
Simple strategies to network at academic conferences
Dec 28, 2022
Networking at academic conferences can feel overwhelming. However, when you follow six simple strategies, networking at academic conferences is not as difficult as it may seem.

How to introduce yourself in a conference presentation (in six simple steps)
Dec 28, 2022
Academic conferences are great occasions for networking. Particularly the start of a conference presentation offers a unique opportunity to introduce yourself to the audience, concisely and effectively.

How to write a good research proposal (in 9 steps)
Dec 28, 2022
A good research proposal is one of the keys to academic success. For master’s students, the quality of a research proposal often determines whether the master’s programme can be completed or not. For PhD students, a research proposal is often the first st

Introduce yourself in a PhD interview (4 simple steps + examples)
Dec 28, 2022
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 exam

First meeting with your dissertation supervisor: What to expect
Dec 28, 2022
The first meeting with your dissertation supervisor can be a little intimidating, as you do not know what to expect. While every situation is unique, first meetings with a dissertation supervisor often centre around getting to know each other, establishin

Dealing with failure as a PhD student
Dec 28, 2022
PhD students are extremely prone to experiencing failure. All academics are much more likely to experience failure (repeatedly) in contrast to other professions. But there are strategies to learn how to better deal with ‘academic failure’.

Character traits of ‘bad’ PhD students
Dec 28, 2022
Simply labelling a PhD student as ‘bad’ is certainly problematic and questionable. There are, however, a number of character traits that make some individuals less suited to pursue a PhD than others. Unless they change their habits.

10 things to do when you feel like your dissertation is killing you
Dec 28, 2022
A surprising number of people google ‘my dissertation is killing me’ every month. Writing a dissertation is not an easy task: It can be tough, regardless of what level. If you feel defeated, discouraged or exhausted because of your dissertation, check out

10 signs of a bad PhD supervisor
Dec 28, 2022
A PhD supervisor is arguably the most important person in a PhD student’s journey. Therefore, a good match between PhD supervisor and PhD student is crucial. The following ten signs help prospective PhD students to expose bad PhD supervisors or at least a

10 qualities of successful postgraduate students
Dec 28, 2022
How to thrive and be successful is a common question that (prospective) postgraduate students ask themselves. Learn more about the top 10 qualities of successful postgraduate students, centring around mindsets, relationships, and physical and mental healt

10 amazing benefits of getting a PhD later in life
Dec 28, 2022
There is no age limitation to getting a PhD. In fact, getting a PhD later in life has a lot of advantages. Older PhD students tend to master the ups and downs of doing a PhD better than those who start the process at a younger age. Here are ten reasons wh

9 smart questions to ask a professor about graduate school
Jan 3, 2023
When exploring options to attend graduate school, you may have the opportunity to talk to a professor. For instance, as part of a prospective graduate school visit. Or as part of an application interview. The professor could be your potential thesis super

Email signatures for PhD student
Jan 3, 2023
A lot of communication in academia occurs via email. Therefore, the power of a concise and effective email signature should not be underestimated. Find out how to create a professional email signature, and what to include, as a PhD student.

Effective LinkedIn headlines for master’s students
Jan 5, 2023
LinkedIn headlines matter: what you include in the headline tends to be people’s first association with your name on the platform. Master’s students can benefit from effective LinkedIn headlines if they know what elements to include and what to avoid.

The different stages in the manuscript publication process
Jan 20, 2023
Submitting a manuscript to an academic journal is a big step. It is also the beginning of a complex publication process in which a manuscript goes through different stages. In each stage, the status of a manuscript changes. Understanding this process is

How to network at online conferences
Jan 20, 2023
Academic conferences are increasingly held online or in a hybrid format. How to network during online academic conferences? Find out more about virtual networking ideas and strategies during academic online conferences.

How to Benefit from AI Tools in Academia | Academic Productivity
Dec 13, 2023
Explore AI-driven productivity in academia by delving into how academics can effectively harness tools like ChatGPT. Learn how it streamlines email communication, enhances clarity in academic writing, and aids in improving research papers. Additionally, d

How to Thrive in Academia | Welcome to Master Academia
Dec 13, 2023
Do you sometimes feel insecure about the many unwritten rules, norms and expectations in academia? You are not alone. Master Academia's mission is to make knowledge on academia widely accessible, as understanding the ‘rules of the game’ has a major impact

The best answers to "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
May 20, 2023
Looking for the best answers to the "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" question? Look no further than this comprehensive guide from Master-Academia. In this article, you'll learn why this question is so important and how to answer it effectively. Yo

The best answers to “Why do you want to do a PhD?”
Apr 15, 2023
If you are interviewing for a PhD position, chances are high that you will be asked about your motivation to do a PhD. And sometimes, simple questions are the hardest to answer. Therefore, it is smart to prepare an excellent response to this question in

Stages in the manuscript publication process
Jan 27, 2023
Submitting a manuscript to an academic journal is a big step. It is also the beginning of a complex publication process in which a manuscript goes through different stages. In each stage, the status of a manuscript changes. Understanding this process is

The First Meeting With Your Thesis Supervisor
Dec 19, 2023
The first meeting with your dissertation supervisor can be a little intimidating, as you do not know what to expect. While every situation is unique, first meetings with a dissertation supervisor often centre around getting to know each other, establishin