How to land a research internship: A Guide for Students

Introduction

Research internships can be an excellent way for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable research experience and explore their interests in a specific field. However, the application process can be confusing and challenging. In this article, I will share my experience in applying for research internships and provide some tips and advice for students interested in pursuing research opportunities.

My Experience: My name is Chirag Samal, and I have completed my under graduation from IIIT Naya Raipur. I have experience interning at Stanford University and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have applied to various foreign and Indian universities for research internships and have been accepted to several, including Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Tokyo, IIT Delhi, IIT Varanasi, and the University of Toronto, among others. Through this experience, I learned about two methods of applying for research internships.

Methods of Applying:

There are generally two methods of applying for research internships:

1. Applying through various programs: Some universities and organizations offer programs specifically for research internships, such as MITACS Globalink for research positions in Canada and India Connect@NTU for research internships in NTU Singapore. You can find a comprehensive list of these programs on this website GitHub repository maintained by Himanshu Ahuja.
2. Applying via cold-emailing professors: This method is time-consuming and tedious but can be an effective way of finding research internships. Start by figuring out the area of research you’re interested in and looking for professors who work in fields similar to yours. Visit their websites and look for projects that you find interesting. Finally, craft a thoughtful email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in their research, and asking if they have any available research positions.

Tips for Cold-Emailing Professors:

When emailing professors, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Start your email with a clear and concise subject line.
2. Introduce yourself in the first paragraph and explain your interest in their research.
3. Show that you have done your research by referencing specific projects or papers they have worked on.
4. Be polite and professional in your tone and language.
5. Keep your email short and to the point but provide enough information to demonstrate your qualifications and interest.
6. Follow up politely if you don’t hear back after a week or two.

To help you write a cover letter, I have shared a template from my cover letter, which you can modify according to your needs:

Dear [Researcher’s Name],

I am [Your Name], a [Your Academic Standing] from [Your University/Institution]. I am writing to express my interest in the possibility of a research project/internship under your guidance for [Length of Internship] in [Researcher’s Lab/Group]. I came across your work on [Research Topic], and I am impressed by the contributions you and your team have made to the field.

I have always been interested in [Your Research Interests], and after reading some of your publications and research projects, I am confident that your lab is the perfect place to pursue my research interests.

I have had the opportunity to work as a [Your Previous Position] at [Previous Institution/Lab], where I have developed strong skills in [Your Skills]. I have also had the opportunity to be a co-author on a research paper under review at [Conference/Journal] on [Paper Topic].

Some of my significant academic achievements include [Academic Achievements].

I have attached my resume to this email, which includes a link to my LinkedIn and GitHub profiles. Additionally, I have a letter of recommendation available upon request. I am open to both on-campus and remote opportunities.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[University/College]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying for research internships can be challenging, but it is also a valuable and rewarding experience. Whether you apply through programs or cold-email professors, it is important to be persistent and professional in your approach. Remember to showcase your qualifications and interests, and follow up politely if you don’t hear back. With dedication and hard work, you can secure a research internship and gain valuable experience in your field. Best of luck on your journey!