Are you struggling with composing the first email to your dissertation supervisor? Do you find yourself staring at a blank screen, unsure of what to say or how to say it? Well, fear not my fellow graduate student, for I have some sample emails that can serve as your guide. You can use them as-is or edit them as needed to fit your specific case. With this in mind, let’s dive into the first email to dissertation supervisor sample that I have curated just for you.
The Best Structure for First Email to Dissertation Supervisor
As a graduate student, the prospect of communicating with your dissertation supervisor through email can be intimidating. You might feel that you need to impress your supervisor or convey how much you know about your research topic. However, it’s important to approach your first email with your supervisor in a clear and concise way. In this article, we’ll provide you with guidance on the best structure for your first email to your dissertation supervisor.
First and foremost, start with a formal greeting. Addressing your supervisor by their name and including a polite greeting, such as “Hello Professor X” or “Dear Dr. Y,” sets a professional tone for your email.
In the following paragraph, give a brief introduction of yourself and your research topic. Keep in mind that your dissertation supervisor likely works with many students and might not remember all the details of your research proposal. You can mention your research question, methodology, and briefly describe your motivation for choosing this topic.
Next, pose any specific questions you have for your supervisor. Make sure your questions are clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary information or convoluted language. Avoid asking questions that can easily be found in academic literature or your program’s handbook. Instead, focus on questions that require your supervisor’s expertise or guidance.
End with a brief conclusion, thanking your supervisor for their time and providing your preferred method of communication. Mention any attachments or documents you have sent along with the email and a brief summary of what these contain. Remember that your supervisor is busy and may not have much time to review your email or attachments, so make sure your email is well-structured and to-the-point.
In summary, the best structure for your first email to your dissertation supervisor is a formal greeting, a brief introduction of yourself and your research topic, specific questions for your supervisor, a clear and concise conclusion, and a polite closing. Approaching your email in this way will convey your professionalism and ensure that your questions are properly addressed by your supervisor.
Dissertation Supervisor Email Samples
Request for Extending the Deadline
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request an extension on my dissertation deadline, which is currently set for [Date]. Due to unforeseen circumstances in my personal life, I have fallen behind schedule and will need more time to complete my research and analysis.
I understand that extensions are not granted lightly and I am willing to work with you to develop a new timeline that is reasonable. I hope we can discuss this further in our meeting scheduled for next week.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Additional Resources
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am currently working on my dissertation research and have encountered some difficulty in finding the necessary resources to complete my analysis. I am writing to request some guidance and assistance with finding additional resources that may be useful.
Specifically, I am looking for information on [topic] and would appreciate any recommendations you may have for databases, journals, or other resources that may be helpful. Additionally, if you are aware of any scholars or experts in this field that may be able to provide additional insight, I would be grateful for any introductions or recommendations.
Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter. I look forward to discussing this further with you in our next meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Feedback on Proposal
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am currently in the process of writing my dissertation proposal and I wanted to reach out for feedback and guidance. I would appreciate any input or suggestions you may have on my current draft, which I have attached to this email.
Specifically, I am hoping to receive feedback on the clarity of my research questions, the relevance of my literature review, and the feasibility of my proposed research methods. I welcome any constructive criticism or suggestions for improvement.
Thank you for your time and attention. I appreciate all of your guidance and look forward to discussing this further with you in our next meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Meeting to Discuss Progress
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to request a meeting with you in order to discuss my progress on my dissertation. I would like to provide you with an update on my research and analysis, as well as to seek your guidance and feedback on my progress so far.
Specifically, I would appreciate your input on [topic] and any recommendations you may have for refining my research question and approach. I am also hoping to receive your advice on any potential roadblocks or challenges that I should be aware of as I move forward.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing back from you soon to schedule a meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for In-Person Meeting
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to request an in-person meeting with you in order to discuss my dissertation progress and receive your feedback. I believe that meeting in person will allow us to have a more productive and informative conversation as we move forward.
Specifically, I would like to discuss my research methods and analysis, as well as to seek your guidance on any potential issues that may arise as I move forward. I hope to receive your input on [topic] and any suggestions you may have for improving my approach.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to discussing this further with you in person.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Clarification on Expectations
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am currently working on my dissertation and I wanted to reach out for some clarification on your expectations for the project. Specifically, I would like to better understand the criteria by which my analysis and writing will be evaluated, as well as any particular areas of focus that I should be aware of.
