Academic Skills

75 linking words for academic writing (+examples)

Linking words play an important role in academic writing: They connect different paragraphs, sections or ideas in a text. Therefore, they considerably improve the readability and argumentation of academic texts such as a thesis, dissertation, essay or journal publication. This…
How to paraphrase a quote: 4 simple strategies

The ability to paraphrase correctly is incredibly important for academic writing. This is particularly true when writing a thesis or dissertation. Four simple strategies help you to paraphrase academic quotes while avoiding plagiarism. Contents What is paraphrasing in academic writing?Common…
How to develop an awesome PhD timeline step-by-step

A successful PhD journey begins with a solid plan that includes a PhD timeline. A thought-through and well-designed PhD timeline requires some time but can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Contents Why a clear PhD research timeline mattersStep…
Creating awesome Gantt charts for your PhD timeline

It’s a common scenario: you have never heard about Gantt charts. Then, when writing a PhD application or planning your PhD timeline for the upcoming years, someone suggests: You should include a Gantt chart! No need to worry. Here is…
Clever strategies to keep up with the latest academic research

Every day, hundreds of new academic articles and books are published. No wonder it is easy to feel overwhelmed! However, with 4 clever strategies, you can get a grip on new publications and keep up with the latest research in…
Introduce yourself in a PhD interview (4 simple steps + examples)

The opening of an application interview for a PhD position usually starts with short introductions of everyone participating in the conversation. Many applicants wonder how to best introduce themselves in a PhD interview. Four simple steps (including examples) help you…
10 key skills of successful master’s students

Following a master’s programme is an exciting time. What are the skills that make master’s students successful? There are ten key skills that set successful master’s students apart and help them to make the most of their journey. Disclaimer: This…
How to select a journal for publication as a PhD student

Selecting a suitable journal to publish your academic work can be overwhelming. However, six concrete strategies can help you to select a suitable journal. Combined, these strategies allow you to identify the perfect journal for your next publication. Contents Explore…
How to structure your viva presentation (with examples)

Most PhD vivas and PhD defences start with a short presentation by the candidate. The structure of these presentations is very important! There are several factors and approaches to consider when developing your viva presentation structure. Contents Factors to consider…
18 common audience questions at academic conferences (+ how to react)

While you can practice your conference presentation a hundred times, audience questions are more difficult to prepare for. Nonetheless, several typical audience questions are frequently asked at academic conferences. Be aware of these questions and know how to react! Contents…