Career Advice
-
Career Advice
3 sample recommendation letters for brilliant students
A good recommendation letter can significantly impact an applicant’s chance of securing a position or funding. Writing recommendation letters is most enjoyable when the applicant is an exceptional student with an impressive profile, whom you genuinely want to endorse. As many master’s and PhD students may be required to write the first draft of their recommendation letters themselves, having good example letters for inspiration is also crucial for them. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The 20 best motivational quotes for academic success
Studying and working in academia can be tough. Here is a list of the 20 best motivational quotes to inspire struggling bachelor’s and master’s students, PhD students, and academics: to work hard, persevere in the face of adversity, and develop resilience. 1. Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. – Unknown 2. Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure. – Aisha Tyler 3. We don’t even know how strong we…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The best answers to “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
The question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” is commonly asked in job interviews due to its ability to assess various aspects simultaneously, such as drive, goal orientation, realism, alignment with the organization, preparedness, and effort. Providing a thoughtful and well-prepared response that balances ambition and realism is crucial. Learn more! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The best answers to “What are your plans for the future?”
The question “What are your plans for the future?” can be nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing, but nonetheless, it is one of the most common ones asked, particularly to students at all levels. The following strategies and eight sample answers help you navigate this question skillfully and determine how much you want to reveal, regardless of whether you actually have a plan or not (yet). Contents The ‘problem’ with the question ‘What are your plans for the…
Read More » -
Career Advice - Academics
38 common academic job interview questions (+ powerful answers)
Academic job interview questions share some similarities with conventional job interviews, while also differing in terms of the specific aspects they focus on for academics. Whether you’re seeking a postdoctoral position or a university lectureship role, it’s important to understand the nuances of these interviews. Here is a compilation of 38 frequently asked academic job interview questions, complemented by compelling and empowering sample responses. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor
Recommendation letters from professors and university lecturers are frequently required for applications, especially for advanced degree programs and related funding opportunities. To compose a compelling request email, it’s essential to know what information to include. Below, you’ll find guidance on what to cover, along with three sample emails to help you get started. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The best answers to “What are your plans after graduation?”
If you are nearing the end of your degree, few questions are more annoying or nerve-wracking than “What are your plans after graduation?”. However, with a bit of preparation, you can offer a swift response, regardless of whether you have any plans or not (yet). Contents Why “What are your plans after graduation?” is such a daunting questionWhy you should prepare an answer to “What are your plans after graduation?”Answers if you don’t know what…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Ten reasons NOT to pursue an academic career
Academia can be a wonderful but also a tough place. If you are nearing the end of your postgraduate degree (at the master’s or PhD level), you have to make an important decision: staying in or leaving academia. The following ten reasons speak against pursuing an academic career. Contents 1. You have little time for actual research.2. You have to thrive in a competitive environment.3. You will face job insecurity.4. You need to be flexible.5.…
Read More » -
Career Advice
How many people have a PhD? Data from OECD countries
When working in academia, it is easy to forget how rare it is to have a PhD. However, data show that only a very small percentage of people hold a PhD degree. Learn more about the percentages of PhD holders, in addition to the numbers of PhD graduates and new PhD students in selected OECD countries.
Read More » -
Career Advice
10 amazing benefits of getting a PhD later in life
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 why. Contents 1. You bring a wealth of experience2. You have more self-confidence3. You have created a life outside of academia4. You treat your…
Read More »
