Asking a Professor to be your Advisor

[collegebum1989]

Hey guys,

I'm currently in an M.Eng program and plan on applying to PhD programs this December or next in the university I'm currently at. Although the application path for an M.Eng student to PhD is non-traditional, previous M.Eng students at my university have told me from experience that it is possible to gain admission if you find a suitable adviser. I will be starting the M.Eng this fall (fall 2011) and want to gain admission into the PhD program from the next fall (apply in December)

Do you guys think 3 months is too quick of a time period to find a suitable adviser? Also, is it too direct to ask a professor if he would be able to take me on as a PhD student when I initially meet him or should I ask them after some time passes (in December).

I don't want to sound too pushy or demanding, but due to the time constraints, I would like to know which is the best option. The final option would be to complete an entire year and then ask the adviser to sponsor me.

Thanks.

[ktel]

I contacted all of my potential advisers and met with them or spoke to them on the phone. You have the added benefit of knowing a lot of professors at your school, so I would start feeling them out now. Perhaps you could first go to them simply asking for advice. Tell them about your desire to do a PhD and ask them if they have any advice or bounce some research ideas off of them. If they want to advise you they might speak up.

[collegebum1989]

The only problem is that the MEng is a non-research degree program. Therefore, its not ideal for students to pursue a PhD afterwards although MEng students are able to participate in research activities. Therefore, students are expected to reapply for the PhD. Admission chances are greatly increased when a professor personally requests you.

My dilemma is that I don't want to come off as an opportunist when speaking to a potential advisor. I will be entering the University this fall, so I don't think they'll even take me as a student for the PhD program if I haven't done any work for them.

But asking them in December, after 3 months would allow me to prove myself and show dedication. However, I'm afraid that if I ask then, there may be a chance that his laboratory may not be accepting any PhD students for the following year (this is what a previous PhD student mentioned).

I guess, my question is, how should I best approach this situation without making myself look like I'm jumping the gun, but also apply by december within the application deadline?

Edited August 13, 2011 by collegebum1989

[HassE]

Honestly, I'd create a rapport and slowly develop it into a professional and educational relationship. Stop by his office and just introduce yourself to him, tell him you admire their research (they love that), talk about his career and educational path (and yours). Slowly progress into asking him the question once he knows you. THIS IS HUGE, but if you could somehow take the guys course that first semester, you really gain yourself much experience with the professor as well as you prove to him your interested in that topic (which must be somewhat close to his research).

I'd say this is the number one best way to get in with him, take his course (if he has one), periodically keep stopping in to talk to him, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, ask the professor if you can do research in his lab. What professor does not want free labor? Your a guaranteed in his lab that way, all you now have to do to prove him is that you can do research. If given that opportunity don't blow it.

After a month or so the conversation should be fluent and your goals should be evident by him. Why wouldn't he want to take you in then?

[ktel]

Since MEng students are able to participate in research activities, find a professor and participate. This will allow you to build the kind of relationship you want in order to find a PhD adviser. It won't look opportunistic, it will look like you're preparing for your future goals.

[collegebum1989]

thanks for the help guys!