How To Send Cold Emails To Land Internships 

Want to work with a professor or get your hands-on experience in a research lab? Wondering how to cold email professors for research in high school? As a young academic professional, you’ll need to start emailing for research internships sooner or later. 

Nonetheless, when it comes to cold emailing professors for research, don’t strike out without information in hand. We have just the ticket. What’s more, you can use these skills from an internship cold email to professional networking outreach. Read on for a step-by-step guide to success.

Cold emailing for research internships is a vital and effective strategy for aspiring researchers looking to secure valuable hands-on experience. Cold emailing involves reaching out to professors, researchers, or professionals in your field of interest to inquire about potential research opportunities.

Video: Cold E-mailing (The Best Skill to Get a Job)

This proactive approach demonstrates your initiative, determination, and genuine interest in their work, setting you apart from other applicants. Cold emailing allows you to directly connect with experts in your desired field and opens doors to unique research opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere.

One of the key benefits of cold emailing for research internships is the ability to customize your outreach. Unlike traditional internship application processes, cold emailing allows you to personalize your message and showcase your specific interests and qualifications. 

By tailoring your email to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the research being conducted, you can increase the likelihood of grabbing the recipient’s attention and securing an internship opportunity. This personalized approach demonstrates your research readiness and can lead to meaningful collaborations and mentorship.

Cold emailing for research internships also helps you expand your professional network and establish valuable connections within your field. Even if a specific opportunity isn’t available at the time, the recipient of your email may be impressed by your initiative and keep you in mind for future research projects or collaborations. Building these relationships can lead to long-term mentorship, letters of recommendation, and potential research collaborations that can greatly enhance your academic and professional journey.

Moreover, cold emailing demonstrates your commitment and dedication to pursuing research opportunities. It showcases your proactive attitude, willingness to take initiative, and passion for the subject matter. Research internships often have limited spots available, and by reaching out directly to researchers, you increase your chances of being considered for an internship that may not be widely advertised. 

Cold emailing allows you to create opportunities for yourself and gain valuable research experience that can propel you towards your future academic and career goals. Cold emailing for research internships is a powerful tool for aspiring researchers. It enables you to directly connect with experts in your field, personalize your outreach, expand your professional network, and demonstrate your commitment to research. 

By taking the initiative and reaching out to potential mentors and researchers, you increase your chances of securing unique and valuable research opportunities that can enhance your academic and professional development.

Video: Cold Email | The Best Strategy to Get Your Dream Job

Let’s start with introductions…

Writing a professional cold call email is a crucial skill that can open doors to new opportunities and connections. When crafting your email, it’s essential to begin with a clear and concise subject line that grabs the recipient’s attention. 

Introduce yourself in a polite and professional manner, mentioning any mutual connections or shared interests to establish a connection. Clearly state the purpose of your email, whether it’s seeking advice, requesting an informational interview, or exploring potential collaboration opportunities.

To make your cold call email effective, it’s important to do your research and personalize your message. Show that you have taken the time to learn about the recipient’s work or organization by referencing specific projects or achievements that caught your attention. Highlight how your skills, experiences, or interests align with their work and express your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect. Keep your email concise and focused, demonstrating that you value the recipient’s time.

Closing your cold call email in a professional manner is just as important as the opening. Express gratitude for the recipient’s time and consideration, and offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they may have. 

Include a polite and professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name, contact information, and any relevant links to your portfolio or website. Remember to proofread your email for grammar and spelling errors before hitting the send button.

In summary, writing a professional cold call email requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. By starting with a captivating subject line, introducing yourself in a polite manner, and clearly stating the purpose of your email, you can engage the recipient from the beginning. 

Conducting thorough research, personalizing your message, and keeping your email concise are key to making a strong impression. Close your email professionally, expressing gratitude and providing your contact information. With these strategies, you can increase the chances of receiving a positive response and establishing valuable connections.

I am an Empowerly counselor who earned my Ph.D. from Stanford University in Cellular & Molecular Biology. In the past, I’ve mentored students working on their research projects for Science competitions and have served on the admissions committee of Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. Hence, I wanted to share a post from the perspective of the person who would be reading your email!

