Do PhD supervisors actually want prospective students to email them?
So, do supervisors actually want prospective students to email them? Often, the answer is “yes” and some universities and education systems will actually prefer students to make contact with a supervisor before they apply for a PhD.
How do you pitch a book to a prospective supervisor?
Your prospective supervisor might have literally written the book on your research area but their own interests might have moved on since it was published. You want to pitch your topic in a way that interests them now and, ideally, compliments the work they’re doing at the minute (without duplicating it, of course!).
Should I send an email to my supervisor with attachments?
Messages with attachments coming from unknown senders may also fall foul of your recipients’ email security, or just look a little ‘spammy’. You want to engage your supervisor’s interest and impress them with your ideas, enthusiasm and relevant experience.
How to find out if a university is interested in PhDs?
It isn’t hard to check though. If you want to discuss your own PhD idea, check the academic’s page on the university website (google “their name” + “university name”). Chances are it will say whether they’re interested in hearing from prospective students.
How to choose the right academic advisor for You?
Instead, carefully research your academic advisor before joining his or her lab. Read your university’s graduate school handbook. Understand exactly what is expected of you and exactly what is expected of your advisor. Most importantly… Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Do most academic advisors have too much power?
Most academic advisors have too much unregulated power. There are not many other jobs where one person is given full control over the fate of several people (technicians, postdocs, students) without any management experience or training whatsoever. Unlike other teachers, most STEM PhD professors are not trained in teaching. It’s irrational.