Dear ADs, I am a new graduate student at McGill, and I don’t have a supervisor yet. What should I consider when choosing a supervisor and how should I approach them?
-Supervisor Seeker
A. Dear Supervisor Seeker,
This is a question that many new graduate students struggle with, and for good reason! Choosing a supervisor is one of the most important decisions in your graduate student experience. You will rely on your supervisor for guidance and support throughout your research project, mentorship as a budding scholar, and, in many cases, funding to support your studies.
While many McGill students in thesis programs choose their potential supervisor during the admission process, others choose their supervisor after they’ve begun their program.
Whatever your situation, the first step is to take a moment to reflect on what you hope to achieve with the help of your supervisor, including your career goals after graduation, technical skills you would like to develop, and preferences for collaboration. You know yourself, so think about when you were at your best in previous work or academic settings. Did your supervisor have a hands-on or a hands-off approach? Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team? How involved do you want your supervisor to be in setting goals and deadlines? Be sure to consider what works best for you. For help with this reflection process, I encourage you to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with the help of the many tools and workshops offered by myPath.
Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in a supervisor, review the faculty profiles of professors on the website of your chosen program to compile a short list of professors whose research most interests you. Then simply reach out to them via email to introduce yourself and express your interest in working with them.
Your initial email to your supervisor should be brief and professional. Be sure to attach your CV and unofficial transcripts. State clearly that you are interested in them being your supervisor, what aspects of their research most interest you, and why you think you would be a good fit. You can also mention any relevant skills or experience you have that could be useful for their projects. This could include any fieldwork or laboratory experience, relevant expertise or knowledge, relevant licenses or certifications etc. You should also mention if you already have or are planning on applying for funding. Ask if they would have time to meet with you in person or virtually and suggest a few times that you would be available.
Before you speak to a potential supervisor, be sure to familiarize yourself with their publications and prepare some questions for them. It can be helpful to ask about their expectations for working hours, frequency of meetings, feedback, and support for career development. You should also ask about their supervisory style and, when relevant, considerations around funding. Don’t be afraid to tell them about your goals and what you are looking for in a supervisor!
It’s always a good idea to speak to current students who are already working with your potential supervisor. If you’re not sure how to reach current students, ask your potential supervisor or your program’s Graduate Program Coordinator to put you in contact. Asking current students for a meeting or offering to take them for coffee is often the best way to really learn what it is like to work with that supervisor.
After you have spoken with potential supervisors and their current students, take some time before making your decision. Remember that supervision is not a purely academic endeavour – your supervisor’s academic experience is key, but their personality, supervision style, others in the lab or group and the resources available can make an enormous difference in your progress and wellbeing during your time at McGill!
For more in-depth information on connecting with supervisors, check out the information on Finding a Supervisor on the Supervision website and Connecting with a Supervisor on the Future Graduate Students website.
Best of luck,
Russell Steele, Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
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