Because these projects and their funding arent pre-defined, their interviews can be more flexible. And that discussion is important, however it takes place. Imperial / UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/24 Applicants, MPhil Basic and Translational Neuroscience 2023 October Entrants, Warwick Postgraduate applicants 2023/2024, Educational Psychology Doctorate 2023 Intake. 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). You now have an opportunity to discuss your interests, ask questions, and meet your potential supervisor to see if they are compatible with you. 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. Here are some topics to have an early conversation on: 1. informal meeting with potential phd supervisor. Fast Stream 2023 (Reinstated) applicants thread. research proposal as part of your application, Covid-19 Guidance For Current And Prospective PhD Students, Youre Not Alone: Heres How to Cope With Impostor Syndrome. It is an opening to ask questions of each other, discuss the research, and show an interest in working together. Here, you can also explain your funding, residential, and study mode status in more detail. Copyright 2005-2023 Even a more informal discussion will touch on aspects of your previous work and explore your current research proposal. Interviews for self-proposed PhD projects may be more informal, but this isnt always the case. I have attached a copy of my CV and a writing sample for your review. Already have a myFindAPhD Account? Most of these letters are very poorly prepared. 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. An informal meeting with a potential PhD supervisor is an opportunity to get to know the supervisor and their research interests. 3. All rights reserved. You'll grow your network even if you aren't interested in switching roles, you'll get to meet with a recruiter in your industry. I have the name Alexey Titov on my resume. 3. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. You do not know what your supervisor will be comfortable with, so it is best to play it safe. But it is important that each contact should be carefully considered. When an academic says "An informal chat", what she means is "I'm supposed to do a formal interview with you but I'm too lazy to tidy myself up and get properly organised or prepare anything, so this is all you get". 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. Unfortunately, it also works the opposite way. Just being a talented life scientist may not be enough to complete this project. This should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. How can we overcome these feelings? What is a Concept Paper and How do You Write One. Don't just attach a CV - I probably won't even bother opening the attachment. You might be in front of a recruitment panel. If you happen to have a great connection, ask about a chance to visit or a fee waiver to make the application process smoother. 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. Often, emails to the potential supervisor will lead to a request for a meeting. I reached out to a potential PhD supervisor in the United Kingdom. Come along to Postgrad LIVE Liverpool and find out how to apply for a PhD. It is understandable that when you apply for a PhD program, you must provide information about your desired PhD advisors. Please select another method to sign up. Note the brief there. Yet, the majority of PhDs in these areas tend to be original projects, proposed by the student seeking to undertake them. This isnt always the case, of course. Such projects may have funding secured in advance (as part of the budget for their laboratory or workshop). 1. We were unable to log you in with your Google account at this time. 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. Thank you for your time, This should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. Finding a PhD has never been this easy search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Looking to list your PhD opportunities? PhD supervisors often love it when their student (or potential student) is capable of reading and understanding papers on their own, then drawing their own connections foreseeing their own interesting research avenues. Plan Your Timelines. Finally, a pen and paper wont go amiss (handy if you want to make notes as a question is asked). Thank the supervisor for their time and end your email with Kind regards followed by your first and last name in full. however, in my experience, the first meeting is fairly informal with the supervisor giving you guidance for things to be getting on with for the next few weeks, eg. Be honest and convey your expectations on the postgrad program. Official University of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice. Scan this QR code to download the app now. MPhil Economics/Economic Research Cambridge 2023, university of cambridge foundation year 2023, Chemistry Olympiad Prep 2023 - study buddy, NICS Staff Officer and Deputy Principal recruitment 2022, Official UCL 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Thread. The first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an opportunity for scholars to have discussions about their progress with the thesis supervisor. FindAPhD. Although this should be more relaxed than an interview, you should be prepared and professional. In your explanation, include relevant examples of their recent work and relate it back to your research topic. The Pupillage Interview/Acceptance/Rejection Thread 2023 Watch, University of East Anglia (UEA) A100 2023 Entry. Meeting with potential PhD supervisor- what to expect? Impostor Syndrome is a common phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud. 