Emailing POIs for I/O

[Per Verbum Ad Verbum]

Hello all!

 

I have been reading up on other posts about applicants emailing POIs. I was wondering if this is something seen as necessary in all fields? Specifically, I am interested in I/O programs. Many of the Phd programs I have been researching mention that it is both common and encouraged for students to work with multiple faculty, even those in other departments. This makes it seem as if you do not have one specific "mentor" who you work with exclusively, and perhaps asking a professor if they are taking students is unnecessary. Furthermore, my question stems from the fact that I do not have very specific research interests, and would be willing to work with multiple professors at most programs.

 

If anyone has any insight it would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[Munashi]

Definitely do it.  You can reach out to multiple people at each school if you aren't ready to decide on a primary mentor yet.  But for sure reach out to people, mention that you're interested in their area, etc. and check if they are accepting new kids.  Some people might not be, and it may help you narrow down your list of POIs.

[BuzzinAround]

If a professor contacts you and says that he/she is accepting new kids and then goes through their current research projects/interests, is it acceptable or appropriate to ask them about relevant articles that might relate to ongoing projects we might be interested in learning more about? I don't want to come off as asking for too much...

[Munashi]

I don't think trying to start a dialogue with a POI about their research is necessarily a bad idea, just don't be too put off if you don't hear back - profs are damn busy people.  Be polite without sounding presumptuous/like you expect something.

[Applemiu]

If a professor contacts you and says that he/she is accepting new kids and then goes through their current research projects/interests, is it acceptable or appropriate to ask them about relevant articles that might relate to ongoing projects we might be interested in learning more about? I don't want to come off as asking for too much...

 

I would do a little bit of research myself before asking POIs for articles. Just check the last things they published (so you can also see whether they published anything recently). The pdfs are often on their websites.

[Garrus_Vakarian]

I don't think trying to start a dialogue with a POI about their research is necessarily a bad idea, just don't be too put off if you don't hear back - profs are damn busy people.  Be polite without sounding presumptuous/like you expect something.

 

I agree with what Munashi said It's alright to email POIs as long as you're polite, to the point and know exactly what you want/need. Just don't expect to be answered on the spot