Tips for Approaching Professors and Research Labs

1. Identify potential supervisors: You should identify potential supervisors whose research interests are similar to yours before approaching professors or research labs. You can search for articles and papers relevant to your research interests using online databases such as Google Scholar. You can also look at university websites to see what professors in your desired department are researching.
2. Read their work: Once you have identified potential supervisors, reading their work will help you comprehend their research methodology, approach, and theories. This will not only help you decide whether you want to collaborate with them, but it will also demonstrate that you have done your research and have a sincere interest in their work.
3. Customize your email: It is important to personalize your communication to a professor or research lab in order to convey your research interests and objectives. Sending bland emails that lack effort on your part should be avoided. Introduce yourself, discuss why their study interests you, and include your CV and a succinct explanation of your research interests in your email.
4. Be professional: When communicating with professors or research labs, it is important to be professional and formal. Avoid contacting them through social media and sending messages informally. Address them by their title (e.g., Dr., Professor) and use proper grammar and punctuation in your emails. Approaching professors for research positions on Instagram or other social media platforms is generally not advised. While social media may appear to be a more casual and accessible way to connect with people, it is not the most professional or appropriate way to inquire about research opportunities.
5. Follow-up: Professors and research labs receive numerous emails from students who are interested in their work. You should send a courteous email to follow up if you don’t hear back after a week or two. This demonstrates your continued interest in the job and your initiative.

Things to Avoid When Approaching Professors and Research Labs

1. Mass emailing: Sending mass emails to professors and research labs should be avoided. This not only demonstrates a lack of effort on your part, but also that you have not done your homework. Personalize your email to reflect your research interests and objectives.
2. Being too pushy: It is important to be proactive in your approach while avoiding being too pushy. Professors and research labs are busy, and they may not be able to respond to your emails right away. Allow time for them to respond before following up.
3. Lack of professionalism: It is essential to be professional and formal when communicating with professors or research labs. Slang, informal language, and inappropriate humor should be avoided. Remember that you are communicating with potential supervisors who are in charge of your future

Here is a short list of acceptable platforms/ways to contact professors for research positions

1. Email: This is the most common and preferred way to contact professors for research positions. Make sure to write a professional email and include your CV and a brief introduction of your research interests.
2. University career portals: Many universities have career portals where you can apply for research positions directly. Check the university’s website for more information.
3. Research group websites: If the professor has a research group website, check if they have any open positions listed. If not, you can still contact the professor through the website.
4. Conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops in your research area and network with professors who are presenting their research. You can also approach them during networking events.
5. Professional networking platforms: LinkedIn and ResearchGate are professional networking platforms that can be used to connect with professors in your field. However, make sure to write a professional message and not a casual one.
6. Referrals: If you know someone who is already working in a research group, you can ask them to refer you to the professor. This can increase your chances of getting a response.