Additionally, I would like to discuss any specific milestones or deadlines that I should be aware of as I move forward. I want to ensure that I am meeting your expectations and am working towards a successful outcome.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to discussing this further with you in our next meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Feedback on Draft Chapter
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am currently working on my dissertation and have completed an initial draft of [Chapter]. I am writing to request your feedback and guidance on this chapter, in order to ensure that I am on the right track and that my analysis is rigorous and comprehensive.
Specifically, I would appreciate your input on [aspect] and any suggestions you may have for improvement or refinement. I welcome any constructive criticism and am eager to make the necessary revisions to ensure that my work is of the highest quality.
Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter. I look forward to discussing this further with you in our next meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing the First Email to Your Dissertation Supervisor Sample
Writing your very first email to your dissertation supervisor sample can be a daunting task. However, to ensure that your first email is a strong one that can lay a solid foundation for the rest of your academic relationship, you need to follow some tips. These tips will help you put your best foot forward and make a good first impression with your supervisor. Here are some in-depth tips to consider:
1. Do Your Homework
Before writing your first email, make sure you have done thorough research about your supervisor. Understand their area of expertise, their research interests, and their academic background. This will help you write an email that is tailored to their preferences and work style. You need to show that you have taken the time to do your homework, and you are interested in working with your supervisor.
2. Be Polite and Professional
Your first email should be polite, professional, and formal. Address your supervisor using their correct title and surname. Be respectful and avoid using slang or informal language. Remember, your dissertation is a serious academic project, and you need to set the right tone from the very beginning.
3. Be Clear and Concise
Your supervisor is a busy person, so it’s important that you get your point across quickly and efficiently. Be clear and concise about what you are hoping to achieve with your dissertation and why you think your supervisor would be a good fit. Avoid lengthy emails that may discourage them from reading your email to the end. Keep your email short, to the point, and professional.
4. Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional and formal in your email, you still need to be yourself. Your academic journey is unique, and your supervisor wants to work with someone who is authentic and passionate about their research. So, don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality in your email. Be honest and let your supervisor know why you are excited about this opportunity to work with them.
5. Proofread and Edit
Before hitting the send button, make sure you review your email carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your email makes sense. You want to make a good impression, and that starts with a well-written email. Consider asking someone else to review your email and provide feedback before sending it to your supervisor.
By following these tips, you can write a first email that is tailored to your supervisor’s preferences, professional, clear, and concise. Remember, this email can set the tone for the rest of your academic relationship, so it’s important to put in the extra effort and make it a good one. Good luck!
What should I include in my first email to my dissertation supervisor?
In your first email to your dissertation supervisor, you should introduce yourself, explain the purpose of your email, and briefly describe your research topic. You should also request a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your dissertation project in more detail.
How should I address my dissertation supervisor in my email?
You should address your dissertation supervisor in a professional manner, such as “Dear Dr. [Last Name]” or “Dear Professor [Last Name].” If you are unsure about the appropriate title to use, you can ask your supervisor or consult your university’s guidelines.
When should I send my first email to my dissertation supervisor?
You should send your first email to your dissertation supervisor as soon as possible after you have been assigned a supervisor or have identified a potential supervisor. It is important to establish a good working relationship with your supervisor early on in the dissertation process.
How long should my first email to my dissertation supervisor be?
Your first email to your dissertation supervisor should be concise and to the point. It should include all the necessary information about yourself and your research topic, but it should not be too long or detailed. Aim for a length of no more than one or two paragraphs.
What should I do if I don’t receive a response to my first email to my dissertation supervisor?
If you do not receive a response to your first email to your dissertation supervisor within a reasonable period of time (e.g. one week), you should send a polite follow-up email to check if your original email was received. If you still do not receive a response, you can consider other options such as contacting your department administrator.
Should I attach any documents to my first email to my dissertation supervisor?
You should not attach any documents or files to your first email to your dissertation supervisor unless they have been specifically requested. It is better to wait until you have had a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your research topic before sending any additional materials.
What should I wear to my first meeting with my dissertation supervisor?
You should dress in a professional manner for your first meeting with your dissertation supervisor, such as business casual attire. However, this may vary depending on your supervisor’s preferences and your university’s culture. It is always better to err on the side of dressing too formally rather than too casually.
Thanks for Reading
Well, that’s it for my sample email to a dissertation supervisor! I hope you found it helpful and entertaining. Whether you’re in the process of writing your dissertation or are just curious about how these things work, I appreciate you taking the time to read through my email. And don’t forget to check back in later for more tips and insights on navigating the world of academia. Until next time!