How to approach Professors ?

One of the tough ones is to find a professor who can fund your stay at a US university. Some students try the following: Attract a professor during his/her classes by wearing appropriate colorful clothes and scent – sometimes displaying their soft and tight tissue for different reasons - this might not be best strategy, if the professor is color blind or allergic to scent (:P), or just too old (‘menu-paused’) to realize your potential – the rest, I leave it to your imagination - keep reading.

For all good reasons, your chances of funding decrease from PhD to MS and so and so forth. One has to realize that the source of funding opportunity will define the opportunity. For example, funding agencies such as the NSF identify the money for potential PhD students; as compared to industry funding that can support both MS and PhD students. Any professor will always prefer PhD student over MS for funding since the number of PhD under him is more beneficial for his/her career. So, if you are a MS student make sure that you kidnap any potential PhD students (: P). However, some professors still consider talented MS students for funding in the absence of PhD students. Once you have decided on a professor, try to have a plan of action. Now comes the part where you analyze the person in terms of research interests, expectations, attitude (ego issues etc), and funding opportunity. Of course, going to a professor who has low chances of funding is not the best option, but exceptions with professional suicidal tendencies (interest based) are always there. The basic idea is to market you, and that you will add value and experience to his/her career. As a strategy, always, 1) be as polite as possible in emails 2) No signs of desperation for funding 3) Satisfy his/her ego if necessary 4) Show enthusiasm for research topics by asking questions and responding back immediately or with follow-ups 5) Always be punctual during meetings. In the worst case, professors might tell you to take his/her class and show good performance (like A or A+). Many of them use this strategy since they want to see your potential. However, some of the lucky and brilliant students come with high GRE – High GPA during UNERGRAD – research publications – recommendations. Once a professor trusts you – they will hire you!

I have come across cases where the professor was a broker for an industry project and gave RAs to students. In such cases, the student is obliged to do a thesis under the professor which comes with the job. Such an option can be ok, if you are ok. Some professors are really choosy for students, since they want to maintain their standards – a pattern observed at high ranked universities.

Please do not try to impersonate your interest or as a PhD student for a funding opportunity – it gives you a hard time emotionally, professionally and spoils your image and reduces the chance of funding for others – especially those who are from your country. Just be genuine and be true to yourself, and things will fall in place.