Dear Dr. Smith:
For many years now I have followed your research. I read with great
interest your most recent papers on child abuse including, The role
of the health professional in identifying child abuse and A
longitudinal analysis of psychiatric morbidity in physically abused children.
I would very much like to work as your clinical research associate, and
believe my theoretical and statistically oriented training, my broad-based
research experience in schizophrenia, social psychology, and cognition,
and my exposure to clinical populations make me well qualified for such
a position.
As an undergraduate at Carnegie Mellon University, I sought out several
experiences to apply my theoretical knowledge regarding methodology and
statistics to practical research settings. I served as a research assistant
on a study of skill acquisition under the supervision of John Doe,
Ph.D. My responsibilities included conducting analyses and writing computer
programs to convert raw data into an analyzable form, as well as creating
tables and figures to present the results of these findings in a comprehensive
format. During my senior year, I designed and implemented a senior honor's
thesis in the area of emotional expression, acquiring additional experience
in data management, and statistical analysis and interpretation. I presented
the findings from this research at the University Honors Symposium
April, 1992. In addition, my thesis advisor, Mary Smith, Ph.D. and
I are currently completing a manuscript describing our results to submit
for publication. Through these experiences, I developed an understanding
of the methodological compromises inherent in conducting research, and a
sense of gratification in following a project from its genesis to its completion.
My interests in the clinical arena encouraged me to seek out experience
interacting with patient populations. As a result, I participated in two
internships at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. I volunteered
on an adolescent inpatient unit and interacted with suicidal adolescents
from a diverse range of backgrounds, including many who were abused as children.
My contact was informal, occurring primarily during recreational activities
and meals. A second internship experience afforded me the opportunity to
work with schizophrenic outpatients in a work rehabilitation program. I
assisted several individuals in developing practical problem solving skills
for difficulties that arise in the work setting. Bi-weekly meetings with
my supervisor enriched and clarified my understanding of the struggles these
individuals experience. I have an interest in deepening my understanding
of clinical populations, particularly victims of child abuse.
I have enclosed my C.V. and I will be contacting your office in a few
days in the hopes of scheduling an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
If I can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
me (268-xxxx Work, 421-xxxx Home).
Sincerely,
Ima Student
Write Dr. Lynn Friedman