The Final Step
After putting it off for so long, I finally sat down this evening and wrote the outline of the email to be sent to prospective advisors. I had to tell myself every moment I could, that once I get to my office, I am going to sit down and write that email. You know what? It was not that difficult to write once I started on it. I kept it plain and simple. Here is the text of the mail, maybe you guys can give your input on it. I am planning to send it out tomorrow morning.
Dear Prof. XXX:
I am a PhD student in the XXX dept, and am currently working with Prof. QoH in XXX Lab. I am in the process of exploring other research oportunities in the department, and your research is in one of the areas I am interested in. Most of my work so far has been related to XXX, and am currently working on XXX as part of my internship at XXX. I was wondering if you would be available to meet and discuss a bit about research opportunities in your lab.
Regards,
Pseudosanity
Sending out this email seems so final. There is no going back once I send them out. I have to move out of QoH’s lab. What if I dont find a new advisor? It seems unlikely, but it is possible. What then? Do I just drop out of school and start prowling the streets? Too many questions, too few answers.
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By academic coach, November 30, 2005 @ 12:43 pm
I like the tone of your email. Good for you for getting it done and for seeking feedback.
By pseudoneuroscientist, November 30, 2005 @ 5:52 pm
The email is fine. Remember, the potential professors know exactly what this sort of email means–it means you aren’t happy and you’re looking to switch labs. It is very likely they know your professor, and it is even possible that they are sympathetic to students in XYZ’s lab because they can’t stand him/her either! Once you get an appointment to meet with potential new advisors, put your best foot forward, and try not to badmouth your current advisor. Just state where you want to go and why. Good luck. By the way, I am bailing on grad school because I can’t stand my advisor and can’t find another one I want to work with either. I assure you, I don’t plan to “prowl the streets.” I am just going to switch into a professional degree program and get a job. It is NOT the end of the world if grad school doesn’t work out. In fact, it may be the beginning.
By Wanna Be PhD, November 30, 2005 @ 8:48 pm
I like the email, but the picture scares me. You are not going to jump down anywhere??
I agree that you should never tell that you hate your current advisor. Anyone can read between the lines.
By Pseudosanity, December 1, 2005 @ 3:49 am
Thank you for your feedbacks. I know it looks ridiculous to ask for feedback on such a simple email, but when you are trying to switch advisors 3 years into your program there is very little leeway for errors.