ModestyKing said:Look up the papers, go through at least a couple. "I found ___ in your 20__ paper on ____ very interesting, especially since I've been working on ____ as an undergrad." Something like that. Show you put the work in.
Is this what typically happens in the US or in general in most western countries? I am living in Germany and I haven't heard anything about that before now. All of the groups which fall in my option are located in different cities, therefore meeting the professors (in case all or most of them offer me to) are rather costly.micromass said:He will likely propose to meet you anyway.
maNoFchangE said:Is this what typically happens in the US or in general in most western countries? I am living in Germany and I haven't heard anything about that before now. All of the groups which fall in my option are located in different cities, therefore meeting the professors (in case all or most of them offer me to) are rather costly.
That does really make sense. But in case skype is not preferred on his side, would it make me sound impolite if I ask for a possibility of travel accommodation to his place?micromass said:I don't think it's a good idea to start a PhD with somebody whom you have never talked to before.
maNoFchangE said:That does really make sense. But in case skype is not preferred on his side, would it make me sound impolite if I ask for a possibility of travel accommodation to his place?
A personal meeting with an applicant before offering a paid position for 3+ years is the norm. In fact, I have not heard of anyone ever having gotten any kind of well-paid office job without a previous meeting in any branch of employment (but then: I am a scientist, not a veteran human resources manager). To set the mind-set: Consider being a PhD student as a job as a junior scientist or a scientist trainee, not as an extension of school. A common form for getting to know each other is giving a talk in a seminar and then spending the remainder of the day with the group to get to know each other.maNoFchangE said:Is this what typically happens in the US or in general in most western countries? I am living in Germany and I haven't heard anything about that before now. All of the groups which fall in my option are located in different cities, therefore meeting the professors (in case all or most of them offer me to) are rather costly.
Didn't see that question earlier: The question is not impolite. It is very valid. The answer is likely going to be that travel expenses for job interviews are not paid for by the university (it was a rule at the university I applied to; not sure if it was a university-internal, state or federal rule). Off the official track, one may play tricks like meeting for a "scientific discussion", instead (or alternatively: officially inviting you for a seminar talk). Not sure if I would suggest bending rules in case the host does not come up with such solutions by himself (you probably are not the first applicant ever to come to the institute). But if it is a real issue for you, then by all means do so.maNoFchangE said:That does really make sense. But in case skype is not preferred on his side, would it make me sound impolite if I ask for a possibility of travel accommodation to his place?
When emailing a professor, it is important to include your name, your academic or professional background, and the reason for contacting them. You should also mention any relevant attachments, such as your resume or CV, and provide a clear subject line that summarizes the purpose of your email.
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