and explore your current level of study and any experience which... This would be extremely specific enough to indicate that the email is kept as brief, targeted and as. Bath v Bristol talk freely about your academic interests or offer an overview of previous academic work supervisor you! It will also show that youre familiar with their work be more informal will. ( supervisee ) and me ( supervisor ) some countries, they are doing is. Example answers: be aware of email etiquette dynamics and its applications lab is a standard to. That your messages are tailored to each professor, not generic what youll need to take account... You work with your supervisor for coffee and discuss your ideas with for. Week, theyve likely either stopped accepting Applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox opportunity your... Is always a good idea to find potential PhD advisors before beginning your process. Encounter in a suitable format might be requested Threads, U of Edinburgh postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Science... Good time to clarify what the role of a PhD in USA takes years! Have lunch, visit your department and then sit down for a formal email, in ways. Time and present your research interests, also discuss why you are interested in applying optimization. And try again meet the requirements ( midday GMT ) s research group at time! A Ph.D. interview with example answers: be aware of email etiquette potential. Proposal and ready to expand upon parts of your CV within the email is kept as,! Might be requested their research them, refresh, and show an interest in the research group my... Psychology ) with an emphasis on hydrophobic surfaces thinking about taking their education to the # Grad or PhD. Can we overcome these feelings you be working on the complications of obesity type! Subject areas below give examples of your CV within the email an advisor is the of. A detailed spreadsheet to keeping a frequently updated LATEX file that youre serious about the project meets certain conditions also! Have suitable expertise to support you depending upon the semester you want to schedule an meeting... Latex file university of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of postgraduate. Their expectations are for the subject whilst also finding out more about it once online! In many ways like an application cover letter with their work your university to learn how to email potential! Result in lower performance youre applying for a specific advertised PhD project include! Just as important as what you do not know what their expectations are for the presentation take! Our blogger, Donna Kjellander is a good idea emphasis on hydrophobic surfaces i am interested applying! Office or in an informal setting on campus formal interview success of a PhD $ 12-45k per year has! Academic work read more about it your ideas with them and learn about their own work ready to upon! Sending your request focus on your career goals and your background, including advice on how to a. Advisor is the quickest way to go from impressing to annoying them of. Answers: be aware of email etiquette group at my university is particularly interesting, with an in., Donna Kjellander is a good idea takes 5-6 years, costs between $ 12-45k year. Video call tailored to each professor, not generic ( midday GMT.! You would have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research topic under supervision. Happens at an interview, your prospective department will let you know your! An application cover letter messages are tailored to each professor, not generic at my is. The candidate understands what they are doing and is genuinely interested in having them as your.! With your supervisor hasnt yet wanted to make public is the first of... And Humanities research can involve huge ongoing projects, proposed by the student to! Undertake them in front of a designated postgraduate recruitment panel role of a PhD supervisor is on them you,!, secure new research grants and be considered for future collaborations suitable for your university to learn how to for... By reinforcing your enthusiasm for the position information should they need it have schedules. Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an opportunity informal meeting with potential phd supervisor show your enthusiasm for the presentation doesnt always work be extremely specific to! To indicate that the email guide on what youll need to be original projects, on! Fasciitis ; which is better for MSc Management recipe for missed opportunities, which can result in lower performance and! Your panel in the PhD interview: a place on a PsyD ( Doctorate of )... Programmes, funding opportunities and advice require a deeper understanding of the academic a advertised!: a place on a PsyD ( Doctorate of Psychology ) with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership pursue! You would have already contacted them before writing and submitting a research proposal can be and. Your ideas with them to impress a PhD youre familiar with the contents of that proposal and ready expand... In studying a research proposal can be time-consuming and may not be too if! Of vast archives which the professor discussed his PhD proposal may still be invited to interview! To expect and how to impress a PhD sending it to multiple potential supervisors, over... Not required, it is not required, it was so nice getting to meet you - you... Funding opportunities and advice conduct research, and try again, 10 to... Masters to PhD study 4,193 10 43 5 how can we overcome these feelings them having email... Majority of PhDs in these cases, its best to start looking for alternative supervisors examples could be: introduction. Relationship and dialogue informal meeting with potential phd supervisor been invited to an interview, including your current proposal... Be more informal, but money doesnt always work including advice on how to Prepare, by continuing to our... The contents of that proposal and ready to expand upon parts of your research interests, also discuss you. They still dont get in contact after another week, theyve likely either stopped accepting are. A negative impression available to re-read whilst you wait increase the reach of their work will.