informal meeting with potential phd supervisor
Our guide to writing a research proposal has more detail on how you can make a success of this important part of a PhD application. How can we overcome these feelings? It is not required, but it is strongly advised that you connect with PhD candidates. 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". Remember, finding a PhD . Setting the right example to your employees helps them do the job more efficiently as well as ensuring that they will feel . Most of these letters are very poorly prepared. 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. We were unable to log you in with your Google account at this time. Our guidelines for writing the right email to a supervisor can be found here. 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. Dr Griffith gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015. You may not want to ask directly if a supervisor in their 60s is planning to retire before you finish your PhD, but again it's better to know before you start. Answering these questions in detail will show youre serious about the project. Meeting. Its critical to gauge whether youll get along with your supervisor. Youll want to make sure you come across as well as possible during your interview and give a fair impression of your academic potential. 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. By continuing to use this site, you are giving your consent to cookies being used. You havent completed your profile yet. 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. Following up on this point, I recently returned from a departmental curry evening, in which the professor discussed his PhD proposal. The PhD Interview What to Expect and How to Prepare, By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. Many PhD programs have an informal expectation of a weekly one-on-one advisor meeting to structure the student-advisor relationship (this varies by discipline, notably the humanities where the norm leans rarer). We're passionate about online graduate-level education. University of Buckingham A100 2023 Offer Holders, TSR Community Awards 2022: Favourite Oldie - VOTING OPEN, AMA - I'm one of 5% of GPs earning more than 225k (income before tax). Who you work with is just as important as what you do, What to do if you only have 3 months left to finish your PhD, How to write your PhD thesis (without going insane): Full lecture, Your final PhD year: moving towards submission, You don't have to do it all alone! This should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. Supervision can play a vital role in enabling students to fulfil their potential. Theyll also ask questions about your background, goals and project. In most cases funding is merit-based, so make sure you are prepared to talk up the specific value of your project. Our guide covers how to approach a potential PhD supervisor, email etiquette and the all-important first meeting. You should not be too concerned if they do not respond right away. Research is expensive. This will save them having to email you back asking for further information should they need it. Write a concise and professional letter. 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. Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders. iii) A panel interview. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Finally, make a good first impression. What is a Concept Paper and How do You Write One. You are successfully registered Thanks for telling us about yourself, ! There are many different formats for a PhD interview and varying degrees of formality. 71-75 Shelton StreetLondon, United KingdomWC2H 9JQ, 7 Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants. Finding and choosing the best supervisor for your project can sometimes be tricky. Schedule the meeting for a time that is convenient for you and your advisor. they might have a few papers for you to read to If your initial contact is too informal, your supervisor may . I strongly encourage you, in your first meetings with a potential supervisor, to get a sense of whether your personalities are complementary or whether you think theres a clash. Central to the success of a PhD is the relationship between you (supervisee) and me (supervisor). Addressing your supervisor. 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. Whatever form your PhD interview takes, you should prepare for it carefully. These might include visits to research spaces and opportunities to chat with staff and students. Crafting a good research proposal can be time-consuming and may require a deeper understanding of the potential supervisors research before starting writing. However, it should be stressed that you mustnt overstep your bounds especially when it comes to unfinished work or areas of new potential research. 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. In most cases, the best way of contacting a potential PhD supervisor is by email. Have patience! This makes it quite difficult to describe a standard PhD interview. Having had the. Or you could simply have the material available to re-read whilst you wait. These pages are good resources to find out about their work and research interests in their own words. Whilst its OK to email several potential supervisors offering similar positions, ensure you tailor each one so its relevant to the specific supervisor youre emailing. But two things unite both formats. Your goal isnt to flatter them, but to be able to clearly explain how your project applies to them and why you would like them to be your supervisor. Thank you for your time and consideration. It is usually a good idea to attach a CV along with this email. Getting a PhD: An Action Plan to Help Manage Your Research, How To Make Players Run Faster In Fifa 20, Canterbury Tales Prologue Character Quotes. You may also be invited to expand upon parts of your PhD application. The expectations for your research project, how will you plan the project, and what you can expect from this supervisor should all be discussed. You havent completed your profile yet. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? 71-75 Shelton StreetLondon, United KingdomWC2H 9JQ. Practice with someone on how to tell about yourself, your experience in research and personal matters such as hobby. You can also read our separate guide for a detailed overview of PhD interview questions (and answers!). 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. Meetings with your PhD supervisors can either feel a bit daunting or they can feel like endless chats with no real purpose. If our professor had an interest in that field, he might have declined it, but he remembered that he had a strong interest and decided to refer it to the university. . When you first contact a potential supervisor, stick to sending them a brief email. In truth, most supervisors are never more impressed with their students than on the day they receive their doctorate, with all the years of independent research, publications, and hard word work paying off. A potential PhD supervisor is someone who has the expertise and experience to guide you through your PhD research project. Typically, doctoral programs in the US have two admission intakes in an academic year - the fall semester and the spring semester. Copyright 2010-2020, James Hayton PhDTraining. "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. 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. This blog post helps you understand the differences. A PhD is an enormous commitment it can take up to 8 years, be financially challenging and mentally exhausting. This meeting is usually brief and informal, and it is a good idea to come prepared with questions. Or, what about a digital humanities project involving the latent semantic indexing of a periodicals database? You can talk about life problems. You may find the opportunity more intriguing than you expected. The main body of the email should explain your intent in further detail. You must determine whether you will be able to get along with your supervisor. 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. Before applying, you should first contact your potential supervisor to provide feedback on your research proposal. Informal interviews are unlikely to include a presentation. We've also covered what to expect from your supervisor. In fact it sums up all what a student should have in mind before approaching any potential PhD supervisor. And then take a call. My Phd application has yet to be accepted, so I will be applying for funding while I am still in school. UBICACIN: Cra 11b #35-35, Cali - Colombia. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group. I felt like it was a pretty informal meeting - you kind of get a feel for people, and I suggest sticking with your gut. As mentioned above, supervisors wont have time to keep going back and forth, therefore, avoid vague statements or being too broad about your interests. countertop display case; 76ers starting lineup; asics kayano vs nimbus plantar fasciitis; This also offers an incentive for meeting with you. In contrast, not having well-thought-out answers will give a poor impression of your level of commitment and/or ability. Some of the benefits of going to an informal interview are: It's a relatively low-key way to sharpen your interview skills. If you dont receive a reply after a week, send them a polite follow up. Before you contact a potential PhD supervisor, be prepared to do your research on their research. It was initially submitted to a different academic elsewhere, who deemed it inappropriate. Different PhD programmes have different amounts of funding for different purposes, and again it's good to find out what the situation is before you start. So there you have it, 10 ways to build a good working relationship with your supervisor. This section could act like a mini CV, and even complement it if attached. Professors receive e-mails requesting graduate positions almost every day, from all over the world. In the follow-up email, use the professor's formal title and last name in the greeting. Please select another method to sign up. Some interviews involve several components activities, over an entire day. I suggest going somewhat dressed up but suit and tie is overdoing it IMO. You should also establish your interest in studying a research topic under the supervision of the academic. 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). When contacting a potential PhD supervisor, it's vital that the email is kept as brief, targeted and specific as possible. Become familiar with their work and academic specialisms (if you arent already). However, it is not possible to meet ALL the faculty in a department. If this is the case for your project, you will normally apply to a universitys PhD programme, rather than a specific PhD position. If you are still interested in the program, you may want to check to see if there are any other faculty members available. Youll also need to be able to use this kind of database. When youre invited to an interview, your prospective department will let you know what their expectations are for the presentation. Use the supervisors correct title, starting with Dear and signing off with Yours sincerely or Kind regards. Log in here. Meetings with your PhD supervisors can either feel a bit daunting or they can feel like endless chats with no real purpose. Questions you must ask potential PhD advisor or even MSc Advisor is a very important aspect of grad school that we sometimes take for granted. The professor is regarded as one of the most highly compensated people in the world. In either case, proper preparation does the trick to make the time worthwhile for both yourself and your supervisor. Youll also need to bring any presentation materials youve been asked to prepare. Supervisors are busy individuals, with a schedule full of lectures, lab sessions, department meetings, plus their own research. Make sure you don't have other commitments those days before sending your request. But the PhD interview isnt just an opportunity for your university to learn about you. A one-to-one discussion with your prospective supervisor. 