Writing a Good Introduction Email To A Professor (Rajkumar) Your email can make or break you — whether you’re a new student in need of advice, or an applicant looking to get involved, the quality of your email has a direct impact on your success. Well, heres a break down to how you can make your introduction email thoughtful, professional and concise.
Open the email with a formally greeting. Start by referring to your professor in emails as “Dear Professor Smith,” If you do not know the proper title of the professor, simply say “Dear Dr. Smith,” etc.
Explain why you are sending an email in the first place. Do you have a question, are you inquiring about research opportunities or would like to schedule a meeting with them? State your intent early on Example: “I am writing to ask if you may have any research opportunities in your lab.”
Background Info
You do want to provide in your bio why you are interested or how the professors work aligns with your ultimate academic goals. Include relevant coursework, projects and experiences to show foreshadow your interest Here is an example: “I have taken classes in molecular biology and I am working on a research project concerning genetic mutations so your work on cancer genetics has intrigued me”.
Specify your request Propose some dates and times for a meeting if you are seeking one. Note that you want to talk about ways in which you might be able to contribute. I am writing to request a meeting with you to discuss my background and how it might relate to your current research projects. I am free next week Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.
Keep it professional and respectful throughput the entire email Do not write in an excessively darwinian way (or use too much slang) As always, you only have 1 chance to make a first impression so please ensure that your email is mistake free (spelling errors etc).
Conclude with a typical sign off and your first/last name. You may also share other contact information, like your phone number or LinkedIn profile. That is, “Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, John Doe.”
If you have not heard from us in a reasonable period of time (generally one to two weeks), please send a kind reminder. Remind them that you are very interested and politely ask if they had an opportunity to review your original email.
John Doe is a sophomore studying Biology at University. I am writing to express my interest in your cancer genetics research, and to enquire about possible research positions in your lab.
My interest for cancer research increased when I have done a research project on genetic mutations as well and although different from blood cancer made me apply with into this direction in my master theme. Most importantly your recent publication is on genes-editing techniques only, this made me to be more interested in contributing and learning from your research.
My background and interests point straight towards your ongoing projects and I would like to discuss. Is it possible we could set up a meeting for next week? I am free either tuesday or thrusday in the afternoon.
Thanks a lot for your time !!!!
Hope to hear from you soon
A characterized and methodical initial email to a professor Under these conditions best operating guidelines, you set up a response and develop an academic relationship. Above all, clarity, a professional tone, and an element of respect are undoubtedly essential when composing an introduction email that gets the message across.
