Proper way to ask a professor to work in their lab?

[V781]

It sounds as though the method is generally to email as many professors as possible with a description about relevant classes completed and a statement about my intent to learn and to help contribute to their cause. I clearly have not yet worked in a lab, though I am a Junior (transferred in from community college). I am an older student as well (28). I'm sure that in ways this might be a plus, but I am not sure how or if I should include that in the email. My work experience is 7 years as a food server in a restaurant, a year as a personal trainer, half a year as a barista....Nothing too relevant. Nothing I believe I should share.

A biology professor from my community college had written me a glowing letter of recommendation...should I offer in the email to send this letter of recommendation if they wish to see it? (On the last day of her class, she had offered to write one for me, and when speaking with her, she revealed that I am a student she will remember for a long time). My past O Chem prof. did also tell me that I could use her if I was looking to get into research or an internship. Should I offer to leave her contact information and to send that letter of rec if they wish to see it? Or are they just too busy for all of this?

I'm at a Uni that is big in research.... and full of competitive premed students. So I know I need to send an effective email to get any sort of response, especially from a professor that is doing great things.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

PIs get tons of emails from undergrads asking to work in their lab. While it's true that they look for students that are the most impressive and can demonstrate interest in their work, they also really care about students who can work in their lab long term. A student who can only commit to working in the lab for two semesters will hardly be able to get anything done. If you are able to work in the lab until you graduate, or if you are willing to work through a summer break, express that.

Mention your experience outside of school and say how your experiences will help you do research (you're devoted, passionate, etc). Play up your strengths and address any shortcomings you think you have. You can mention that you have recommendation letters that you can share if needed, but most PIs will not ask for it.

With all that being said, don't waste words. Again, PIs get tons of these emails, so make sure you're saying what matters. You should expect to be ghosted by many PIs, rejected by even more, but you only need one.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[deleted859689]

It sounds as though the method is generally to email as many professors as possible with a description about relevant classes completed and a statement about my intent to learn and to help contribute to their cause. I clearly have not yet worked in a lab, though I am a Junior (transferred in from community college). I am an older student as well (28). I'm sure that in ways this might be a plus, but I am not sure how or if I should include that in the email. My work experience is 7 years as a food server in a restaurant, a year as a personal trainer, half a year as a barista....Nothing too relevant. Nothing I believe I should share.

A biology professor from my community college had written me a glowing letter of recommendation...should I offer in the email to send this letter of recommendation if they wish to see it? (On the last day of her class, she had offered to write one for me, and when speaking with her, she revealed that I am a student she will remember for a long time). My past O Chem prof. did also tell me that I could use her if I was looking to get into research or an internship. Should I offer to leave her contact information and to send that letter of rec if they wish to see it? Or are they just too busy for all of this?

I'm at a Uni that is big in research.... and full of competitive premed students. So I know I need to send an effective email to get any sort of response, especially from a professor that is doing great things.

My PI always used to say that if you want something done, it’s harder to say no in person than it is on a phone or email. His advice to us was:

In person > call > email

If you are interested in research with a particular PI, I would read up on his/her current research and if you have a class with them talk to them in person at the end of class. This is how I ended up doing my undergraduate research, however my class sizes were around 25-30 people so it was a small community. I hope this helps!

 

[deleted972488]

If you’re going to write them an email, make sure it’s briefer than this post.

Just say you’re interested in their research and want to meet with them about possibly working in their lab. Spare the details. If you don’t hear back within a week, email another PI.

 

[JoaoMoutinho]

If you’re going to write them an email, make sure it’s briefer than this post.

Just say you’re interested in their research and want to meet with them about possibly working in their lab. Spare the details. If you don’t hear back within a week, email another PI.

I would add that if you are particularly interested in a lab that it is ok for you to drop by their office if they don't answer an email (the worst that can happen is that they say no!). Otherwise, my experience has been that this is the best approach to take.

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

I just approached my PI after a class one day to ask if he needed any help in the lab because I was interested in the subject, and he was cool with it. I also did well in his class, so maybe that helped a little bit. Probably just depends on the professor, but a formal email is definitely a safe route to take.

 

[Seihai]

Asking in person is always best; if you email them, you should be fully prepared to never hear back (my PI alone gets 600 emails per day, and about 30 of those are undergrads asking to work in his lab).

 

[BorderlineQueen]

In my experience n=3 I just asked in person. Which then lead to setting up a formal interview where we talked about the lab and my goals. So I would just ask in person it's much easier especially if you are in that PIs class and you show an interest.