We were unable to log you in with your Google account at this time. 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. A Ph.D. interview could range from an informal meeting with a potential adviser to interviewing with a formal panel. These . 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. It is possible that you start . However, if you havent, read up and learn about their research. "Find out how often your supervisor likes to meet, and decide whether that's appropriate for you." "Ask your potential supervisor what will be required in terms of hours spent per day in the lab. Supervisors can have hectic schedules and may not be able to reply to every email in good time. I have a very different kind of relationship with every PhD student I supervise, even though I like to think I approach everyone the same way. 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. Meeting with potential PhD supervisor- what to expect? We spoke about existing literature and research. Youll also need to be able to use this kind of database. It may also be worth reacquainting yourself with your emails to the potential supervisor. Theyll usually specify: Youll normally be speaking before a small committee of staff members, who will ask you questions about your research after the presentation. Many PhD applicants face difficulties in applying for a doctorate due to the application process. This not only goes against laboratory policy, but it gives a poor impression of your research group, which is especially important when you consider the fact you are likely sharing the facilities with staff members who are colleagues of your supervisor. You should have already identified, on Day 1, who are the faculty members you've narrowed down to meet and discuss. 3. Each email should be tailored to the PhD supervisor in question. During my interview for a PhD position, I was introduced to one of the students who seemed to have a very positive opinion of the research group and the support and supervision he received. In most cases funding is merit-based, so make sure you are prepared to talk up the specific value of your project. Ensure you keep notes and keep in contact if necessary. Sincerely, [Your name]. 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. Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol. A one-to-one discussion with your prospective supervisor. Aside from learning about their attendance expectations, questions like this begin to examine what your day to day might look like. Dr Griffith gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015. Interviews will take place on the 9th and 10th January 2023. State the purpose for the meeting. Differences Between Masters and PhD Study, How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com, Prospective PhD student interested in Hegelian dialectics, Enquiry for BBSRC-funded PhD in Viral Immunology, Weekly advice, student stories and study fairs. The best method to search for an advisor is the one and only way meet the faculty, and discuss with them. You may also be invited to expand upon parts of your PhD application. Do you want hassle-free information and advice? Hello Professor Smith, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of working with you as my PhD supervisor. If you dont receive a reply after a week, send them a polite follow up. After the meeting, it is worth evaluating everything you have learned about each potential supervisor and begin to compare them. 1) In your opinion, what kind of student will succeed in your lab? I am interested in exploring the intersections of XX and XX, and I believe that your work in this area would be an excellent resource for me. For some PhDs, such as pre-set projects, it will not be necessary to write a research proposal at all, as youll be applying for a PhD that has already been organised and agreed upon by a funding body. Being a talented researcher isnt only about being able to conduct research, but also about being able to do so independently. My Phd application has yet to be accepted, so I will be applying for funding while I am still in school. Contacting a potential PhD supervisor can seem daunting but you really should if you're thinking of applying for a doctoral programme. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions about the PhD program and the supervisor's research group. If youre applying for a specific advertised PhD project, include the name of the project. To summarize, tips to have amazing graduate student - advisor meetings are: Always go your adviser's office with some work done. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, JK Rowling dismisses backlash over trans comments: 'I don't care about my legacy', University of East Anglia (UEA) A100 2023 Entry, De montfort University- fashion design or fashion buying with design, History NEA- John Guy Historian validity and analysis, University of Buckingham A100 2023 Offer Holders, The Official Love Island Thread Winter 2023, Official Dental Hygiene and Therapy (Oral Health Science) 2023 Entry Thread, Bank of England degree apprenticeship 2023, University of Sheffield Medicine Student - Ask Me Anything, Official UNIVERSITY of BATH 2023 entry thread, Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2023 Thread, Official Oxford 2023 Postgraduate Applicants Thread, work experience year 12 - finance / business / marketing / accounting. Such types of meetings are important as it enables both the Dissertation supervisor and researcher or scholars to build a strong relationship with each other. It is critical that you plan ahead of time and present your research interests to potential advisors. Do maintenance loans classify as income in student finance application? Don't be alarmed if PhD students sometimes appear cynical and jaded - this is considered normal behaviour for 3 rd years. Use the supervisors correct title, starting with Dear and signing off with Yours sincerely or Kind regards. If anything, greater scrutiny may be paid to your project proposal and to your suitability for independent research. Our guide covers everything you'll need to know to study in Canada this year, including fees, funding, visas and more. 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. Your interview is when the university will do its best to make sure of this. Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved. Remember to evaluate your potential supervisor, checking if they are a right fit for you. All rights reserved. Do you want hassle-free information and advice? These pages are good resources to find out about their work and research interests in their own words. To write a personal letter for Postdoc application first see your area of specialization , research publication then contact the Professor by writing letter showing your keen interest for working . Remember, finding a PhD . You can talk about life problems. Youll come across many academics with PhD, some using the title of Doctor and others using Professor. Or they may have funding available in principle, confirmed if the project meets certain conditions. 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. 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". You may have a one-on-one interview with your potential supervisor over Skype, a formal interview in front of a panel, be asked to give a presentation to the department, or an informal chat with your potential supervisor and their students over lunch. Supervisors receive countless emails a day from students, other professors, external collaborators and research bodies. 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. Before you contact a potential PhD supervisor, be prepared to do your research on their research. Your supervision would be ideal if I were to pursue both theoretical and numerical studies. This panel will usually involve three or more people. This also offers an incentive for meeting with you. How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis, Enquiry for NERC-funded PhD in Climate Change, Prospective Applicant EPSRC Material Science PhD. If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. You shouldnt need to be told about this, but its surprising how many research students fail to clean up after themselves after having completed laboratory work. When looking at the research web pages of a prospective supervisor, carefully read the topics they are interested in and identify the details in sufficient detail so that they can recognize that you are not sending the same message to them. If your initial contact is too informal, your supervisor may . If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. If you are applying for a PhD, you must ensure that your email is error-free. Become a Forum Helper for Life and Style! Your interviewer/s will probably refer to it. It may also be a chance to meet the research team and view the laboratory facilities (if appropriate). This may involve formal questions and answers, or it might simply involve talking through what youve written. Its natural to want to impress your supervisor, but remember, if theyve already agreed to supervise you, theyre already impressed with your academic background and research potential. It is OK to have multiple research interests and contact multiple potential supervisors. This blog post helps you understand the differences. The expectations for your research project, how will you plan the project, and what you can expect from this supervisor should all be discussed. Find out the different dissertation and thesis binding options, which is best, advantages and disadvantages, typical costs, popular services and more. Supervisors will have their own academic profile page, either on their university/departmental website or elsewhere. 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). Take the lead on discussing your plans, progress and even your concerns and challenges. they might have a few papers for you to read to countertop display case; 76ers starting lineup; asics kayano vs nimbus plantar fasciitis; Research is expensive. Be proactive: initiate the meeting. How can we overcome these feelings? You are successfully registered Thanks for telling us about yourself, ! I didn't use any books or sites to help me prep. 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. Therefore, using the wrong title will . Become familiar with their work and academic specialisms (if you arent already). Already have a myFindAPhD Account? Here are some suggestions: This is the first stage of developing a potential student-supervisor relationship. All rights reserved. Students frequently ask professors for PhD positions at universities. 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. You are much more likely to get the answers you require from your supervisor, see the university, and cover a wide range of ground in person than if you sent each other emails. 3. 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. Plus, you can introduce your funding status or your intention to secure funding. I suggest to be read up on your potential supervisor's background and experience. Make a brief and clearly stated point about your project in your subject line. To address all your queries on how to contact potential PhD supervisors, we have outlined some basic steps. Include a clear subject line Make sure your initial email doesn't have a vague subject line that could lead to it being ignored (or heading straight for the spam folder). Youll want to make sure you come across as well as possible during your interview and give a fair impression of your academic potential. Be assertive but avoid rudeness or disrespect. Or that you are the student most deserving of a designated studentship. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Nov 16, 2020 at 22:42 user1271772 4,193 10 43 5 The main body of the email should explain your intent in further detail. Write a concise and professional letter. The format for a PhD interview can vary, depending on your subject area and the circumstances of your application. Conclude the email to a PhD supervisor by thanking them for their time and consideration, with a professional sign off. What is a Concept Paper and How do You Write One. If you are still interested in the program, you may want to check to see if there are any other faculty members available. Arts and Humanities research can involve huge ongoing projects, focussing on the collaborative analysis of vast archives. Already have a myFindAPhD Account? These are really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone. Most of these letters are very poorly prepared. 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