This course is designed to help you take the next step in your academic journey by mastering two critical skills: professional communication and strategic planning for research involvement. You’ll begin by learning how to write clear, respectful, and persuasive emails that encourage timely responses—an essential skill for connecting with professors and securing opportunities. Next, you’ll explore strategies for resilience and problem-solving when facing challenges such as unanswered messages or rejection. Finally, you’ll move from preparation to action by creating a personalized research plan, identifying your resources, and setting a realistic timeline to stay motivated. By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and tools to communicate effectively and turn your research goals into reality.
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How to Write Emails and Engage Professors
This course is part of Introduction to Academic Research Specialization
Instructor: Angelique Louie
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November 2025
5 assignments
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There are 3 modules in this course
Welcome to the course! In this first module, we focus on a skill that is essential for academic and professional success—but one that many students rarely practice: writing effective, professional emails. You’ll learn how to craft messages that are clear, respectful, and persuasive, and most importantly, how to do so in a way that encourages timely and positive responses. By the end of this module, you’ll have strategies to make your communication stand out and build stronger connections with professors and other professionals.
What's included
6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
You might be familiar with rejection, or maybe you have never seen it before. Finding a research position is about serendipity as well as preparation. And you will need to be resilient to find that ideal job. In this module, we'll learn more about not giving up. If you've tried to look for a research position or a job you might have run into a common problem - no one is responding to your e-mail or letters. Join us as we think about solutions to this age-old problem.
What's included
3 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this final module, you’ll move from preparation to action by creating a clear roadmap for your research journey. You’ll start by identifying and using the tools and resources you’ve gathered so far, then develop a personalized plan for getting involved in research opportunities. To keep yourself on track, you’ll design a realistic timeline that motivates progress and ensures accountability. By applying strategic planning skills, you’ll transform your ideas into actionable steps that bring you closer to meaningful research experiences.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment2 discussion prompts
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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