What is cold emailing?
So, what is it? Cold emailing is a proactive approach to reaching out to potential employers, researchers, or professionals without any prior relationship or introduction. Most research internships, if not all, aren’t through official programs, are gained through cold emails. Through personalized emails expressing genuine interest in researching a specific field, you can demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm for scientific exploration. Cold emailing enables you to expand your network beyond conventional avenues (i.e. official summer programs), providing an opportunity to showcase your passion for science and your eagerness to contribute. By being genuine and enthusiastic, you can catch open doors to amazing opportunities that otherwise might not be widely advertised.
1. Pick your field(s) of interest
With numerous branches of science offering a wide range of fascinating topics, it can be overwhelming to pinpoint the perfect fit. To begin the journey, start by exploring your academic interests and passions. Reflect on any science courses, videos, movies, or any kind of media that have intrigued you—that you could see yourself truly enjoy studying. Consider the areas in which you felt a natural curiosity to learn more, and write down a list. Identifying these initial interests will serve as a foundation for narrowing down the fields later on.
Once you have a general direction, take a few hours to do some general internet research into the subfields within your chosen science discipline. For example, if you’re interested in biology, explore fields like genetics, ecology, neuroscience, or microbiology. Watch videos, read books, and scroll through articles. Additionally, it can help to take into account the societal relevance and potential impact of the research you are drawn to. Understanding how your chosen field contributes to addressing real-world challenges can add a deeper sense of purpose to your research pursuits. If possible, look for opportunities to attend webinars or workshops that expose you to these domains. If you don’t find yourself actively engaged in the topic and eager to learn more, then it might not be a preferable field and you can cross it off your list. You can end up with more than one interesting fields, and that’s okay!
Next, consider the practical aspects of conducting research in a specific field. Evaluate the resources available, such as research facilities or academic institutions that specialize in your chosen area. If you live near any kind of university, research their departments and see if they offer what you would like to study. Consider the resources and facilities available at each university. Some research projects may require access to specialized equipment, labs, or collaborative opportunities. Ensure that the universities you are considering can provide the necessary resources to support your research interests. Make sure to keep in mind transportation to and from the potential lab, as well as your time availability.
Remember that choosing a field of science to research is a dynamic and evolving process, and it’s essential to find a balance between what captivates your curiosity and what aligns with your long-term career aspirations.
2. Make a list of desired professors
Once you have your field(s) of interest and facility location(s) chosen, now it’s time to start making a list of possible researchers you’d want to work under.
Delve into the faculty profiles of the universities you are considering. Most researchers are either professors or associate professors at a university. Look for professors whose research aligns closely with your own interests. Oftentimes the professors will have a link to their lab website in their faculty profile, which will have much more detailed information. Pay attention to their publications, ongoing projects, and areas of expertise. Take note of any professors whose work resonates with you, and create a list of potential mentors.
It’s also beneficial to attend academic conferences, seminars, or webinars in your field, if possible. Although this definitely isn’t required, these events offer opportunities to connect with professors, ask questions, and learn more about their research and mentoring philosophy. Networking with professionals in your field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to further potential research opportunities.
As you compile your list of desired professors, prioritize them based on your level of interest and fit with your research goals. Having multiple professors from the same university department is totally okay, but it’s also beneficial to aim to have a diverse list of potential mentors, including professors from different institutions and research backgrounds. Keep in mind that crafting this list is a dynamic process, and your preferences may evolve as you gain more exposure to the research community.
3. Curate your resume
Curating and customizing your resume for a research position at a university lab is essential to showcase your academic qualifications, research experience, and passion for scientific inquiry. Start by creating a clear and concise resume that highlights your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any research-related experiences you have had so far. Include your education, major, and any honors or awards you have received that demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence. If you haven’t had any prior research experience or notable awards, don’t worry! Some labs may require previous experience or qualifications, but most of the time they are just as open (if not more) to budding scientists. The PIs are usually professors—they teach students, and you’re here to learn!
If you do have experience, tailor your resume to emphasize research-related skills and experiences. If you have participated in any research projects or internships, describe them in detail, highlighting the methodologies used, data analysis techniques, and any notable findings or contributions. If you have presented your research at conferences or published any papers, be sure to include these accomplishments.
Include a section dedicated to technical skills that are relevant to the research position you are applying for. This might include laboratory techniques, software proficiency, or any specialized equipment you have experience using. Demonstrating your technical expertise will show potential mentors that you are well-prepared to contribute to their research team.
