Advice for Finding

a Supervisor
Contact Us
ENB 202, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Email: CPE-Admissions@ucalgary.ca
Faculty Member Contact Information Page:
http://schulich.ucalgary.ca/departments/chemical-and-petroleum-engineering/faculty

Purpose:

This document is intended to assist our applicants in the process of finding a

supervisor. In the content below, we briefly summarize a few points to help you
make your first communication more attractive. Also included is guidance on how
to present your email more professionally. We sincerely hope this will support you
in your admission process.
Make your email interesting:

Do not send form letters (or emails) as you are not providing enough information
for a potential supervisor to evaluate if you are a good match with their expertise
and research areas. Personalize the letter as much as possible.
Briefly indicate your preferred program and start date.
Show your knowledge of this professors background, achievements and
area of study.
State the reasons that you want to work for this professor.
Explain why you are interested in this research.
Indicate what you will contribute to this professors research team.
Use bullet points to draw attention to important information.
Use bold font for important words so that professors can easily read the
information.
Carefully review your email to ensure clarity, respectfulness and that it is
error free.
Attach your cover letter and resume in PDF format.

How to structure your communication

Introductionbriefly introduce yourself, explain who you are, which

program you applied for, when you want to start and what you hope to
achieve on this supervisors research team.
Content
o Why are you interested in working for this supervisor? Briefly
summarize your knowledge of the professors background, area of
study and achievements. Explain the reason that you are interested in
working for the professor.
o What strengths would you bring to your supervisors team?
Describe your previous experience working in a team environment.
Conclusion
o Emphasize what skills or knowledge you will bring to this supervisor.
Please note:

The purpose of this document is to assist you in finding a supervisor.

However, it is not guaranteed that you will find a supervisor.
It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of a professors
research and background before you send him or her an email.
Make your cover letter and email content as concise as possible. If you have
just graduated from your Bachelor program and have little experience in
industry, please keep your cover letter to one page.
Be creative. You may want to include your e-profile or LinkedIn page.
Be sure to attach your cover letter and resume separately in the email.

 It is necessary to be patient in this process. As our faculty members receive

an average of 50 emails from applicants every day, only the most qualified
are contacted. Please be flexible with the opportunities that may be available
for you.