Tips for Cold Emailing Professors

What to Write

Introduction

Start with a brief introduction about yourself including your year, branch, and college. Mention your broad domain of interest and any notable achievements without focusing on college rankings.

Objective

Explain the opportunity you're seeking, including the time, duration, and any specific requests. If applying through an internship program, mention it here. Show genuine interest in the professor's work.

Contact Links

Indicate how you discovered the professor, whether through a talk, recommendation, or research. Demonstrating genuine interest enhances credibility.

Background and Interests

Detail your academic background, relevant coursework, and any academic accomplishments. Connect your interests to the professor's research to demonstrate alignment.

Specificity

Reference the professor's research to show familiarity and genuine interest. Explain how their work aligns with your interests and past experiences.

Past Projects and Learning Outcomes

Mention relevant projects and skills, even if not directly related to the professor's field. Highlight any ongoing learning to showcase commitment.

Closing

End the email with your current activities, providing closure and reinforcing your dedication.

General Tips

• Consider asking for remote work initially to build familiarity.
• Be flexible with the order of points to suit your style.
• Maintain a concise and well-formatted email to capture attention.
• Balance specificity with openness to maximize opportunities.
• Consider the timing of your email to increase the likelihood of a response.
• Send polite reminder emails if necessary, spaced appropriately.