 Step 1: Prepare your resume.

One of the key factors in getting an internship via cold email is if you have some skills that could help the lab. This is the most important step you MUST do before you start emailing for research internships.

For example, data analysis skills for life science labs that conduct experiments that yield a lot of data that needs to be analyzed. Remember to highlight your skills in your resume and if applicable provide a link to an online portfolio such as a website or a GitHub repository. There are countless resume templates.

Bonus tips:

• Try to make a resume that is clean and minimalistic, not colorful!
• In an internship cold email, attach your resume as a PDF to prevent any formatting issues.
• If you’re struggling to come up with a list of skills, it’s best to focus on building them first. Consider taking online courses, working with a volunteer organization, or participating in organized extracurriculars. Soon, you’ll know what skills you can bring to the table at a research internship.

Step 2: Draft an email template.

Professors get a lot of emails and there is a good chance that they have received countless messages already from high school students asking to work in their labs. If you want them to read your email, you need to show that you have not sent a mass internship cold email. In a cold email for an internship position, start by making it clear that you have looked into the professor’s research. Also, you should attach your resume. This is “cold” emailing and the response rate is usually poor. But….you never know.

A tip from one of my students:

Ask questions about the professor’s research and what specifically interests you in the email. This level of detail stands out in an inbox full of similar generic messages.

Make sure you have carefully proofread your message before sending it, as well, since you have to put your best foot forward. This includes an appropriate and professional tone. For added security, try free grammar software and enable the “undo” button on your email account (available on Gmail).

If you don’t have practice writing emails with formality, a template can help you out. Just be sure to rewrite the framework in your own words.

Here is a template for the cold email internship topic that you can edit to make it specific to you:

Dear Dr. _____,

My name is ______ and I am currently a ______ in high school. I am emailing you to ask if you would consider me for an unpaid internship in your laboratory.

I am interested in the intersection between medicine/healthcare/neuroscience/machine learning/AI/Etc. and hypothesis-driven laboratory research and I plan to go into (career, e.g. healthcare) in the future. It is for this reason that I would be very excited to have the opportunity to contribute to your laboratory's research in/on ____. I am particularly interested in _____. Last summer I ______ . I was introduced to ___(subject/topic)___ in my ____(class) where I learned how to ________. I really want to explore this subject further by being able to conduct research first-hand.

I have attached my resume at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like any additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Step 3: Research Professors

Research professors and be able to fill in the template with specific details about their research. Remember, the more specific you are in your internship cold email, the greater your chances are of a professor accepting you. Always try to add your own skills and what you have learned that you can bring to the table. Despite what you might think, you learn a lot in your high school classes that at least give you the baseline skills to conduct lab research.

A tip from one of my students:

Check out research papers or articles by the professors you're interested in. This will help you understand their work better and tailor your email more effectively. Highlight any connections between their research and your interests or past projects.

Step 4: Maintain Realistic Expectations!

Getting research opportunities is difficult at all levels and extraordinarily difficult at the high school level. Thus, do not be dissuaded by hundreds of negative responses from professors when cold emailing professors for research. In fact, in all likelihood, you may not even receive a response! The key quality needed to get research as a high school student is persistence. Never quit, and you may very well need to reach out to hundreds of professors in order to have success.

A tip from one of my students:

Set a goal to send a certain number of emails each week and track your responses. Celebrate small victories, like a positive reply or even constructive feedback, as these can be stepping stones to future success. Remember, every rejection is one step closer to an acceptance!

Understanding Cold Emailing

Cold emailing can be a game-changer when it comes to securing a research internship, but understanding its essence is crucial to making it work for you. So, let’s break it down:

 Definition and Purpose

Cold emailing involves reaching out to someone you don’t know—often professionals or hiring managers—via email to make a direct request, such as inquiring about internship opportunities. Unlike traditional job applications that follow a more structured path, cold emailing is a proactive approach. It’s about taking the initiative to introduce yourself and express your interest in a role or opportunity that might not be publicly advertised.