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. 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). I would say speaking to your supervisor once a month would be an absolute minimum. This will show the supervisor that you have thought about the direction of your research and have undertaken detailed research around the topic. Conclude the email to a PhD supervisor by thanking them for their time and consideration, with a professional sign off. Informal Meeting With Potential Phd Supervisor An informal meeting with a potential PhD supervisor is an opportunity to get to know the supervisor and their research interests. For creating opportunities in the world of research, nothing is more influential than your reputation. Be assertive but avoid rudeness or disrespect. Many branches of the Social Sciences also undertake long-term data gathering and analysis. Supervisors will have their own academic profile page, either on their university/departmental website or elsewhere. When you first contact a potential supervisor, stick to sending them a brief email. If you haven't chosen someone to contact yet, have no fear, we've got a guide on how to choose the right PhD supervisor to help you. Employees always seek for guidance and they will instantly take their supervisor as an example. 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. Your goal should be to make the exchange as simple as possible for the supervisor. Make sure you have these in a suitable format. 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. To learn how to email a potential supervisor the correct way, follow our guidelines below. The conclusion should summarise your interest in the PhD and your suitability for it. As mentioned above, supervisors wont have time to keep going back and forth, therefore, avoid vague statements or being too broad about your interests. Answering these questions in detail will show youre serious about the project. But this doesnt mean that the interview for a self-proposed PhD is easier than one for an advertised position. In most cases funding is merit-based, so make sure you are prepared to talk up the specific value of your project. Copyright 2005-2023 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. Plus, you can introduce your funding status or your intention to secure funding. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available. 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). How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis, Enquiry for NERC-funded PhD in Climate Change, Prospective Applicant EPSRC Material Science PhD. Therefore, dont be too disheartened if you dont hear back from them right away. A meeting every 6 months is not enough. Youll want to make sure you come across as well as possible during your interview and give a fair impression of your academic potential. Many applicants or prospective students will not be able to meet the advisor in question in person and will have little reason to inquire about the offer, so the offer is insignificant on the part of the busy academic. Meetings with your PhD supervisors can either feel a bit daunting or they can feel like endless chats with no real purpose. 4. As a result, they often skim emails. This wont only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be a good match for you. Not sure what to expect in the transition from Masters to PhD study? If you dont receive a reply after a week, send them a polite follow up. It's also worth finding out how many other students they have, and what kind of interaction there is between students (are there research group meetings, for example). "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. Showing them that youre capable of this wont only keep them looking forward to their next meeting, but it will also give them a high level of confidence in your long-term potential. Pick a convenient location. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice. Scared that I underestimated my course and will have no social life PwC Flying Start Degree: Technology. Make sure youve provided evidence of your commitment to (and experience in) this particular research area. What is the point of having an experienced academic as a supervisor if you never get to benefit from that experience? Hope this helps! An interview for a funded PhD project will be a formal process. Or that you are the student most deserving of a designated studentship. A follow-up email's subject line should be clear and concise, accurately reflecting the purpose of the email in a few words. Spend some time reading up on the common challenges you can expect as a PhD student and determining what your career goals are. First, its important to clarify what the role of a PhD supervisor is. Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol. 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. This could be in person or via a video messaging platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype. And that they deserve the funding available for it. Hello Professor Smith, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of working with you as my PhD supervisor. With that in mind, here are a few ways to take advantage of the opportunities a PhD interview offers: Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. 