How to Write Emails and Engage Professors

This course is part of Introduction to Academic Research Specialization

Instructor: Angelique Louie

Access provided by ExxonMobil

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Introduction to Academic Research Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This course is designed to help you take the next step in your academic journey by mastering two critical skills: professional communication and strategic planning for research involvement. You’ll begin by learning how to write clear, respectful, and persuasive emails that encourage timely responses—an essential skill for connecting with professors and securing opportunities. Next, you’ll explore strategies for resilience and problem-solving when facing challenges such as unanswered messages or rejection. Finally, you’ll move from preparation to action by creating a personalized research plan, identifying your resources, and setting a realistic timeline to stay motivated. By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and tools to communicate effectively and turn your research goals into reality.

Welcome to the course! In this first module, we focus on a skill that is essential for academic and professional success—but one that many students rarely practice: writing effective, professional emails. You’ll learn how to craft messages that are clear, respectful, and persuasive, and most importantly, how to do so in a way that encourages timely and positive responses. By the end of this module, you’ll have strategies to make your communication stand out and build stronger connections with professors and other professionals.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 26 minutes

Course Introduction 0 minutes
How to Get Into Research, Part 1: Communication 4 minutes
How to Get Involved in Research: Tips for Success 6 minutes
Critical Skill: Professional Correspondence, Part 1 3 minutes
Critical Skill: Professional Correspondence, Part 2 8 minutes
Critical Skill: Professional Correspondence, Part 3 5 minutes

2 readings Total 21 minutes

Course Navigation and Safety Statement 1 minute
Professional Correspondence 20 minutes

2 assignments Total 75 minutes

Write to a Professor 45 minutes
Module 1 Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Learning Goals 10 minutes

You might be familiar with rejection, or maybe you have never seen it before. Finding a research position is about serendipity as well as preparation. And you will need to be resilient to find that ideal job. In this module, we'll learn more about not giving up. If you've tried to look for a research position or a job you might have run into a common problem - no one is responding to your e-mail or letters. Join us as we think about solutions to this age-old problem.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt

3 videos Total 18 minutes

How to Get Into Research, Part 2: Don't Give Up! 8 minutes
What Else Can You Do? 4 minutes
What Are Research Advisors Looking For? 6 minutes

1 reading Total 30 minutes

Dealing with Rejection 30 minutes

2 assignments Total 65 minutes

Learning from Rejection 45 minutes
Module 2 Quiz 20 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 15 minutes

Learning from Rejection Discussion 15 minutes

In this final module, you’ll move from preparation to action by creating a clear roadmap for your research journey. You’ll start by identifying and using the tools and resources you’ve gathered so far, then develop a personalized plan for getting involved in research opportunities. To keep yourself on track, you’ll design a realistic timeline that motivates progress and ensures accountability. By applying strategic planning skills, you’ll transform your ideas into actionable steps that bring you closer to meaningful research experiences.