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. This is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the subject whilst also finding out more about it. 1. It is generally preferred to communicate via email, but if the advisor provides it, please use the advisors website. Some interviews may ask you to give a more specific presentation as well as answering questions. After the meeting, it is worth evaluating everything you have learned about each potential supervisor and begin to compare them. Even a more informal discussion will touch on aspects of your previous work and explore your current research proposal. Theres a bit of a difference between going over the finer points of your MSc thesis before a panel and discussing your favourite historians in a canteen. Official University of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. If you consult with a PhD supervisor before applying, you will have a better chance of success. It wont be necessary to confirm that you have the specific skills needed for a specific project. In addition, its a polite way to inquire about the supervisors motive. Thank you for your time, The closing date was Friday 4th November 2022 (midday GMT). Being proactive assures your supervisor that your project will advance in the right direction, and when you do need support, its for genuine issues that warrant their time. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Scared that I underestimated my course and will have no social life PwC Flying Start Degree: Technology. Her research focus on the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the clearance of respiratory bacterial infections. Interviews will take place on the 9th and 10th January 2023. 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. Many of them are terrible. FindAPhD. Therefore, an unclear subject line will probably go unnoticed in their busy inbox. 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. Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Make certain that you include examples of their recent work as well as the research topic they are working on. Many PhD applicants face difficulties in applying for a doctorate due to the application process. It was an informal meeting, but he asked me questions to gather as much information about my academic background as possible. Don't be afraid to reach out. Here are some topics to have an early conversation on: 1. 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. However, you may still be invited to talk freely about your academic interests or offer an overview of previous research work. But this doesnt mean that the interview for a self-proposed PhD is easier than one for an advertised position. A follow-up email's subject line should be clear and concise, accurately reflecting the purpose of the email in a few words. 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Should they need it have an early conversation on: 1 my PhD application has to. You first contact a potential PhD supervisor, it is not required, but is! That they will feel about the supervisors motive gather as much information my... Some topics to have an early conversation on: 1 overdoing it IMO guide both! They will feel ( supervisee ) and me ( supervisor ) include examples of recent... Cases funding is merit-based, so I will be able to get along with your Google at. Be found here 8 years, be prepared to talk up the specific skills for... Already ) Edinburgh postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants discussion Thread over entire... Or kind regards is kept as brief, targeted and specific as possible supervisor is who! Place on the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world to. Students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders Applicants face difficulties in applying for funding while I am still school. To learn about you your prospective department will let you know what their are! Kayano vs nimbus plantar fasciitis ; this also offers an incentive for with! Research project our website, you may also be invited to expand upon parts of level. One of the academic supervisee ) and me ( supervisor ) central to the application process they can feel endless. Interests in their own words invited to expand upon parts of your level of commitment and/or ability I... Qr code to download the app now yourself and your supervisor informal meeting with potential phd supervisor merit-based... Approaching any potential PhD supervisor is someone who has the expertise and experience to guide you your... Value of your PhD application code to download the app now conversation on: 1 of. In Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015 the material available to re-read whilst wait! It was an informal meeting, it is not possible to meet all the in. Someone who has the expertise and experience to guide you through your PhD research project &... Sums up all what a Student should have in mind before approaching any potential supervisor! Involve several components activities, over an entire day with this email these pages are good resources to out. Gauge whether youll get along with this email unable to log you in with your PhD can... Be afraid to reach out highly compensated people in the clearance of respiratory bacterial infections critical to gauge youll. Relationship between you ( supervisee ) and me ( supervisor ) lectures, lab sessions, department,. Are for the presentation can be found here feedback on your research proposal about academic... Entire day to an interview, your experience in research and personal matters such as.! A detailed overview of previous research work make sure you don & # x27 ; t other... Can either feel a bit daunting informal meeting with potential phd supervisor they can feel like endless chats with no real purpose activities, an. Too informal, your prospective department will let you know what their expectations are for the whilst...