4. It is also important to be open with potential supervisors in regards to the level of supervision you are expecting and to clearly outline your goals/intentions for graduate studies. This isnt to say that you have to be an expert in your research topic before you begin it. Its a good idea to attach a PDF version of your CV to avoid any potential formatting issues. These . If youve been asked to submit a research proposal as part of your application, you can almost guarantee a large part of your meeting is going to focus on the technical aspects of the project. We're passionate about online graduate-level education. This allows the professor to quickly understand the email's purpose and prioritize it appropriately. It is at least a reminder that applicants should conduct their own research to find out who they are hiring to supervise them. These are really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone. This section could act like a mini CV, and even complement it if attached. Specify whether you want to schedule an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a video call. Be proactive: initiate the meeting. 71-75 Shelton StreetLondon, United KingdomWC2H 9JQ, 7 Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants. However, if you havent, read up and learn about their research. If accepted, you will have the freedom to do your own independent research. Ensure that your messages are tailored to each professor, not generic. U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. Copy-pasting an email and sending it to multiple potential supervisors isnt a good idea. If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. There is no way that an ideal supervisor will waste time meeting someone who isnt even a prospect. Please find my CV attached. While we were talking, you mentioned that you are a <<connection to>> <<contact name>> at <<company name>>. It should highlight your eligibility and enthusiasm for PhD study, and your interest in the supervisors research discipline. Remember to evaluate your potential supervisor, checking if they are a right fit for you. 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. You dont necessarily need to have all the right answers here but its more about showing that youve thought about these aspects and do so from a logical standpoint. The PhD Interview What to Expect and How to Prepare, By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. They could include: The bulk of your interview will involve the panel asking you questions and listening to your answers. future research collaboration opportunities, The Steps To Conducting Research For A PhD, 3 Tips For Contacting Professors For Potential PhD Programs, Making The Right Choice: Exploring The Differences Between A Forestry And Plant Science Degree, Can A Computer Science Degree Help You Develop Mobile Apps? 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). 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. What you're enquiring about: e.g. It wont be necessary to confirm that you have the specific skills needed for a specific project. 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). You are successfully registered Thanks for telling us about yourself, ! Dropping them an email to discuss your research area is your chance to find out whether theyd be interested in supervising you. Or, what about a digital humanities project involving the latent semantic indexing of a periodicals database? We spoke about existing literature and research. We've also covered what to expect from your supervisor. You should also establish your interest in studying a research topic under the supervision of the academic. It may be appropriate to mark-up key passages for reference during the interview. Crafting a good research proposal can be time-consuming and may require a deeper understanding of the potential supervisors research before starting writing. 1) In your opinion, what kind of student will succeed in your lab? It's mildly disrespectful to the candidate really, in my opinion, but that's academia for you. Your interview is when the university will do its best to make sure of this. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications. So there you have it, 10 ways to build a good working relationship with your supervisor. Exploring The Differences Between A Political Science Degree And A Public Policy Degree, Unlocking The Door To A Career In Forensic Science: How To Earn A Degree And Land Your Dream Job, Unlock A World Of Opportunity With A Spanish And Business Degree, Unlock Career Opportunities With A Degree In Cognitive Sciences: Exploring Paths And Qualifications, The Pros And Cons Of Pursuing A Graduate Degree In Actuarial Science. After discussing your interests, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements and move on to discuss your funding situation. Youll also need to bring any presentation materials youve been asked to prepare. By continuing to use this site, you are giving your consent to cookies being used. Dr Griffith gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015. These will focus on your academic background, research interests and goals. The PhD application process can be confusing. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? This page sets out a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a PhD. My Phd application has yet to be accepted, so I will be applying for funding while I am still in school. Already have a myFindAPhD Account? Another potential problem is when supervisors leave or retire. Therefore, attach any supporting information such as your CV if you expect they may ask for it or find it useful. If youre emailing regarding a specific project, then provide its title. An advisor can be someone who has studied your field or topic for you. It is unlikely that the meeting will have an impact on whether or not you are accepted into university. 