4. draft an email outline
Drafting a cold email outline for getting a research internship requires a structured and engaging approach to capture the attention of potential mentors. Start with a concise and professional subject line that clearly states your intention. Mentioning “Research Internship Inquiry” or something similar will immediately convey the purpose of your email.
In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself briefly, providing your name, age, and academic background. This should not be the bulk of your email, and should only be a few (if not one) sentences long
The second paragraph should express your enthusiasm and passion for the specific area of research you are interested in. Be specific! Explain what specific area you’re interested in, why you’re interested in it, and why this professor’s work aligns with your interests. It’s imperative you tailor your email to the specific research interests of the professor or lab you are reaching out to. Mention any publications or ongoing projects from the lab that have caught your attention and explain why their work aligns with your interests, which will show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in contributing to their research team. This is arguably the most important part of the email, because it demonstrates your interest and proactivity. Professors can easily tell if you did your research on them or not based on what you say you’re interested in. (e.g., if you were to write to a professor researching protein synthesis about your passion for immunology, they will be able to tell you didn’t do your research thoroughly enough).
Next, describe your research experiences, if you have any. Describe any previous research projects, internships, or lab work you have been involved in, even if they weren’t related to your current potential field. This paragraph does not have to be long—a few sentences will do. Take a brief sentence afterwards to mention that you’re resume is attached, should they want to know more.
In the closing paragraph, express your eagerness to join their research team as an unpaid volunteer or intern. It might be trickier to explicitly say intern depending on which lab you’re emailing, as paid researchers are usually paid through grants and they might not be able to allocate enough funds for you. Request the opportunity to discuss the internship further, either online (like a phone call or video conference) or in person. Offer to provide any additional information they may need, such as sample works or publications.
Lastly, end your email with a professional and polite closing, such as “Thank you for considering my application” or “I look forward to the possibility of working with you.” Be sure to include your contact information, including your email address and phone number, so that they can easily get in touch with you.
Here’s an example template:
Subject: Research Internship Inquiry
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well! My name is [Your Name], and I am a [your academic year] at [your university/institution].
Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong interest in [specific research area of interest]. I was particularly intrigued by your work on [mention a specific project or publication from the professor’s lab], because [how the project aligns with your interests].
I have previously studied [mention any previous research projects, internships, or lab work you’ve been involved in]. It was an amazing opportunity, and I greatly enjoyed learning about [relevant knowledge you’ve gained], including learning and gaining experience in a variety of lab experiences from [list relevant techniques or methodologies you are proficient in] to [list other relevant techniques or methodologies you are proficient in].
I am impressed by the collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment of your lab, and I believe that working under your mentorship would provide me with invaluable learning opportunities. As an enthusiastic and dedicated individual, I am committed to contributing my best efforts to support ongoing projects and address research questions with rigor and creativity.
I am writing to inquire if there may be a possibility for me to participate in research activities in your lab, perhaps as a volunteer or unpaid intern. I am keen to contribute in any way and broaden my experience in [specific research area of interest]. I am open to arrange a meeting, phone call, or video conference at your convenience should you be interested.
My resume is attached for your review and I welcome any questions you may have.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information – Email Address, Phone Number]
6. Extra tips
1. send multiple emails / have backups
Sending cold emails to multiple professors is crucial to increase your chances of receiving a response and securing a research internship. Because the research landscape is competitive, professors receive numerous emails from interested students, and not all emails may be immediately noticed or responded to. By reaching out to multiple professors, you expand the pool of potential opportunities and increase the likelihood of finding a match with a research mentor who has availability and is interested in your academic background and research interests. While one professor may have limited availability for interns, another might be actively seeking motivated students to join their research team.
However, do NOT copy and paste each email to each professor. Although some professor’s area of research may be extremely similar, no two professors are studying the same exact area. You must tailor each email to each professor and their work in the lab in order to show them that you are invested in their work and not their colleague’s work.
2. Humble brag, but don’t be too cocky
If you have previous experience or projects that align with your interest, don’t be afraid to talk about them! Your email and resume are the only chance you get to tell them about your accomplishments. Take care to talk in a neutral tone, and avoid sounding too conceited. Though professors will definitely be looking at your past accomplishments, they are also looking to see who you are as a person. They take into account your personality and collaborative potential, making it really important to show them how your traits align with what they look for.
Best of luck!
Scientia Research 