The primary purpose of cold emailing is to create a connection and get your foot in the door where there might be no formal job posting. It’s a way to stand out from the crowd by making a personal and direct appeal, showing your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.

 When to Use Cold Emailing

Cold emailing is particularly useful in several scenarios:

1. Missed Recruitment Drives: If you missed a company's formal recruitment period or application deadline, cold emailing allows you to bypass the traditional channels and make a direct appeal.
2. Seeking Additional Experience: Whether you’re an undergraduate looking for your first research experience or a graduate seeking supplementary internships, cold emailing helps you target firms that align with your career goals.
3. Exploring New Opportunities: If you're interested in a specific company or sector and haven’t seen any internship listings, cold emailing can be a way to uncover hidden opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.

By strategically targeting firms and crafting thoughtful, personalized emails, you can effectively leverage cold emailing to open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.

Step-by-Step Cold Emailing Process

Successfully navigating the cold emailing process requires a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you maximize your chances of securing a research internship through cold emailing:

1. Identifying Target Firms

Focus Areas: Concentrate on firms in your desired location or industry. Smaller or boutique firms might offer more opportunities for direct outreach and personal connections compared to larger, more impersonal organizations.

Methods: Start by identifying firms that align with your research interests or career goals. Use databases like Capital IQ, industry-specific directories, and Google searches to find relevant organizations. Pay attention to companies known for their research initiatives or those that frequently hire interns.

2. Finding Contacts

Approach: Aim to identify 3-4 key contacts at each firm. This could include team leads, hiring managers, or senior researchers. Having multiple contacts increases your chances of getting a response.

Tools: Utilize firm websites, LinkedIn, and email verification tools to locate potential contacts within the organization. Look for professionals who are in roles related to hiring or have influence over internship programs.

3. Crafting Initial Emails

Tone and Formality: Personalize your email to reflect the culture of the firm. Maintain a professional tone, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Address senior professionals with appropriate titles (e.g., “Mr.” or “Ms.”).

Structure: Your initial email should be concise and compelling. Here’s a suggested structure:

Subject Line: Make it specific and engaging, such as “Research Internship Inquiry – [Your Name].”

Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention any mutual connections or common interests.

Interest and Fit: Clearly state your interest in the firm and why you are a good fit for a research internship. Highlight relevant skills or experiences.

Call to Action: Request a brief call or meeting to discuss potential opportunities. Be polite and respectful of their time.

Additional Context: Include any pertinent details that might strengthen your request, such as recent projects or relevant coursework.

4. Following Up

• Timing: If you don’t receive a response within a week, send a follow-up email. In cases of urgency, consider a follow-up after 4-5 days.
• Frequency: Send up to two additional follow-up emails if needed. Each follow-up should be brief, reiterate your interest, and acknowledge that you understand they are busy.
• Example Follow-Up: Keep it concise and polite. For instance: “I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding potential research internship opportunities. I remain very interested and would appreciate any update you can provide.”

5. Preparing for and Conducting Calls

• Pre-Call Preparation: If a call is scheduled, be ready with a brief summary of your background, understanding of the industry, and specific reasons for your interest in the firm. Practice articulating your skills and goals succinctly.
• Conducting the Call: Aim to secure a meaningful conversation, where you can express your enthusiasm and discuss how you can contribute to the firm. Be prepared to answer questions and address common objections, such as your willingness to take on non-technical tasks or work without immediate compensation.

By following these steps, you’ll enhance your ability to make impactful connections and increase your chances of landing that coveted research internship.

Follow-Up Strategies

Persistence is key in cold emailing. If you don’t hear back from your initial email, a well-timed follow-up can significantly increase your chances of getting a response. Here’s how to approach follow-ups effectively:

1. Timing and Frequency

• Initial Follow-Up: Wait about one week after sending your initial email before sending a follow-up. This gives the recipient enough time to review your email and respond without feeling rushed.
• Subsequent Follow-Ups: If you still haven’t received a response, send one or two additional follow-up emails, spaced about a week apart. Be mindful not to come across as too persistent or intrusive.