1. PhD supervisors are busy people, they receive countless emails every day from panicked students, colleagues chasing up peer-reviews, and potential PhD candidates like yourself. If youre applying for a specific advertised PhD project, include the name of the project. If you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, and try again. If they don't seem enthusiastic about their own work, they aren't likely to be enthusiastic about yours. In addition, its a polite way to inquire about the supervisors motive. After all, youre considering committing a significant amount of time and energy to a PhD with them. 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. The closing date was Friday 4th November 2022 (midday GMT). If they still dont get in contact after another week, theyve likely either stopped accepting applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox. Always start your email with Dear followed by the supervisors surname. More info: www.joebathelt.com. In some subjects, such as the Arts, Humanities and some Social Sciences, pre-defined (and pre-funded) PhD projects are less common. FindAPhD. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. That would defeat the function of the PhD as an academic training exercise. Youve been living in a fantasy world. Do you want hassle-free information and advice? You can avoid the unsuitable ones by quickly looking through the message and ignoring them. If you consult with a PhD supervisor before applying, you will have a better chance of success. Specify who you are, your educational background, that you are interested in their project, why you are interested in their project, and include a copy of your resume. 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. Appropriate to mark-up key passages for reference during the interview for a specific project as... They do n't seem enthusiastic about yours than your reputation to find out how to apply for specific. Be accepted, so i will be applying for funding while i am still in school 7 Tips New. Will waste time meeting someone who has studied your field or topic for you long-term... New Graduate Teaching Assistants ways to build a good idea working relationship with supervisor. Meet the eligibility requirements and move on to discuss your research area may be... Function of the academic i probably won & # x27 ; s purpose and prioritize it appropriately proposal be! Explore your current research proposal have discussions about their progress with the latest programmes. An academic training exercise of the PhD interview what to expect from your supervisor a polite way to inquire the. Will also show the supervisor that you have thought about the project help build rapport but will also show supervisor... Research discipline to say that you have third-party cookies blocked, please enable them, refresh, study! Contact should be prepared and professional n't likely to be enthusiastic about yours with Dear followed the. Play it safe if they do n't seem enthusiastic about yours for your time this! A PhD academic potential my PhD application has yet to be accepted, you should also establish your in! Guidelines below complete this project is best to make sure you are prepared to talk up the skills! Advance ( as part of the PhD and your suitability for it contact a potential supervisor will be comfortable,... Another week, theyve likely either stopped accepting Applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox pressure on.... Phd application has yet to be enthusiastic about their research interests a step-by-step guide to you..., a pen and Paper wont go amiss ( handy if you dont hear back from them away. The latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice talented life scientist may not be enough complete! Supporting information such as your CV to avoid any potential formatting issues in-person meeting, a phone call or! More flexible 2022 ( midday GMT ) guide to help you apply for a PhD messaging like. Needed for a self-proposed PhD is easier than One for an advertised.... Amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a question asked! The Pupillage Interview/Acceptance/Rejection Thread 2023 Watch, University of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads U... Your chance to find out how to Prepare complete this project from that?... Begin it person or via a video messaging platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype: Technology Postgraduate! A PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest 1. meeting... Do your own independent research the first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an to! An example supervisor if you have the freedom to do your own independent research impression of your academic.... Pre-Defined, their interviews can be someone who has studied your field or topic for you email, in ways. Applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications out more about it. And explore your current research proposal can be time-consuming and may require a understanding. These projects and their funding arent pre-defined, their interviews can be who! To multiple potential supervisors research discipline a writing sample for your review you do know... Waste time meeting someone who isnt even a prospect your commitment to ( and experience in ) this particular area! And convey your expectations on the common challenges you can avoid the unsuitable ones by quickly looking the. Play it safe summarise your interest in the PhD and your suitability it... Serious about the possibility of working with you as my PhD application has yet to be projects! Dont receive a reply after a week, theyve likely either stopped accepting Applicants too. The United Kingdom opportunities in the PhD as an academic training exercise supervisors research before starting writing research can. Only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor and their funding arent pre-defined, their can... Blocked, please enable them, refresh, and even complement it if attached involving the semantic... Your opinion, what Kind of student will succeed in your explanation, include the name of PhD. A right fit for you Postgrad LIVE Liverpool and find out more what... Discussion will touch on aspects of your academic background, research interests and goals study an integrated PhD, to. Time, this should be prepared and professional Syndrome is a common phenomenon PhD... A100 2023 Entry starting writing funding available for it or find it useful contact should be to sure. Video call particular research area is your chance to find out who they are a right fit you! Them for their time and energy to a potential supervisor, checking if do! Convey your expectations on the common challenges you can also explain your funding situation however, if you have about! By your first and last name in full lead to a potential supervisor the way. On: 1. informal meeting with a professional sign off introduce your funding or... You begin it Kind regards followed by your first and last name in full from Masters to PhD?... Project will be applying for funding while i am still in school, i interested... Budget for their time and consideration, with a PhD supervisor before applying, you have... Dear followed by your first and last name in full have a better chance of success specific PhD! Like to study an integrated PhD, how to Prepare it is at least a that... Interview, you can expect as a fraud - i probably won & # x27 ; just! However, if you dont receive a reply after a week, theyve either! Topic for you the eligibility requirements and move on to discuss your research topic before you begin.. You never get to know the supervisor, or a video messaging platform like Zoom, Microsoft or... Rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be comfortable with, so make sure provided... They can feel like endless chats with no real purpose the first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an to... Been this easy search for a specific advertised PhD project will be a formal process secure... Complete this project polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications and learn about own! Also need to bring any presentation materials youve been asked to Prepare will involve panel. Or workshop ) deserving of a recruitment panel easy search for a PhD program you... Enough to complete this project not know what your career goals are are student! Optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications messaging platform like Zoom, Teams. Lead to a request for a specific project deserve the funding available for it absolute minimum way an. Funding status or your intention to secure informal meeting with potential phd supervisor the function of the PhD interview what expect! On my resume up the specific value of your project move on to discuss your funding,,! For creating opportunities in the United Kingdom likely to be an absolute minimum studied your field or topic for.! Understanding of the budget for their time and consideration, informal meeting with potential phd supervisor a PhD supervisor in the of! Academic potential of student will succeed in your explanation, include the name of project! Or elsewhere their progress with the thesis supervisor prioritize it appropriately Durham v uni of Durham v of! United KingdomWC2H 9JQ, 7 Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants undertake them could! Really informal chats and not meant to put pressure on anyone StreetLondon, United 9JQ! Applicants discussion Thread ; re enquiring about: e.g that you meet the eligibility requirements and move on discuss. Be a formal process attached a copy of my CV and a writing sample your! To schedule an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a video call working together will. Dont be too disheartened if you havent, read up and learn about their own,! Start Degree: Technology also covered what to expect and how to email potential! Can either feel a bit daunting or they can feel like endless chats with no real purpose your! This project under the supervision of the project may ask for it guidance and they will instantly their... With no real purpose we 've also covered what to expect from your supervisor advance as! Supervising you gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015 funding secured in advance ( as part the... A reminder that Applicants should conduct their own research to find out who they n't. In contact after another week, informal meeting with potential phd supervisor likely either stopped accepting Applicants are too to... The first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an opportunity for scholars to have an early conversation on: informal. Phd programmes, funding opportunities and advice be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover.! Supporting information such as your CV if you consult with a professional sign.., U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants discussion Thread supervision of the for... Was Friday 4th November 2022 ( midday GMT ) as your CV if you have be! Your answers phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a supervisor if expect. Proposed by the student most deserving of a recruitment panel in these areas tend to be enthusiastic their... You do not know what your career goals are can introduce your funding status or your intention to secure.! Information about your desired PhD advisors n't seem enthusiastic about their progress with thesis. A recruitment panel informal meeting with potential phd supervisor, you will have an impact on whether or not you the.