How to Find and Connect with Potential Supervisors
By: Dallas Curow
Your relationship with your supervisor will be one of the most important factors contributing to the success of your graduate studies. Taking the time to find someone who will complement your research and learning style will help to ensure the success of this relationship.
Generally, different departments have different admissions procedures. You may need to contact a supervisor before applying, or you may be assigned one after being admitted. Read the requirements of the program into which you are applying. If it is unclear, contact the Graduate Program Director.
A good supervisor should provide you with some direction, while allowing you to take initiative. Factors include their expertise in your area of interest, their experience with supervising students, their availability to meet with students, how active their research agenda is, and their personality.
Review Faculty member research profiles to locate potential supervisors with research interests similar to your own. Think laterally – if you don’t find what you’re looking for in one department, look at the research profiles of Faculty members in related fields.
Be sure to contact the Graduate Program Director prior to researching and speaking to potential supervisors. Writing a concise and professional email to potential supervisors is a good initial step. Ensure that your messages are tailored to each professor – you must catch his/her interest quickly and make a good first impression. Include your C.V. and unofficial transcripts. Describe why you are interested in graduate studies, your career goals, and any research or leadership experience and analytical skills. State why you are approaching this particular professor, and why your research interests and goals are a good match.
If possible, meet with your potential supervisor in person. Otherwise, arrange a meeting by phone, email or video conference. Ask about their capacity for new students, their expectation for you, how involved they are in their students work, and how successful their students are.
For more information, please visit the McGill University Future Graduate Students Website and see our Connecting with a Supervisor page.
