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[userly]

Hello, at the risk of sounding naive, I have a slightly trivial and perhaps frilly question. I'm applying to Ph.D programs in English Lit, and I recently emailed a professor whose research interests are as close as they can get to mine  (i.e. I'm not replicating his work, nor did it directly influence mine per se, but we approach a more general question from a similar albeit unique perspective). I've always had severe reservations about contacting faculty directly before applying to the program and will probably not email many -- or any -- others in the coming months.

That said, this particular professor not only replied to my inquiry -- and very quickly, might I add -- but also wanted to set up a phone conversation. This elates and unnerves me. I mean, he seems friendly enough and pretty informal (Errr...English professors from top 10 uni's don't capitalize...?); it's just that I've never been very adept with verbal articulation, especially when it comes to my research and especially when there are Important People With Power involved.

I realize how terrible this all sounds coming from someone who wants to eventually teach in academia, but terribleness aside, do you folks have some general tips? Or anything in particular that I should NOT do during the conversation? What's off-limits? Should I stick with talking about my research and his, or am I allowed to pose broader questions about the program? I'm so scared of jeopardizing what a situation that could work to my advantage, but I feel silly asking the professor if we can stick to email... I really can't afford to mess up, and I know that this do-or-die mentality is usually what makes my nerves all the more out of control.

[winnie]

I would suggest role-playing a conversation with friends, so you can practice what you want to say.

[brunhilde]

I can understand why you are nervous. I'm an introvert and talking to strangers is hard, especially on the phone with the absence of other social cues.

I agree with Winnie that you should practice the conversation with some friends. Also write out some things you want to say during this conversation and make sure you have them with you during the call, maybe spread some things out on your desk. You will have to have answers to some questions like why a PhD in English Lit, why this professor, etc. You should also prepare questions in advance. I think it is fine to ask general questions about the program. You might also want to ask something like "as I think about applying to grad school, what are important issues I need to think about" or "what should I be looking to get out of grad school, other than just a degree?" These last two imply that you are considering other uni's, but he should know that anyway and I think it makes it look like you are taking this next stage seriously. (Disclaimer: I'm a grad student myself, so I've never been on the other side of this discussion).

It seems part of your concern comes from the idea of talking to "Important People with Power." To help ease this concern, consider that he may be inclined to see you in a positive light already since you took the initiative to contact him. And, it sounds like you know three things that can form the basis of a good conversation. 1) how your research interests are similar, 2) how they are different, and 3) how your research interests are influenced by different lines of work.

Finally, I don't think you need to be worried about messing up, but if you don't think you answered some question right, you can always send an email afterwards and say you have been thinking about the discussion and it made you realize something. In fact, you should send a thank you email anyway.

[tt_wannabe]

I second the idea about sending an email afterwards. You might even consider holding back some questions, just in case you don't come up with new questions after the conversation. That way, you'll have something to spark a new email chain with. (Sorry about the dangling participle; I'm in software, not english.) You'll have to play that by ear, though.

I agree that its OK to ask general questions about his particular program, but you might also want to stroke his ego a bit and ask him broad, 'industry' questions as well. He's likely to have an opinion on other university's departments and the research that is being done there.

It wouldn't hurt to perhaps ask him probing questions about things you've read (and perhaps didn't understand) from his body of work. This shows a deep interest in him, even more than your initial email. Don't underestimate the power of having him as an ally, whether or not you decide to study with him.

[koda_kube]

Please don't feel nervous about contacting professors whose research/field is really what you are interested in pursuing.  I am more likely to take on a grad student that has emailed me and we have set up a rapport through email, telephone and finally interview than one who has applied to grad school and just hopes that the prof will be interested in them.

For the telcon - I support what the others have said - profs are only human even the top ones and the fact that this prof is keen
to talk suggests that he/she is not one of the arrogant top profs.

Good Luck!

[rubyslippers]

Some of the best advice I've ever received about verbal communication is not to pressure myself to respond right away to a question, but to give it a moment or so to think about what it is I really want to say.  This makes me feel more composed, less nervous, and the slight pause usually goes unnoticed.

[sirrah]

Another thing you might do is to actually acknowledge that you're nervous.  I've seen students do this the first time they present in front of "powerful" people and it seems to disarm them.  Most people, especially those who teach, can understand how intimidating some of these things can be.  Besides we academics loooooove to talk about ourselves and our work, so your genuine interest should be a positive thing.

[userly]

Wow, thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. I'm especially in favor of being upfront about the jitters and finding ego-boosting questions that'll keep him talking. It helps that we're semi-postponing the talk so that I can read his most recent publication first (highlighter salute), although I'm a little thrown off that he asked what other schools I'm applying to... Anyhow, thanks again -- I'm definitely feeling more reassured now.

[larryc]

I was terrified of Professor Famous when I went to study with him.  Today we are friends.  What you feel is normal.

If you really want to impress him, let him talk about himself.  Feed his some information about your interests and approach, and then ask him what else you should be looking at, what other approaches you might use, something like that.  He'll be blathering on about himself in no time, and think you very clever for having realized the value of his opinion.

[userly]

Feed his some information about your interests and approach, and then ask him what else you should be looking at, what other approaches you might use, something like that.  He'll be blathering on about himself in no time, and think you very clever for having realized the value of his opinion.

I intend on doing just this, seeing as I despise talking (especially for phone conversations since they leave less room for small talk regarding the weather, office furniture, etc, etc).

[econ_anon]

I was terrified of Professor Famous when I went to study with him.  Today we are friends.  What you feel is normal.

Ditto.  Within 5 years you'll be laughing about how nervous you were, even if you don't decide to study at his program.  He'll be a good professional contact and you'll get to know him at conferences and things.  This is great practice!  Good luck!

[prof_d]

I'm with KodaKube.  I like it when potential grad students contact me. Helps me figure out if I'm right for the student (and if the program is right) or if some other person in my program--or some other program--is right for the student.

You don't want to work for a 'god,' you want to work for someone with passion for the work and a capacity to direct grad students. If the person thinks he/she is a god...don't go.

The worst thing in the world from the potential advisor's stance is having to direct grad students with only a passing interest in one's favorite topics. If he/she thinks your work is interesting, give him/her the benefit of a doubt.

[userly]

This is the OP -- just wanted to say thank you kindly for all your encouraging advice. The conversation went surprisingly well -- much better than I'd have ever anticipated. I went for the ego-stroking approach and ended up with my own ego getting stroked. Thanks again -- and it's good to know that professors not only don't mind being contacted but may even enjoy it.

[shakie]

Hi!

First - enjoy the conversation....    Think it is really as much about wanting to see if you want to study there with him as much as he is learning about you.

ALSO-

I so strongly advise contacting the schools you are considering...  go visit!  Talk to the faculty....   it helps you be more specific in your statememnt of purpose...  and it make such a difference on getting accepted.  My experience was that I got in to every program I visited - and not to the ones I couldn;t get to.  I made an informed decision about where to go and am VERY excited about starting in the fall. 

It is worth the nerves...   trust me!