Letter of Recommendation
When would you need a Letter of Recommendation?
Letters of recommendation play a role in several industries and career paths. Throughout college, one of the major areas that require letters of recommendation are scholarships and awards. There are even some co-op or internship programs that ask for recommendations. If you are interested in research and even pursuing graduate school, letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.
Who would you ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
One of the trickiest parts of the letter of recommendation is figuring out how to ask. A key piece of a strong recommendation is having an established and positive relationship with the recommender. It can be incredibly tempting to ask for a recommendation from someone with exceptional accomplishments. However, if they don’t know you as well, they may not be able to write a strong recommendation and advocate for you effectively! Commonly, there are two broad categories of recommendations: academic (i.e. professors, academic advisors) or professional (i.e. supervisors at internships, a P.I. for research)
Many applications or positions require at least two letters of recommendation. This allows for a great opportunity to showcase different aspects of your life, providing a more wholistic view. For example, asking a professor can provide insight into how you are in the classroom, and asking your P.I. at Virginia Tech or even at an REU can show how you work in a laboratory setting with more interactive work. Please keep in mind to avoid letters of recommendation from family members.
What is the timeline of the process?
When trying to receive a letter of recommendation, please ask your recommenders at least two weeks before the application is due, but it is better to ask at least a month before. To help your recommenders write the letter, you should send over your resume and even a quick blurb of what is expected directly from the application. This will allow the recommender to better craft the letter and be able to advocate for you more effectively!
Before the application is due, it is okay to send periodic messages checking in with your recommenders to see where they are in the process. These messages can also check if they need any additional documents or information. After submitting the application, please remember to send a thank you note or email to the people writing your recommendation. If you end up receiving the opportunity, that’s also a great time to thank your recommenders again for their support!
Undergraduate Research
To gain undergraduate reserach experience, the best avenue of doing so would be to go on the Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering website here and find a professor who’s research truly interests you. Then email that professor and request a meeting with them to discuss about their research, lastly request if you could join their lab (probably for the next semester) and see if they have any open spots. Don’t be shy in approaching professors, remember they were once a student like you!
Talking to Professors
Communicating effectively with professors is a valuable skill that can benefit students in many aspects of their academic and professional lives. By following these tips, students can navigate conversations with professors confidently and successfully. Whether you need assistance with coursework, want to discuss research opportunities, or simply seek guidance, here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with your professors:
Be respectful and Professtional
Always approach your professors with respect and professionalism. Address them using their appropriate title (e.g., Dr., Professor) and last name unless they specify otherwise. Avoid using overly casual language or slang, especially in formal communication such as emails or during office hours.
Prepare beforehand
Before reaching out to your professor, make sure you are prepared. Have a clear understanding of what you want to discuss or ask. If you're seeking help with coursework, review your notes and materials beforehand so you can ask specific questions. This shows your professor that you value their time and expertise.
Use appropriate channels
Different situations may call for different communication channels. For quick questions or clarifications, email may be appropriate. However, for more in-depth discussions or academic advising, consider scheduling an appointment during your professor's office hours. Face-to-face communication often allows for better understanding and engagement.
Be consice and clear
When communicating with professors, be concise and to the point. Respect their time by keeping your messages or inquiries brief and focused. Clearly articulate your questions or concerns, providing context if necessary. This allows your professor to understand your needs quickly and respond accordingly.
listen and learn
During conversations with your professors, remember to actively listen to what they have to say. Pay attention to their advice, feedback, and suggestions. Be open to constructive criticism and different perspectives. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn and grow academically.
follow up appropriatley
After meeting with your professor or sending an email, follow up appropriately. If you discussed specific action items or deadlines, make sure to fulfill them promptly. Sending a brief thank-you email can also show your appreciation for their time and assistance.
seek feedback and guidance sadff
Don't hesitate to seek feedback and guidance from your professors throughout the semester. Whether it's about your academic progress, career aspirations, or research interests, your professors are there to support you. Be proactive in asking for advice and direction when needed.
build relationships over time
Building a positive relationship with your professors takes time and effort. Take advantage of opportunities to engage with them outside of class, such as attending office hours, participating in extracurricular activities, or joining academic clubs. Developing a rapport with your professors can lead to mentorship opportunities and valuable connections in the future.
In conclusion, effective communication with professors is essential for academic success and personal growth. By approaching interactions with respect, preparation, and professionalism, you can build positive relationships with your professors that will benefit you throughout your academic journey and beyond.