Requesting a supervisor- advice appreciated

[shadowlily]

I would really appreciate some advice. I have decided I would like to do a doctorate, no one I know has taken this path before so I don't really have anyone to ask for advice on this. I have previously completed a degree and a masters degree. I’ve researched extensively and found exactly which course/institution I would like to study with. I have looked into the admissions process, I need to name the supervisor I’m requesting to work with on my application at the point of submission. There’s a list of potential supervisors, and I’ve done some research on each name listed so I know their recent publications/areas of interest and narrowed down who might be most interested in the area of my research proposal. Now I need to contact one of the list to ask them whether they would consider being my supervisor and I am finding it very difficult to find the right words.

What should I include in my email? How much detail should I include about my research proposal? I don’t want to look vague but I also don’t want to look like I’m completely inflexible about it as I know that the original proposal can be considerably different from the research I may end up doing. I also know they probably have a hundred other things to do and won’t want to read a huge block of text/wordy email.

Also, does it look rude and inconsiderate to email now? I’m conscious that we are between university terms. Is it polite to wait until after the summer? I completely understand that I could email and not receive a response until after the summer break. I just don’t want to look like I’m demanding an immediate response. It’s just that applications open in September and I would really like to get the ball rolling so I can send in my application early on in the application process. I would really like to make sure I make the right initial impression as I understand how competitive these places can be- I want to look enthusiastic and engaged, and prepared to work hard, but not needy or like I might be hard work myself!

Has anyone ever been an academic supervisor before? What would you appreciate knowing about a candidate? What would you advise me to include?

Thank you so much, in advance, for your help.

You've done perfectly in looking into who there is and what they do and now is the perfect time to mail. (They may be busy, or away, but that's even more likely at other times.) The ideal, as you suggest, is to look enthusiastic and knowledgeable and on the ball, but not totally inflexible. Ideally include a thoughtful paragraph or two on what you'd like to do, including why you thought they'd be the right supervisor - don't write a review of their latest paper, but say briefly what of theirs you read and why you thought it was relevant to your interests. You'll probably have to write a longer document about what you want to do as part of your application - if you've written it already, up to you whether you attach it at this point or not. You might tend to do so if you're pretty certain about it and proud of it - if not, perhaps better to rework it in the light of the response you get.

Don't forget to include basic information like what degrees you have, from where, and what classes.

Good luck!

That's so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your advice, I really appreciate it.

Hi, @shadowlily -

Your plan and the reply from @phdsupervisor are excellent. I would only add that perhaps it is best not to put all of your eggs in one basket. There are reasons having nothing to with you that the person you’ve identified may not be in a position to take you on. (These might include taking a sabbatical year abroad at a key time, a new baby or other family responsibilities, too many students already, personal health concerns, etc.) Can you identify a second university and supervisor where you can employ the same strategy?

You should send them your research proposal. It doesn’t have to be set in stone but they need to see what area you are interested in, your research methodology and anything you have already done in this area.

I went through this process as a more mature person starting a PhD - I found one academic whose work I was interested in and approached him then he recommended someone else who he thought would be more appropriate - and they were.

I sent them a 2 page draft proposal as I was pretty clear what I wanted to do. It does though depend whether you are fairly fixed on your topic or would apply for a studentship they have (which may have funding). I had to cobble together funding for my fees and then met my living costs via my 3 day a week job - child care costs having reduced as both kids were then at school.

The other key point is how good are they at supervising. Mine was brilliant and that made a huge difference when I was juggling primary school age children and a three day week job on top of my part time PhD. He set very clear deadlines for chapters and kept me on track. It was a long haul - 5.5 years but well worth while both in itself and the future career opportunities it has given me.

Good luck