2. Crafting Your Follow-Up Email

When crafting your follow-up email, keep it concise, polite, and professional. Here’s a text template to guide you:

Subject: Re: Research Internship Inquiry – [Your Name]

Body:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m following up on my previous email regarding potential research internship opportunities at [Company/Organization]. I remain very interested in exploring how my background in [Your Field/Interest] could align with your team’s goals.

I understand you’re likely busy, but I would greatly appreciate any update you can provide on the possibility of discussing this further. Please let me know if there is a convenient time for a brief call or if there are any additional details you need from me.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

 3. Example Follow-Up Emails

First Follow-Up: “Hi [Recipient’s Name], just touching base on my previous email about internship opportunities. I’m still very interested and would love to hear any updates. Thanks!”

Second Follow-Up: “Hello [Recipient’s Name], I wanted to follow up once more regarding my inquiry about research internships. I understand you’re busy, but if you could provide any information or direct me to someone else, I’d greatly appreciate it.”

 4. Maintaining Persistence

• Professionalism: Always remain polite and professional in your follow-ups. A courteous approach reflects well on you and keeps the door open for future opportunities, even if this particular inquiry doesn’t pan out.
• Adaptability: If you still don’t receive a response after a few follow-ups, consider moving on to other contacts or firms. Use the experience to refine your approach for future outreach.

By employing these follow-up strategies, you enhance your visibility and show your genuine interest, which can significantly improve your chances of receiving a positive response.

 Preparing for and Conducting Calls

Securing a call through cold emailing is a significant step forward. To make the most of this opportunity, preparation and execution are key. Here’s how to approach preparing for and conducting your calls effectively:

 1. Pre-Call Preparation

• Summarize Your Background: Develop a brief, compelling summary of your academic background, relevant experience, and skills. Aim to convey your qualifications and enthusiasm in just a couple of sentences.
• Understand the Industry: Brush up on basic industry knowledge relevant to the firm. Be familiar with key concepts and recent developments in the field to demonstrate your genuine interest and preparedness.
• Research the Firm: Gather information about the firm’s recent projects, research areas, and organizational culture. Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your responses and questions to align with the firm’s focus.
• Prepare Your Questions: Have a list of thoughtful questions ready. These might include inquiries about the firm’s research initiatives, the team’s work culture, or potential internship responsibilities. Good questions reflect your interest and help you gather valuable insights.

2. Conducting the Call

• Be Professional: Start the call with a polite introduction and thank the person for their time. Keep your tone professional and enthusiastic throughout the conversation.
• Articulate Your Interest: Clearly explain why you’re interested in the firm and how your background aligns with their research. Highlight specific aspects of the firm that attract you, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework.
• Address Common Objections: Be prepared to discuss potential concerns, such as your willingness to handle non-technical tasks or work for free if necessary. Emphasize your eagerness to contribute and learn, even if it means taking on a variety of responsibilities.
• Be Concise and Focused: Keep your responses and questions concise. Respect the time of the person you’re speaking with, aiming for a productive conversation that covers your key points without dragging on.

 3. Post-Call Follow-Up

• Send a Thank-You Note: After the call, promptly send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest. Mention any specific points from the call that were particularly enlightening or exciting to you.
• Provide Requested Documents: If the caller requested additional information or documents, send them as soon as possible. Timely follow-up shows professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Maintain Persistence: If you don’t receive immediate feedback, continue to follow up politely. Smaller firms, in particular, may have less formal hiring processes, so gentle reminders can keep you on their radar.

By thoroughly preparing for your call and conducting it with professionalism and clarity, you can make a strong impression and move one step closer to securing your research internship.

Video: How to Cold Call and Email for Opportunities! Tips for Cold Calling + Tricks for Cold Emailing

Post-Call Actions

After a productive call with a potential employer, it's crucial to follow up effectively to reinforce your interest and leave a lasting positive impression. Here’s how to manage the post-call phase:

1. Send a Thank-You Note

• Timing: Send your thank-you email within 24-48 hours of the call. This quick response shows appreciation and keeps the conversation fresh in the recipient’s mind.
• Content: Express gratitude for the opportunity to speak and mention specific points from the conversation that were particularly insightful or motivating. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the firm. Here’s a simple text template:

Subject: Thank You for the Call

Body:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me about the research internship opportunity at [Company/Organization]. I truly enjoyed learning more about [specific aspects of the firm or position discussed] and am even more enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team.

