Standard to express interest in LOR(s) for research position.

[cdm3413]

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I plan on cold e-mailing all the doctors in my field of science department to see if they would hire me for an un-paid position. (If there are better methods, I'd be appreciative to know).
Is it strange to express an interest only in LORs, or is it a given?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BrightandClear]

Oddly enough, some PIs want students who express interest in their research, not the barter or trade of LORs... 🙄

Start by finding a lab you actually want to be a part of, then go from there.

 

[CodeBlu]

Oddly enough, some PIs want students who express interest in their research, not the barter or trade of LORs... 🙄

Start by finding a lab you actually want to be a part of, then go from there.

This is good. Very good.

Don't get stuck doing research you don't like.

 

[cdm3413]

Oddly enough, some PIs want students who express interest in their research, not the barter or trade of LORs... 🙄

Start by finding a lab you actually want to be a part of, then go from there.

Thanks much.

 

[jhay]

...Start by finding a lab you actually want to be a part of, then go from there.

Just as important is showing interest in the lab you're applying to.

You won't get very many offers by shooting off scores of emails. If there's a lab you especially like, read a couple papers written by the PI and visit his lab directly. Mention that you've read his papers and are interested.

He'll be much more interested in offering a position then.

Spoken from experience.

 

[tn4596]

I email all the profs presenting my interests in doing "research." i dont think you should mention LORs, that give the impression that you are only doing research to get LOR from them.

 

[cdm3413]

Just as important is showing interest in the lab you're applying to.

You won't get very many offers by shooting off scores of emails. If there's a lab you especially like, read a couple papers written by the PI and visit his lab directly. Mention that you've read his papers and are interested.

He'll be much more interested in offering a position then.

Spoken from experience.

Thanks for your feedback.

I email all the profs presenting my interests in doing "research." i dont think you should mention LORs, that give the impression that you are only doing research to get LOR from them.

👍

 

[ash914]

I email all the profs presenting my interests in doing "research." i dont think you should mention LORs, that give the impression that you are only doing research to get LOR from them.

As other have posted, do this but make the emails personalized. A well-written email followed up with a phone call or even a visit (after a day or two) will show your interest and give you a chance to present your case well. Make sure you read at least a couple of abstracts/full papers and mention them, and also include a brief summary of your background with the subject they cover.

As far as the LOR goes, if you're doing a good job with the research, you shouldn't have trouble getting a letter when you apply. Do indicate your goals though (such as wanting to do your own project eventually).