Getting Involved with Research OMEGA PSI The Cognitive Science Undergraduate Society 4/5/12

NOTE!!!! Much of the following material is from the JHU Career Center. For more information please visit their webpage: http://www.jhu.edu/careers/ You will find more helpful forms there!

Overview of Material: Finding a research position How to write a cold email (examples) What happens post-email?

Finding a Research Position Find a research position that is a good fit for you. No point in spending HOURS doing something you hate. Your relationship with the PI may suffer which is bad for recommendation letters! Won’t get as much out of the experience as you could have...that’s why you’re there after all right? Start by talking to upperclassmen & graduate students who are conducting research. Browse university websites for interesting labs.

Online Resources: Department & Faculty websites J-Connect: Up to date internship database LinkedIn: Professional networking site designed to help you connect with alumni. J-Connect: Online database of alumni connect.jhu.edu Arts & Sciences: www.krieger.jhu.edu Engineering: engineering.jhu.edu/research

Cold Email: Contacting the Lab Attach resume to email or cover letter if required. Show some knowledge of the lab other than what could be obtained from reading the brief summary of research interests on the faculty webpage. Read one or more papers published by the lab Say a little about your interest and experience If applicable, indicate if you have taken a course with the professor (avoid classes in which you did poorly in).

Cold Email: Contacting the lab Try not to start every sentence with “I.” The PI (Principal Investigator) wants to know why THEIR research interests you. Give background info about yourself and your previous experiences but relate it back to their lab’s interests. Don’t be excessively informal. “It would be AWESOME to work in your lab!”

Example Prompt (Part 1): Dear _______, I am writing to express my interest in possibly obtaining a research position within the ______ lab. I am currently a _(academic year)_at the Johns Hopkins University, majoring in _______. Reading your article about _____ I have become very interested in _(lab’s research field) .

Side Note: At this point dedicate a sentence or two to how your experiences (if any) are applicable to the lab. No Experience? No worries! State a line expressing WHY you are interested in working in their lab. For example: “This past semester, I gained invaluable experience while serving as an intern with ______. The opportunity to shadow Dr. Awesomeness and work with patients of all ages furthered my enthusiasm to continue to develop my knowledge in the field of _______.”

Continued Prompt (Conclusion)… …I am confident that my educational background, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the study of ______ would enable me to make a strong contribution to the_______ lab. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the possibility of the research assistant position. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, _________

No Response? What to Do! It is OK so send a follow-up email if you have not received an email within ONE WEEK. Reintroduce yourself Say DATE you had originally contacted them

Example Prompt: Dear _______, My name is ______ and I am a _(year)_ at the Johns Hopkins University majoring in ______. On (the date of original email) I had contacted you inquiring about a possible research assistant position within the ________ lab. I wanted to touch base since I have not heard back from you. … (continue by repeating the content from original email such as why you are interested etc.)

Cover Letters: A cover letter gives you the chance to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences while showing your writing abilities. Each cover letter should be tailored to the job or research position. Mention key terms that are repeated within the job application (e.g. leadership, fluency in another language…etc). Have cover letter reviewed by Career Center!

NOTE the formatting before the letter Cover Letter Prompt: Your Address Your Phone Your Email Today’s Date Contact Name Organization Name Organization Address Organization Phone Organization Email Dear ------------, LETTER NOTE the formatting before the letter even starts!

Cover Letter Introduction: I am applying to the _(the opportunity) at (the location) . After spending time to review the department, I am awed by both the quality and breadth of the research conducted. [Explain why the job interests you] Intro serves to explain YOUR objective for writing the letter

Cover Letter Body Paragraphs: Consists of 2-3 paragraphs Highlight your most relevant experience (i.e. course work, research, conferences…etc) State you have a certain quality & EXPLAIN a situation in which you displayed it. “I have proven communication skills. For instance I lead my design group in _____ project.”

Cover Letter Conclusion Prompt: “Attached is my curriculum vitae for your review. I am incredibly motivated to work hard as a (position title). I welcome the opportunity for an interview to discuss my qualifications. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding my candidacy. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.” Sincerely, ________

QUESTIONS????