Please let me know if there are any additional materials or information you need from me. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

2. Provide Requested Documents

• Promptness: If the caller requested any additional documents or information during the call, send them as soon as possible. This demonstrates your efficiency and responsiveness.
• Accuracy: Ensure that all documents are accurate and professionally formatted. Include a brief note explaining the contents of the attachments if necessary.

3. Maintain Persistence

• Follow-Up: If you don’t receive feedback within the timeframe discussed or within a couple of weeks, send a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. This shows continued interest and keeps you on the firm’s radar.
• Documentation: Keep records of all communications and follow-ups. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss any important steps in the process.

By executing these post-call actions diligently, you solidify your position as a proactive and professional candidate, enhancing your chances of moving forward in the internship selection process.

 Balancing Effort and Expectations

Navigating the cold emailing process for research internships involves a significant investment of time and effort. Understanding how to balance your efforts with realistic expectations can help you stay motivated and maximize your success. Here’s how to approach this balance effectively:

1. Understanding the Effort Required

• Time Commitment: Cold emailing requires a substantial amount of time for research, crafting personalized emails, and following up. Expect to spend several hours identifying firms, finding contacts, and writing tailored messages. The process can span 2-3 months, depending on the number of firms and responses.
• Volume of Outreach: To increase your chances of success, you may need to contact a large number of firms. Be prepared to reach out to 150-200 contacts in competitive fields. This high volume is necessary to account for the varying response rates and to ensure you receive enough positive replies.
• Effort vs. Results: Cold emailing can be a numbers game. Not every email will result in a response, and not every response will lead to an internship. Be ready for a mix of outcomes and understand that persistence is crucial.

2. Comparing Cold Emailing with Other Methods

• Cold Emailing vs. Informational Interviews: While cold emailing can be more direct, it often requires less preparation compared to informational interviews. Informational interviews involve deeper research and preparation but can also offer more personal insights and connections. Consider using both strategies to maximize your opportunities.
• Effectiveness of Cold Emailing: Cold emailing is particularly useful for reaching out to firms where there might not be a formal internship listing. It can uncover hidden opportunities and create connections in otherwise inaccessible places.

 3. Setting Realistic Expectations

• Response Rates: Understand that response rates for cold emails can be low. Expect a percentage of non-responses and rejections. Stay positive and view each email as a step toward learning and improving your approach.
• Adjusting Strategies: Be prepared to refine your approach based on feedback and results. If certain types of emails or follow-ups aren’t yielding results, adjust your strategy and try different tactics.
• Focus on Progress: Celebrate the small victories along the way, such as securing calls or receiving positive feedback. Each step forward is a sign of progress and a valuable part of the learning process.

By managing your effort and expectations thoughtfully, you can maintain motivation and resilience throughout the cold emailing process. Balancing these elements effectively will help you navigate the challenges and increase your chances of securing a research internship.

Video: The Biggest Mistake People Make When Sending Cold Emails

Work with Empowerly To Land Your Intership

Are you still struggling to land that perfect research internship? Need a second pair of eyes on your drafts before you start emailing for research internships and positions? Want to know more about how to cold email professors for research in high school?

Empowerly’s unique Startup Internship Matching Program might be the perfect fit for you. We’ll coach you through the preparation process and facilitate connections to internship opportunities. Sometimes, that little extra boost is all you need. When it comes to cold emailing professors for research, you can work side-by-side with the experts. Reach out today to learn more about our program and how we can help you reach for the stars. 

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Additional Resources:

Explore 40 Incredible Research Opportunities for High School Students to enhance your academic profile and boost your cold emailing strategy.

Discover 25 Science Internships for High School Students (2024) and learn how to effectively reach out to these opportunities with cold emailing.

Check out 40 Internships for High School Students and get tips on using cold emailing to secure these positions.