As an career couch, I am more than happy to share with you an eye-opening article that can literally change the way you think about applying for a doctorate. Getting into a PhD program can get perilous at times; more often than not, though, simple steps give truly astonishing results. Today we will learn how a magic email can become your golden ticket into academic opportunities you would have never thought existed.
We will talk broadly about what sets one apart in the fiercely competitive PhD applications to programs based in foreign countries. With a treasure trove of experience, the author has shown that obsessive attention to detail, focused incremental communication, and unwavering persistence are techniques integral to success.
What’s amazing about this piece is that it contains no theoretical advice; it’s a real-life success story. After many people requested details about how the author went about his own application process, he have sweetly resolved to share this story. The strategies didn’t just work— they worked wonders. And now you can learn from the experience.
So let us, without losing more time, get down to the very valuable insights that the author has conveyed. Moving along their story, you will come across the following:
First of all, the magic of a well-written cold email for opening unexpected doors involves.
Do Your Research
A good email involves taking the time to read professors’ works and checking if their interests align with yours. Read their research papers, go through their websites, and get to know about their achievements. These will equip you with the right knowledge in order to draft a compelling email that appeals to their specialty.
Personalize, personalize, personalize
Keep off the temptation of sending a similar mail to all professors. It is appreciated if one writes an email that shows interest in the line of research they are undertaking and how the personal goals would help them in accomplishing their agendas. Professors want effort and sincerity.
Perseverance Pays
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get an answer right away; professors are awfully busy and take their time to respond to an email. Be persistent, follow up with a gentle reminder, and keep sending those emails. You will find that breakthrough when you least expect it!
Sending cold emails can be a really nerve-wangling experience, but the potential rewards at the end may be absolutely worth it. I took the leap but, in fact, it was the catalytic step that changed everything for me.
This is an example of a cold email:
Summary
Emailing cold with professors does not leave up to luck; it is strategic planning and will to persist. So, when you get started with your academic journey, remember to research profoundly, communicate personally, and not back away. Not only would these qualities help in getting accepted into PhD programs, but they would also set you up with just the right skills to face up to challenges and avow opportunities in your future academic career. Get on to writing those emails right now and set yourself on the path towards achieving your academic goals.
Credit: Original article was published by Pavan K Sriram. Adapted and rewritten: Kelly Preston
