Browsing through universities and programs websites searching for a potential supervisor for your PhD programmes, sometimes can be energy sapping. It is very important you spend the time searching because your research subject can help you identify leading institutions and/or experts in the specific area of study, also, you should know Supervisors play very key role in your experience as a research degree student. The relationship between you and your supervisor will have a significant impact on the positive and successful completion of your degree
Graduate students in research-intensive programs (i.e., one that requires a thesis) will often need a faculty supervisor. It is expedient you check with your graduate program of interest to see if a supervisor is needed, and to find a supervisor at the time of application if necessary. This will increase your chances at admission and allow for a better and more productive graduate student experience.
How to find a supervisor:
There’re practical ways to getting one.
1. Research
It’s good you have the information about the person you’re contacting. Don’t go by saying ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Make the message particular to that recipient. Call them by name, and add one or two exclusive connectors into the content.
At the same time, it is important to look at the institution, the appropriate research group or the unit that your potential supervisor belongs to and identify whether any doctoral programmes are advertised that match your research interests.
Do not forget to search other staff in the department/research group and their publications to understand whether the group/unit is leading in the research field you are interested in and whether your potential colleagues might be able to help you in your research.
2. Merits
Make sure to check any prerequisites for the program, such as GPA. If you don’t meet the necessary criteria, look elsewhere. Remember, Ph.D. supervisors are usually not short on applications. Once you’re sure that you meet all the minimum requirements, provide information as to what makes you different than the others. Some of them may even have better grades than you. Provide information that shows more than grades.
3. Be Concise
Keep it brief and clear. Ph.D. supervisors receive many letters and emails from prospective students. This can be overwhelming, especially when they already have plenty of other duties to attend to. If it’s too long, chances are they simply won’t read the whole letter due to time constraints.
4. Get a catchy title
Make sure that your subject line provides the recipient with an instant understanding of your email’s purpose even before they open it. This way you’re more likely to be at the top of their to-read list. Use something with a similar structure to: Prospective Ph.D. student looking to study ……”
5. Attach your cv.
Include your academic accomplishments as well as your CV, and any other documents which can support claims made in your email. Make sure never to make claims you cannot back. False information will get you nowhere good. If they like your email, they’ll likely want to do more research on you are before contacting you. This way they’ll have all the information at their fingertips.
How to write an Email to your Potential Research Supervisor:
Sample letter
Dear Professor (Last Name),
My name is (Full Name), and I’m a graduate student at (University) where I major in (Degree Major). I’m graduating (Date). I would like to apply for a position on your Ph.D. program. I have a [GPA Score] and experience in our university’s [extra curriculum activities].
I am planning to attend a Ph.D. program with a focus on (subject). I first learned of your work from your article (article name). It was a great article and gave me a few ideas for my future research within the field. I particularly liked (something from the article).
I’ve been looking into various graduate programs where I can spend time delving further into this topic. The focal point of my project will likely be (project focus), and I am especially interested in exploring (Specific focus issue)
I’d like to inquire whether you’re accepting graduate students at this time. If so, would you be open to talking more via phone or email, or in person, about the possibility of joining your program?
Thanks, i thereby look forward to hearing from you…
Sincerely,
(Full Name)
captivating hints. lovely and full of insights.