<p>I am starting on my masters in EE, but for my PhD, I have my sights set on a different college.</p>
<p>My question is, if I find a professor whose research area interests me and that I would like to work with, what is the best method for opening communications with this professor? I would like to start now and build up an academic relationship over the next year or two rather that just contact him shortly before, right during admissions season like most people do.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that this college is on the other side of the country so I can't exactly make regular visits to that campus. Although I can budget in one or two trips if need be.</p>
<p>So what is the best method(s) for contacting professors and trying to work your way into their research groups?</p>