Thinking about the future is daunting. But a professional email signature can help support your next step. Read the guide to find out howđ
As a student, this is something youâre told a lot. Whether youâre in school, college or university, youâre always thinking about that scary next step.
But donât panic.
Networking can help you get in contact with people that can help you secure internships, volunteering posts, and even your first job.
And a professional email signature can help with this.
How so, you might ask?
Keep reading this guide. Weâll take you through why you need to have a signature, and give you some guidance on creating one.
As a student or recent graduate, you're in demand.
Different industries are all on the lookout for fresh, interesting, and creative ways of thinking.
And a professional email signature helps you stand out from the crowd.
It shows youâve got an independent mindset and that you take the next step in your development seriously.
But, itâs not only about securing jobs. Itâs also about:
So whatever you want to do next, a professional email signature is your secret weapon.
Creating your professional student email signature goes beyond just including your contact details.
Because specifics are the only thing that can help you generate relevant job, volunteering, and academic opportunities.
If youâre feeling a bit lost, or you donât know where to start, we've got you covered đ
An email signature is a small space. It has to cover a lot of information at the same time.
Donât waffle or explain your life story. Keep it simple and brief.
Use clickable icons to direct your network to sites where they can find out more about you.
If itâs super wordy, youâll immediately lose the interest of the recipient. Itâll be too overwhelming and tricky to follow.
The language should always be formal. Remember, youâre networking with professionals.
Consider phrases such as âMany thanksâ or âKind regardsâ and don't overuse emojis.
We know this seems like an obvious point. But itâs an important one.
Why?
Because it means youâll be able to get in touch with relevant people and opportunities. Thereâs no point in someone contacting you about a first-year university internship if youâre still in school.
So, state if youâre:
Once youâve outlined your level of education, you can add what youâre studying.
If youâre at school, think about the classes youâre studying. Itâll show what youâre interested in. For example, if youâre in the UK, think about putting in your chosen GCSEs and A-Levels.
If youâre at university or college, state your major. Are you a history or a chemistry student? Make it clear to people.
And to really go the extra mile, put in some predicted or expected grades.
A pixelated or low-quality photo will ruin the quality of your signature.
Remember: youâre putting a name to a face. Click the subtitle for some detailed guidance on how to take a professional email signature photograph.
This is a great way to show off your personality and interests.
But, be careful about the social media sites you include.
Donât link your personal Instagram page if itâs inappropriate or centred around your friends and family. It wonât look great when you start networking.
The most obvious one to include is LinkedIn. Itâs a professional social site, and itâll allow you to grow your network quickly.
You can include others, but just make sure theyâre relevant and they reflect well on you. And remember to be selective otherwise the signature will look too cluttered.
Student life isnât all about studying. Thereâs so much more to it, and your email signature can express that.
State your involvement in extracurricular activities on your email signature.
But donât include a long list! Thereâs limited space. Link your CV if you canât pick just one thing.
If youâve recently been part of an event at school or university, a call-to-action (CTA) is really useful for directing someone to the content around it.
For example, if you recorded and uploaded a panel as a YouTube video, insert a clickable icon to direct someone to it.
If the event hasnât happened yet, a CTA is great to direct someone to an Eventbrite page, for instance. They can follow this link, sign up and get tickets.
Itâs already been mentioned that you canât include every single detail under the sun in your email signature. The space is too small.
The way to get around this? Use eye-catching, clickable CTAs.
For example, you can include a CTA that directs the recipient to an automatic download of your CV. That way, the recipient will learn information about you that isnât displayed on your signature.
You can also use a CTA that automatically downloads a written reference from your supervisor from work experience or your school/university.
At least once or twice throughout your time a student, youâve probably been asked these questions:
Itâs annoying to think about. But itâs important, and your email signature is a great place to start. You can use this small text space to let people know what youâd like to do, or what you intend to do.
Use phrases such as:
If you're unsure, you could speak about specialist skill you have or sectors you're interested in.
An email signature could help open a door you hadn't considered.
Of course weâre not saying youâve got to commit to one thing. Plans change - itâs part of the parcel of being a student. But, youâve got to start somewhere. So, itâs better to put something down rather than nothing.
And remember, you can always come back and update your signature once you have a better grasp of your future plans.
Here are some examples of how you can tailor your signature to specific future plans:
Future employment is probably one of the most common paths for students to follow.
You can use your email signature to build networks with people and get a head start on other students.
Thereâs no rule saying you can only state your career plans while youâre in university. If youâre in school and youâre figuring out career plans, let people know on your email signature.
You can also state if youâre actively looking for a part-time job on your email signature. For example:
Your email signature can generate useful, meaningful conversations - and help with your employment search.
If youâre about to finish school, you should use your email signature to notify people about what youâd like to study, if this is your next plan of action.
This means you can start reaching out to professors at other universities. If you state your interest in a subject, professors might let you know about upcoming events or summer school programmes at universities.
You can also reach out to scholarship organisations or sponsors if you're in need of financial aid for your education. In many cases, along with your application, you may need to write an impressive scholarship essay that outlines your achievements, goals, and why you deserve financial assistance from the organisations. Crafting a compelling essay is essential to stand out among the applicants.
If you find yourself unsure about how to create an impactful scholarship essay, you might consider seeking assistance. StudyCrumb offers scholarship essay writing help, providing guidance and expertise to help you present your story and aspirations effectively. With their support, you can increase your chances of securing the financial aid you need to pursue your educational dreams.
If youâre about to finish university, you can use your email signature to let people know about what and where youâd like to study next. Your network can keep you in touch and reach out to you about talks or tours.
If you're planning an extended break, you might want to pick up a new skill, get some volunteering experience, or travel.
Let your network know if youâd like to take a year out, and how youâd like to spend it.
Hostels and volunteer leaders may get in touch and help you support your gap year.
Regardless of how you use it, your email signature will drive great conversations, whether it continues to be on email, over Zoom, via social media, or on the phone.
The key components of your professional student email signature are:
By including all these things, you'll help build your network, support your future plans, and stand out from others looking for similar opportunities.
You should also:
Should I have an email signature as a grad student?
Yes. It will set you apart from other graduates, as youâll demonstrate a professional attitude. Besides that, itâs just a good habit to have.
How do you sign a college email?
Itâs important to remember that at college or university, youâll be communicating with distinguished people in their fields.
Remember to sign off with âKind regards,â âBestâ or âMany thanksâ.
What should I include in my email signature as a college grad?
You should include the following:
How do I add a master's degree to my email signature?
There are a couple of ways you can include a master's degree in your email signature.
They are:
Add it as a separate line of information in your signature.
How do medical students sign emails?
Requirements are slightly different for medical students. Here are a few things you should include:
However, as always - keep the information brief!
How do I create a student signature in Gmail?
How do I list my credentials in a student email signature?
State your latest degree, i.e. the one youâre currently studying, first. Then go in descending order. For example, if youâre currently doing a Masters degree, then itâd be:
And there you have it! You're ready to create your student email signature. â