Some suggestions as you go about phrasing an email to request a summer/winter internship -
1. Address them as Dr. So & So - avoid the Sir/Maam suffix.
2. Give them a succinct description of your academic journey so far - state possible research experiences thus far, if any.
1. Address them as Dr. So & So - avoid the Sir/Maam suffix.
2. Give them a succinct description of your academic journey so far - state possible research experiences thus far, if any.
3. Describe why you believe that an internship with their group will be of value to you, and also briefly how you believe you can contribute. (Please read their website/papers to get a sense of what they do).
4. State clearly the time-lines for this internship and the time commitment you will be able to make. (Do apply early - last minute requests may indicate poor ability to plan).
5. Give them a short description of your long-term goals and why this internship furthers those goals.
Perhaps way important is what to avoid doing:
1. Address them as Sir or Maam and to get this wrong. Stick with the Dr, Professor tag to avoid this.
2. Mass mailing - have received emails saying interns wishes to work on chemical synthesis in my lab 🫥
1. Address them as Sir or Maam and to get this wrong. Stick with the Dr, Professor tag to avoid this.
2. Mass mailing - have received emails saying interns wishes to work on chemical synthesis in my lab 🫥
3. Also as a suggestion when you don't hear back perhaps avoid the "Gentle reminder" email. It might be better to say - I realise you may be busy, but I am immensely keen to intern with you and I was wondering if my email was received by you...
4. Also please don't respond to a research internship request that is turned down, by saying can you now suggest the names of other people to intern with - do your own homework on this front.
5. Also avoid being obsequious - this can be a problem and it is not necessary at all to tell the person they have solved global warming .. etc - you get the idea.
Also keep in mind when your research internship requests get turned down that it is more often than not nothing to do with your capability - lab may be too full, limited on funds etc etc..
Keep trying, and apply to many institutes and people - that research experience on your CV does matter.
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